Your readiness zone
← Back to SurvivalZone.EU

Sailing at sea: how to prepare your boat and a plan in case of a storm

Safe sailing at sea: a practical guide

⏱ 2 min read

Forecast, lifejackets, VHF, plan ashore. A guide based on official advice. The same text is in the free SurvivalZone.app and works without internet.

Open in the app (works offline)

The sea can change very fast. Most accidents at sea start with a bad decision before leaving: an ignored forecast, no lifejackets or no plan for getting back.

Good preparation starts on land.

Forecast and decision

  1. Check marine forecasts and gale warnings before you leave and during the trip. If the forecast is at the limit of what the crew or boat can handle, stay in port. Changing the plan is a sign of experience, not weakness.

Safety equipment

  1. A lifejacket for everyone, properly fitted and worn on deck.
  2. VHF radio: channel 16 is the international distress channel.
  3. A personal locator beacon (PLB) or an EPIRB.
  4. A phone in a waterproof case, power bank, torch and whistle.
  5. A first aid kit and foul-weather gear, even in summer, because it is easy to get cold at sea.

A passage plan ashore

  1. Leave a plan with someone on land: where you are leaving from, where you are going, who is on board and the latest time you will get in touch. If you do not call, that person knows when to alert the coastguard.

The crew

  1. Before leaving, show everyone where the lifejackets, extinguisher, first aid kit and radio are and how to call for help. Everyone on board should be able to send a distress call, not only the skipper.

Checklist

  1. Forecast and warnings checked
  2. A lifejacket for everyone
  3. VHF radio, channel 16
  4. PLB or EPIRB
  5. Phone in a case and power bank
  6. Foul-weather gear and warm clothes
  7. Passage plan left ashore
  8. Safety briefing for the crew

See also

Frequently asked questions

Which VHF channel is for distress?

Channel 16. It is used for distress calls and first contact at sea.

What should I leave ashore before sailing?

A passage plan: route, list of people on board and the latest time you will get in touch.

Should I wear a lifejacket on a boat?

Yes, it is the simplest protection against drowning. Put it on before the weather turns, not in the middle of a storm.

📩 Free 72-hour plan by email

A 72-hour shopping and go-bag list, plus a short monthly checklist. Free, no spam.

Keep it on your phone

SurvivalZone.app is a free app for every emergency, with no account and no app store. It works without internet and shows the nearest shelters and help points, local radio, a 72-hour plan and a mountain trip planner.

Open SurvivalZone.app

Thank you for reading. If this could help someone, send it to the people you care about. Getting ready takes a moment, and in a crisis every minute counts.

Coming soon: the app’s permanent address will be survivalzone.app.

Other guides

All scenarios →

Sources

Official sources are checked automatically every day. Last check: 2026-11-04.

General guidance only; it does not replace the emergency services. If a life is in danger, call 112.