Practical Sailorvideo
The Sailing Safety Gear Most People Forget Until It’s Too Late
February 21, 2026 · 11 min · 18K views
Crew in red gear braces against rough seas on deck
What this video covers
Offshore sailing safety requires a comprehensive, pre-planned gear checklist that goes beyond legal minimums to address emergencies when systems fail. The primary defense against man-overboard incidents is an inflatable PFD with an integrated harness, leg straps, and a spray hood, used in conjunction with jack lines and a double tether.▶ 2:44 For vessel-wide emergencies, an EPIRB is essential; modern units with built-in GPS provide rescue authorities with an exact location, whereas older models rely on slower Doppler-shift calculations.▶ 9:06 Proper registration of the EPIRB is critical for immediate identification.▶ 4:14 Additional offshore requirements include a DSC-enabled VHF radio, a pre-packed ditch bag, a serviced life raft, and accessible cutting tools for rigging.▶ 5:01 Sailors should also verify the functionality of manual and electric bilge pumps, fire extinguishers, and emergency steering systems before departing.▶ 7:11 Maintaining physical warmth and visibility with quality foul-weather gear and red-light headlamps preserves the decision-making capacity necessary to manage crises.▶ 8:16
More from Practical Sailor
From Practical Sailor — see the channel’s boat, crew, and every analyzed video.