Boat owners, your beloved season is finally here! Dreams of sailing beyond Maltese territorial waters is closer than ever to becoming true. Go on – picture yourself gliding through azure waters, embarking on boating adventures and basking in the sun.
Before you set sail, it is crucial to make a list of everything you will need before you make a splash; especially if this is your first time. Explore the essentials you require and make your 2023 boating trip one to truly remember.
PLAN YOUR STOPS BASED ON MOORING AND PORT RESERVATIONS
Summer makes all boaters go into a frenzy to get into open sea and discover new shores, and living on an island sure is the ultimate blessing for sea lovers. Make sure you undertake good research and make the necessary reservations for marinas along your route.
Some sought-after destinations might require advanced booking during the peak of summer. Having a dedicated mooring spot will avoid disappointment and a comfortable place to dock.
PROTECT YOUR SEACRAFT WITH BOAT INSURANCE
Also referred to as yacht and pleasure craft insurance, this policy is aimed at giving boaters the ultimate protection at sea; especially when longer sea trips are the norm. Even the most experienced sailors never head out to the open waters without it.
Before you even think about heading offshore, a comprehensive boat insurance policy can be the safety net you need when sailing through unpredictable sea conditions. Let our representatives devise a tailor-made cover with your specific needs in mind.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT TO PREPARE FOR THE UNEXPECTED
Your top priority should always be safety, especially when heading to foreign shores. Items such as life jackets for all onboard individuals, flares, a first aid kit, fire extinguishers and a VHF radio should all be checked and in good working condition before such a trip.
Most times you won’t be needing them, but it’s good to know they are handy and dependable should the need arise. Informing your boating buddies about the equipment’s exact location is also vital, especially when boating overnight and you’ll have to make use of them in total darkness.
PLOT YOUR COURSE WITH RELIABLE NAVIGATIONAL CHARTS
The idea of navigating the open seas is an enchanting prospect, but it’s vital to know exactly where you are headed. Whilst technology has taken over most of what seafarers rely on, it can also fail you at times.
Detailed tangible maps will help you plot your course, avoid hazardous areas and choose the best anchorage places along the way. Maritime charts do change over time, so if you have any already, get them upgraded.
Our sister company, Thomas Smith Shipping, is making it easier for you to get your hands on updated nautical charts with a 24/7 chart printing service, ready in under 5 minutes. All you need to head out to the open waters quickly!
Don’t forget to pack a reliable compass and binoculars too, to spot navigational aids or other vessels.
INVEST IN ENGINE SPARES IN CASE OF BREAKDOWNS
Having a well-maintained boat is not a guarantee that engine breakdowns might not occur. A set of essential engine spares will help you be prepared, considering you’ll be away from Maltese shores and your go-to supply shops. Consider having spare fuel filters, belts and spark plugs – all depending on the type of engine your vessel has.
Together with these parts, stock a good supply of tools you might require to undertake the necessary repairs. Keep in mind that all this will help you avoid getting stranded in open water.
STAY ONE STEP AHEAD BY KEEPING AN EYE ON WEATHER UPDATES
As the Maltese proverb goes: “Il-baħar żaqqu ratba u rasu iebsa” (the sea has a soft belly, but a hard head). Mother nature is as unpredictable as it gets. The sun might be shining bright but it takes just minutes for the sea to become rough and you’ll find yourself in the midst of a sea storm.
Modern technology makes it easier for boaters to get real-time weather updates and information that affects boaters. Check out weather sites and mobile apps to get instant notifications to adjust your plans accordingly.
ENSURE YOU ARE ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW
Every country has its own maritime regulations. It is crucial to familiarise oneself with the specific requirements when visiting these countries by understanding anchoring restrictions, safety rules, customs procedures and speed limits in particular areas.
Another aspect to keep in mind is checking whether it is legal to use your boat out of Maltese waters. Once this is confirmed, having the necessary insurance documentation is vital before entering foreign waters. These might be requested of you and not having them in hand might hold you back from entering a country’s territorial waters.
STOCK UP ON PROVISIONS
A boat trip spans days, if not weeks. Whilst the prospect of that is enticing in itself, keep in mind the most basic needs you’ll require – especially if you’ve got company onboard – will avoid any emergencies.
Make a list of provisions to stock up on, such as food and cooking items, toiletries, drinking water, medications and first aid kits. The extent of how much of these is required depends on the length of your journey until you reach Maltese shores again, even if you’d be able to make additional purchases when anchoring in some countries. Well-stocked supermarkets might not be in easy reach from the port.
Boating adventures do not come better than this, and boat owners will surely remember it for years to come! Ensure a smooth sailing experience by picking off all the above essentials. Bon voyage!
𝘛𝘩𝘰𝘮𝘢𝘴 𝘚𝘮𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘺 𝘓𝘵𝘥. 𝘐𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘦𝘥 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘋𝘪𝘴𝘵𝘳𝘪𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘈𝘤𝘵, 𝘊𝘢𝘱 487, 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘵 𝘢𝘴 𝘢𝘯 𝘌𝘯𝘳𝘰𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘥 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘈𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘎𝘢𝘴𝘢𝘯𝘔𝘢𝘮𝘰 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘓𝘵𝘥. (𝘎𝘔𝘐). 𝘎𝘔𝘐 𝘪𝘴 𝘢𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪s𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘢 𝘍𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘚𝘦𝘳𝘷𝘪𝘤𝘦𝘴 𝘈𝘶𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘺 (𝘔𝘍𝘚𝘈) 𝘶𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘐𝘯𝘴𝘶𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘤𝘦 𝘉𝘶𝘴𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 𝘈𝘤𝘵, 𝘊𝘢𝘱 403 𝘰𝘧 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘓𝘢𝘸𝘴 𝘰𝘧 𝘔𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘢. 𝘉𝘰𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘨𝘶𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘣𝘺 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘔𝘍𝘚𝘈.