Boat and equipment

Choosing a boat

The choice of boat depends on how it will be used, where it will be used, and who will use it. The boat must only be used in waters and weather conditions for which it is intended, and the boater must have the necessary skill in operating the boat. Do not use a larger engine than the boat is approved for. Children/adolescents under the age of 16 must never use large or fast boats alone. It takes good practice to drive a fast boat without the risk of accident.

All recreational craft placed on the market in the EEA area after June 1998 must be CE marked, with all that entails (Recreational Craft Regulations). Among other things, the total permitted load and the waters, wind and waves for which the boat is intended must be stated.

Recommended safety equipment

Before you use the boat, you must check that the boat is in proper condition. Go over the equipment and check that it is in working order, and make sure that you know how to use it.

Below you will find an overview of some of the equipment that is a good idea to have with you in a leisure boat. Which equipment you should bring depends of course on the size and area of use of the boat. These lists are therefore not complete, but provide a rough overview of some of the equipment that may be a good idea to have available.

Flotation devices

Mandatory with flotation devices

All leisure boats must have flotation equipment easily accessible to everyone on board. In recreational boats under 8 meters, it is also mandatory to wear the vest when you are outdoors.
Both the owner and the driver of the boat are responsible for ensuring that the flotation equipment is in place, in order and available during the trip. All flotation equipment sold in Norway must be CE marked

Tips when buying flotation equipment

In order for the flotation device to fit, it must be tried. The wrong size can cause the wrong buoyancy and reduce safety. The flotation device should fit well, be easy to put on and comfortable to carry.

Children and vests

It is important that the children get a vest that fits. If the vest is too big, the child may float face down in the water, for example. A vest that is too big can also cause the child to fall out of the vest. Inflatable vests are not recommended for children. Children must always be supervised, even if they are equipped with a life jacket. Panic reactions in children can cause the vest to not work properly. The use of diapers and clothing changes the properties of the vest compared to the conditions under which the vest has been tested. Therefore, it is important that the children get used to the life jacket, preferably together with the clothes that are normally worn under the vest. Swimming pools or the beach are great places for testing the vest - and let it play! Also note that the life jacket does not turn the child over on its back if the water is too shallow.

Different categories of flotation devices

Flotation equipment means life jackets, flotation garments and other personal equipment to keep a person afloat. The equipment is divided into four different categories according to the size of the buoyancy requirements. The buoyancy is measured in newtons (N).

50 N: Flotation garments  (sweater, jacket, waistcoat)

These flotation garments give the person a vertical floating position. They are comfortable to wear, offer great freedom of movement and are available in a variety of shapes and colours. Flotation garments such as flotation jackets, flotation sweaters and life jackets are intended for people able to swim over 30 kilos. They are best suited for use close to help in the archipelago. If you are alone in the boat, you should wear a life jacket.

100 N: Life jacket

This is the traditional orange life jacket with a collar. Basically, the collar and buoyancy elements on the front of the vest should help turn an unconscious person onto their back and provide a floating position on their back with their face above water. However, you cannot be sure that this will happen: Dressing and rough seas will reduce the properties of the vest. Photo: Regatta

A life jacket must have a belt, crotch straps, reflectors and preferably a whistle. It is intended for both swimmers and non-swimmers. For children and others who cannot swim, a life jacket is the most suitable flotation device. The life jacket is suitable for use in relatively protected waters or along the coast where the sea does not get too rough.

150 N: Life jacket (inflatable)

An inflatable vest is small when not in use, thus providing maximum freedom of movement. When inflated, it has a collar and air-filled flotation elements at the front. The inflatable life jacket is intended for adults and is suitable for use in all weather conditions. Inflatable vests are not recommended for children. Photo:

275 N: Life jacket (inflatable)

This vest has the same characteristics as the 150 newton inflatable vest, but since the buoyancy is larger, it is intended for users of heavy, waterproof clothing in extreme weather conditions and in offshore operations.

Test your vest

In an emergency, there is no time to learn how the safety equipment works. Therefore, train beforehand, make sure the equipment works, and learn how to operate it. This is especially true of inflatable vests, which are technically advanced. But also when it comes to flotation garments and life jackets, you should try them in the water so that you become familiar with how the garments work, and what buoyancy the equipment provides.

Storage, inspection and maintenance

On board the boat, flotation equipment that is not in use should be stored in a dry and sheltered place from direct sunlight, gasoline and oil spills.

Different flotation devices require different maintenance, and it must be clearly marked with how it should be treated and maintained. At regular intervals, you should check that all straps and belts are intact. Also check that there are no tears in the fabric, that seams have not come undone and that the floating material is not wrinkled.

Inflatable life jackets require extra careful inspection.

If the release mechanism does not work, the inflatable vest has no function! As a general rule, the release tablet should be replaced annually. Periodically, you should inflate the vest and leave it overnight to check for leaks. Since there are different mechanisms at the different manufacturers, you must demand a thorough introduction to maintenance and inspection when you buy the vest.

See sikkerhverdag.no and sjekkvesten.no for more information on safe use of the vest.

Notification

Both VHF and mobile?

If you end up in an emergency at sea, it is important that you have the opportunity to notify in order to get help. In many places along the coast, there is good mobile coverage, and a mobile phone in a waterproof bag that you carry with you can be life-saving in an emergency situation where you end up in the water. However, it is important to be aware of the limitations of a phone in relation to VHF. The signals from the mobile phone are noticeably attenuated even in moderate seas. With a mobile phone, it is only possible to talk to one subscriber at a time, and then only if you know the person's mobile number.

With maritime VHF, you can normally reach a coastal radio station without delaying intermediaries, but it is just as important that the coastal radio station can also reach you with messages that may be important for your safety. With a VHF radio, you can communicate with coastal radio stations on land or with other boats.

Buying and using VHF

To have VHF in the boat, you must have training and a license. The training is taken via a web-based course, and you will receive the SRC/VHF certificate when you have finished the course.
If you want to know more, you can take a free VHF introduction course on Telenor Kystradio's website.

Handheld VHF

In addition to a fixed VHF, it is a security to have a handheld VHF. You can take it with you in an emergency, for example in the event of a fire or shipwreck. It is also good to take with you when adults or children are out in the dinghy.

Coastal radio stations

Norwegian coastal radio stations provide free navigation, gale force and storm warnings and other important messages that have to do with safety at sea. The coastal radio stations have a direct connection with the rescue coordination centres and can request the necessary help. Any call that concerns emergency/urgency or reassurance has priority.

The coastal radio stations' main focus towards leisure boats is communication via VHF radio. If you do not have a VHF radio, you can still get in touch with the  coastal radio stations by calling the telephone number 120.

Emergency Guidance Centre/EPIRB/PLB

Emergency beacons are available both as personal or for the boat. The personal ones must be activated themselves, while those for the boat can be activated by water when the boat sinks. The system will automatically initiate a rescue operation.

If you travel alone at sea, it is a good idea to invest in a PLB. A PLB must be registered with NKOM with a separate vocation number. This is easy to achieve, and has a small annual cost.

Buzz

You may find yourself in situations where you may need to use audio cues to tell others where you are or how to manoeuvre. If you come out in fog, you should be able to make yourself known with sound.  If you do not have a fixed horn, you can get by with a "manual" fog clock. There are various options on the market.

AIS

AIS stands for Automatic Identification System, and was developed as an anti-collision system for ships. AIS B is a simpler system for recreational boats. Such systems are often connected to the chartplotter, or the boat's VHF radio. With an AIS receiver, you can see other boats, but you won't be seen by others. With an AIS Transpose, you can both see and be seen.

Some units also have an emergency button that tells other boats with AIS receivers that you need help.

Radar reflector

A radar reflector can make you visible to other boats that use radar. It can also be taken in a life raft/dinghy and help to find one.

Emergency signalling equipment/flares

It is advisable to have emergency rockets or other signaling equipment available in the boat in case of emergency. Remember to check the expiration date regularly.

Lanterns

Lanterns are mandatory in poor visibility and in the dark (from sunset to sunrise). It can often be difficult to predict when you will be exposed to fog, so it is best to have approved lanterns mounted on the boat at all times.

There are different requirements for lanterns on different types of boats. In Part C of the Rules of the Road at Sea there is more information about requirements for lanterns on different types of vessels.

Location and visibility:

The lanterns must be placed outside on tables so that there is nothing to shield the light. In order for others to be able to distinguish the lanterns from each other, the top lantern must generally be placed at least one meter above the side lanterns on boats under 20 meters.

The requirements for visibility vary with the size of the vessel. On boats under 12 meters, the lights of the top and stern lanterns must be visible at a distance of at least two nautical miles. The light from the side lanterns must be visible at a distance of at least one nautical mile.

Lanterns on motorboats under 50 meters:

A power-driven vessel that is underway will display both side stern and top lanterns. The top lantern should be positioned higher than the stern lantern and side leaners. It should be located in the boat's centerline ahead of amidships.

The starboard side lantern is green and the port side lantern is red. The side lights will illuminate in a sector of 112.5 degrees, from straight forward to 22.5 degrees aft across.
The top lantern is white and will shine over a sector of 225 degrees, over the same area as the two side lanterns combined. The stern lantern is also white, and covers the rest of the sector (135 degrees) around the boat aft.

Motor vessels under 12 metres may merge the top and stern lanterns into a round white lantern at the masthead (135 + 225 = 360 degrees).

Lanterns on motorboats over 50 meters:

If the vessel is 50 meters or larger, it shall have two top lanterns; one over the foreship and one over the stern. The aft should be higher above deck than the front.

Sailboats

Sailing vessels with the engine running are considered to be motor vessels, regardless of whether the sails are
up or not. They must therefore follow the lantern rules for motor vessels.

Sailing vessels under 20 metres may have a composite lantern placed on the mast top. They may also have compound side lanterns
placed on the pulpit in addition to the usual stern lantern. Larger sailing vessels must
position the lanterns so that they mark the ship's sides and stern.

Smaller sailing vessels are allowed to display lights like larger vessels.

Sailing vessels with lanterns at deck height may also have two omnidirectional lanterns
in the mast to clarify its position. The top lantern should be red and
the bottom green. The distance between them must be at least 1 meter to ensure that the lights are seen separately.

 

Small boats

Smaller motorized recreational boats (less than 7 meters that cannot achieve greater speed
than 7 knots) can combine the top plants and the stern lantern in one round (360
degrees) lantern placed on top of the boat. If practicable,
these also show side lanterns.

Sailing vessels under 7 meters, rowing boats, kayaks and canoes can also make do with a white, round-lit lantern, or a flashlight. The sailing vessel should illuminate its sails when other vessels approach.

More information about the placement of lanterns can be found in the Rules of the Road at Sea.

Ladder/boarding device

Remember to have a good ladder that you can reach when you are in the water, in case you fall overboard.

People who have been in the water for a while are not always able to climb aboard on their own. A lifeless person with wet clothes is usually far too heavy for you to be able to haul them back on board alone if you have a boat with a slightly large freeboard. 

For example, some have their own hoist to get extra power to haul people out of the sea. If you have a sailboat, maybe you can use a halyard? 

Dead man's button

A dead man's button is important to use to ensure that the boat stops if you end up in the water. There are both wireless variants, and traditional variants. The most important thing here is that the dead man's button is in use when you are on the road.
This is what a dead man's button can look like. There are also wireless variants.

 

Photo: Thomas Brun/NTB Kommunikation

Anchor/dredge and drift anchor

An anchor is useful to have if you are going to anchor, or if you have had an engine failure.

A drift anchor can save you from disaster if the boat stops close to shore. In high winds, with the drift anchor out, you will slow down considerably.
If the boat breaks down in bad weather, the bow can be held up to the wind using the drift anchor. 

In an emergency, you can make a drift anchor from, for example, a scoop (bucket) in a long line that is attached to the bow. A dredge or a thick rope coil can do the same as a drift anchor in an emergency. 

Oars, ropes, boat hooks and fenders

It is a good idea to bring oars in smaller boats in case of engine failure. In addition, you should have ordinary mooring ropes, and at least one long rope that can be used when anchoring, mooring to shore or when towing.

A boat hook can be used to retrieve buoys and ropes.
It is also a good idea to have available if you have children out in the boat. With a boat hook, you can hook up the child's life jacket and hoist it into the boat.

Fenders are useful to have when mooring, either to land or next to other boats.

Fire extinguishing equipment

Motor fuels and cooking appliances represent the greatest fire risk on board recreational boats. Boats with an inboard petrol engine or with a gas installation have a far greater risk of fire/explosion than boats with other solutions.
There shall be at least one 2 kg ABC powder hand extinguisher in an easily accessible place for quick use on board. (A means that the powder extinguishes fires in wood, textiles, etc., B fires in flammable liquids, C fires in gas).

If possible, shut off the gas supply before starting to extinguish a gas fire. The ABC powder hand extinguisher is also suitable for extinguishing fires in electrical systems. A two-kilo apparatus is emptied in a short time. Larger boats should have more equipment.

Fire blankets are particularly suitable for placing over burning pots, objects and the like or people who have fire in their clothes. Fire blankets are also well suited for wrapping yourself in, for example in connection with evacuation.

Boats with inboard petrol engines should have a fixed fire extinguishing system, and it can also be installed in boats with an inboard diesel engine. For motor power above 120 kW, a fixed system is required.

Smoke detector

Smoke detectors should be mandatory on board boats where you spend the night. Smoke detectors must be tested regularly and the battery replaced at least once a year, preferably at the start of the boating season.

Read more about boat fire prevention here.

Lifebuoy and raft/dinghy

You should have a lifebuoy and a throwing line on board. If a person falls into the water, you should always throw out a buoy. The buoy should have emergency lighting.

On larger leisure boats, it may be a good idea to bring a raft/dinghy in case of emergency.

Spare fuel and starter battery/spare for powerboats, tools and spare parts

It's always a good idea to have a spare can of fuel. Gasoline can be difficult to get in some places. 

It feels extra safe to have a starter battery available, especially in outports. Bring items that fit your engine size. Some starter batteries can also be used as emergency chargers for e.g. mobile phones and other electronics.

You must at least have enough tools with you to carry out simple repairs. Make a set that fits your boat. At a minimum, you should have water pump pliers, wrenches and various wrenches, preferably a socket wrench set, wire cutters, beak pliers and various screwdrivers. 

If you are out in the sea, water and dirt from the fuel tanks can be stirred up and settle in the system. Always have an extra fuel filter in the boat.
You should also have extra impeller sets for the water pump on board. If it breaks, the boat will stop, and if it is damaged, there will be poor cooling and a lot of exhaust.
It is a good idea to have annual maintenance on fuel oils, oil filters and impellers.

It may also be a good idea to bring some hose clamps, strips, sealant and metal on the tube to seal small leaks. Conical wooden dowels can be a good idea to have to seal any holes in small boats or dinghies.

First aid kit

Fire ointment, bandages, tweezers, wound ointment, plasters (children's plaster and solid type of tape), headache tablets and an ointment that reduces itching after jellyfish stings (Eurax or Xylocaine) may be a good idea to take with you on a trip.

Navigation

Chartplotter

A good chartplotter with up-to-date nautical charts is good to have. However, digital charts can have several weaknesses, especially when it is fast at sea. Then you risk that the boat's position on the water does not quite match the map. It is recommended to always look up and pay attention to the landscape and other boat traffic.

Updated electronic shipping for chartplotters, based on data from the Norwegian Mapping Authority, is offered by a number of distributors. See the Norwegian Mapping Authority's website for more info: https://www.kartverket.no/Kart/Sjokart/sjokartdata-i-kartplotter/

Nautical charts on paper:

Today, most people have digital maps. Nevertheless, it is recommended to have up-to-date nautical charts on board. This can be a safety measure if the electronics fail. Paper maps also provide a better overview. Familiarize yourself with the map, but remember to raise your eyes and pay attention.

Being able to read nautical charts and navigation marks is  a key part of travelling at sea. If you are not pocket familiar in a water, you must be able to read a nautical chart and be able to decipher the sea marks. 

Norwegian nautical charts are produced in different chart series. The scale and content of the nautical charts are adapted to different shipping and user needs. More information about nautical charts on paper can be found on the Norwegian Mapping Authority's website. https://www.kartverket.no/Kart/Sjokart/Sjokart-pa-papir/

It is a good idea to bring aids to use the map, such as compasses and parallel shifters.  Keep in mind that the length scale at the  top and bottom of the chart is not a nautical mile in our latitudes.

Compass

The compass needle always points to  magnetic north  (almost  to  the North Pole,  but not exactly  ).    The misdirection (the angle between magnetic  north  and geographic north) is always printed on the map.

Magnetic fields in your own boat can affect your compass so that it shows completely the wrong direction, so-called deviation. Always place the compass with care - as far away as possible from metal, magnetic or electric fields.

Descriptions of waters and other nautical publications

The Norwegian pilot (Dnl) is a description of the waters along the Norwegian coast, Svalbard and Jan Mayen, and is a supplement to the nautical charts. The Norwegian pilot is now digital and available to everyone online on the Norwegian Mapping Authority's website.

https://dnl.kartverket.no/

On Karverket's website there are also tide tables, as well as the publication "Symbols and abbreviations in Norwegian nautical charts". These can be downloaded for free on https://www.kartverket.no/Kart/Nautiske-hjelpemidler/

Digital apps for phone and tablet:

Coastal weather, by the Norwegian Coastal Administration: Shows updated measurements from weather stations along the coast of Norway

Boat service (Kystvreket)

RS SafeTrx – The Norwegian Society for Sea Rescue's official app. Allows you to register vessels and plan your trips on your smartphone.

Help 113 – when you use Help 113, the emergency response centre automatically knows where you are, as long as there is coverage on your mobile.

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