Safety Notes

Watch your wash and reduce speed if necessary in confined waters and channels.

Slow down where boats are moored, when approaching quays or lochs or where water activities are taking place. Always keep a sharp lookout for swimmers.

Learn basic Rules of Navigation but remember that you have an overriding responsibility to avoid collision.

Give as wide a berth as possible to Anglers and slow down, especially on canals when a competition is in progress. One boat rushing through can spoil the fishing for a large number of people for a long time.

Respect areas where organised events are in progress.

Respect property, public and private.

Never travel in exposed waters in bad weather without notifying someone responsible to your intentions. Try to travel in company.

Practice Man-Overboard Drill and lifesaving procedures. It is useful to have another person aboard who knows how to control the boat.

Life jackets should be available and accessible to all crew members and should be worn when working on the deck and by children at all times.

Keep a fender ready for fending off a quay or converging craft. Never allow anyone to fend off with a hand or a foot.

Never allow anyone to joyride in a dinghy when it is being towed.

Never allow fuel or oily bilge water to escape into the water. Take particular care when refueling, especially outboard engines.

Be courteous: leave maximum space for other boats when mooring, and in locks; control your dinghy; if you have to tie up alongside another boat, ask permission, use adequate fenders and run your lines ashore where possible; do not rely on the other boat for security.

Do not tie up to navigational marks or anchor in a navigational channel.

Remember that it is contrary to the Lough Erne Bye-laws to moor a boat at a public quay or harbour for more than 48 hours.

All boats should be covered by a suitable insurance policy (third party essential).

Make sure your boat is seaworthy.

Make sure your boat has a Carbon Monoxide Detector.