Boat and shore fishing: safety tips to take with you

Going out on the open sea can't be improvised. Make sure you have all the necessary safety equipment. © Benjamin Le Provost

Our hobby is not without risks. In addition to the obligatory equipment, especially when boating, it's a good idea to add a few extra accessories to your list. Here's a quick overview of the equipment I take with me on fishing trips.

Fishing from shore is not without risks

Falls onto rocks, being cut off by the rising tide or injuries from hooks - anything is possible.

I sometimes fish from the shore in secluded spots, which involve descending into the rocks along steep cliffs. Here, the choice of footwear is crucial to avoid slipping. A hiking shoe, waterproof or not, is ideal. Opt for a non-slip model to ensure your safety when moving around on the rocks.

"Pour pêcher certaines zones depuis le rivage, il est parfois nécessaire de passer par des endroits escarpés qui demandent de porter de bonnes chaussures
To fish certain areas from the shore, it is sometimes necessary to pass through steep areas that require good footwear

These areas are often isolated, and the telephone network is not always available. That's why I equip myself with a portable VHF which will enable me to contact the emergency services (CROSS or semaphore on channel 16) in the event of a problem.

Vous pourrez investir dans une VHF portable pour une petite centaine d'euros.
You can invest in a portable VHF for a few hundred euros.

Finally, the last piece of equipment often overlooked on the shore is a lifejacket. Although intended for boaters, it's not at all absurd to wear a lifejacket from the shore.

Some spots are exposed to breakers, and if you're unlucky enough to get swept away, you'll be glad you're wearing a PFD (Personal Flotation Device).

Check your safety equipment

At sea, on a boat, the risk is just as great as on the shore.

Safety equipment is mandatory, depending on your sailing area. Check it regularly, especially at the beginning of the year, before setting sail again. It's possible that with the new year, your hand-held lights, fire extinguishers or even the triggering systems on your lifejackets may be out of date.

"Les gilets ont une date de péremption. En plus de cela, il est fortement utile de contrôler l'état général du système de déclenchement
Vests have an expiration date. In addition, it's a good idea to check the general condition of the release system.

Additional equipment for boat trips

Let's get to the heart of the matter with the equipment I'm taking on board in addition to the recommended one.

Let's recall the two navigation zones in which I operate:

  • The coastal zone, which extends up to 6 nautical miles from a shelter.
  • The semi-high zone, which extends up to 60 miles from a shelter.

You will find details of the equipment required on this link to Division 240.

No matter what zone I'm in, I take along additional equipment that isn't compulsory.

  • A PLB type distress beacon: c hese beacons enable CROSS (Centres Régionaux Opérationnels de Surveillance et de Sauvetage en Mer) to locate your position almost instantly. These centers are the only ones able to coordinate a rescue operation at sea. This type of beacon costs around 300 euros.
La balise de détresse de type PLB est un outil de sécurité efficace en cas de détresse au large
The PLB beacon is an effective safety tool in the event of distress offshore
  • A portable VHF: e n addition to a fixed VHF, a portable VHF is essential. Out at sea, out of telephone range, it will enable you to communicate with land or another nearby vessel in the event of a problem. In the event of electrical damage, it will also come in very handy.
  • A life raft: a or more than 6 miles from a shelter, Division 240 requires that a liferaft be carried on board, except for certain vessels such as the Zeppelin, which is certified unsinkable. Please note that this certification must be mentioned on the navigation chart. In spite of this, and this exemption for me, I have chosen to take a liferaft with me when sailing far offshore (over 30 miles).
Le radeau de survie est conditionné en sac ou en conteneur.
The liferaft is packed in a bag or container.

Maintain your boat

We can't stress this enough, but the best way to ensure safety and avoid damage to your boat is to keep it well maintained.

If possible, opt for an assembly with 2 batteries: one for the motor and the other for the accessories. This way, if one of the 2 batteries runs low, you'll always be able to restart the motor.

Un moteur entretenu régulièrement est un gage de sécurité.
Regular engine maintenance is a guarantee of safety.

Always set off with a full tank of fuel, even if you have a large capacity. On tuna fishing trips, I've sometimes gone much further than planned, and I was glad to have a full tank at the start.

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