Tips for Staying Safe on Your Boat

With a nearly 60% increase between 2013 and 2018 in the number of boats registered to be moored on London waterways, you may think that the costs of living on a narrowboat in London make it a good option for you. Stay safe when on your boat with this guide.

Reduce the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning

Otherwise known as the “silent killer”, carbon monoxide (CO) is odourless and colourless, and can cause a lot of harm if it goes undetected, both inside and outside your boat. Please be aware and install CO alarms and cautious around exhaust fumes.

If you’re spending the day in a cabin, be sure to get fresh air regularly. Note the symptoms of seasickness and carbon monoxide poisoning are very similar, so most people can get confused and think nothing of it.

Protect your boat from bad weather

Protect your boat from any harsh weather conditions, for any damage could result in large financial drain. It is beneficial to use a boat cover throughout the year to prevent mildew and dampness on your boat. Having a winter cover should keep the water, snow and ice out, and prevent excess condensation, which results in mildew.

Buy the right shore power cables

Many questions are asked about shore power cables, and if they’re safe to use. It is important to remember that it’s only safe when shore power cables are designed and sold for use with boats.

Do research into shore power cables before purchasing, you want to make sure you get the right one for your boat. Additionally, you must keep on top of checking the condition of your shore power cable prior to each use and replace it if it shows any signs of damage. If you notice any strands of cable exposed, do not use.

To make sure you’re using the cable safely, be sure to connect the boat end of the shore power cable first and then the shore supply end. You should always disconnect the shore cable at the shore end first and the boat end last, and check that your connected cable can’t fall or land in the water, as this could result in an injury to nearby swimmers/wildlife.

Ensuring your boat is secured to moorings

A boat mooring includes three parts: the anchor; linking a ride to the anchor (this is where you tie your boat too); and a drifting gadget, which will raise the rode so that you can access it.

You can never have enough lines when it comes to docking. However, that is not to say that you ought to bind the mooring with rope from your boat.

Insuring your boat

You’ll need to protect your craft against loss or damage, and without insurance this could result in costly repairs.

Having the right boat insurance can also protect you against any third-party liability for injury or damage, especially as third-party liability tends to be the most frequent claims received.

For more information on insuring your boat with Towergate, visit our dedicated boat insurance page or call us on 0344 892 1987 to speak to a specialist adviser.

About the author

Adam Summersby is a respected leader with 11 years’ varied experience in niche personal and commercial lines insurance, including caravan, site operators and excess reimbursement, with proficiency in leadership, sales and account management.