Pre-Trip Safety Briefing

This briefing outline is provided as guidance. It is the responsibility of each group leader to make their own safety assessment (having regard to the ages , abilities and circumstances of their group ) and brief the group accordingly.

Danger of Falling Overboard

1. Use of life jackets (Project Policy: Lifejackets to be worn by all children and non-swimmers, when outside the well of the boat). Non slip shoes should be worn at all times.
2. When on gunwales (edges of the boat) at least one hand should always be holding the rail (beware gaps in rails by side doors.)
3. When on roof - thee points of the body should always be in contact with roof.
4. When on steering platform, stand in front of the tiller.
5. The life ring should always be on the roof within reach of the helmsman.
6. Crew should familiarise themselves with the working of rescue lines.

Danger of Crushing

1. In no circumstance should anyone try to fend of the boat with their hands or feet or with a pole.
2. When leaving the boat, wait till the boat touches the bank or mooring then step off. Do not jump while there is a gap.
3. Do not stand on the gunwales(sides of the boat) while in locks or going though narrow bridges.
4. Beware low bridges, especially when on the roof. (Warning of low bridges should always be given by the helm)

Danger of Slipping or Tripping

1. Loose objects should not be left lying on the decks, roof or cabin floor.
2. Beware of ropes and other equipment which need to be on the roof.

Danger from Gas and Fire

1. The gas locker should always be unlocked for instant access to valves.
2. On smelling gas, notify leader, close all gas valves and ventilate cabin. Light no flames.
3. No smoking is allowed on board the boat at any time.

Locks

Locks are potentially the most dangerous place on the canal for boaters. They are also where boat damage usually occurs. Constant vigilance is required by all. All steerers and leaders should familiarise themselves with the relevant section of The Boater's Handbook (In cabin). Locks are deep so there is real danger of drowning. There is also the danger of a long fall onto the concrete cill.

As well of the danger of drowning anyone who falls into a lock faces three additional dangers.

1. Being sucked into sluices > Immediately Close all sluices (drop paddles)
2. Danger from the propeller > Immediately Stop engine 
3. Danger of crushing from the boat > Immediately Protect from crushing

Care should be taken when crossing the lock gates. The lock gates should not be moved with people on them.

Danger from working gear.

1. Ensure the ratchet is engaged before raising the paddle.
2. Never leave the windlass (lock key) on the spindle.
3. When lowering the paddle take the weight on the lock key before removing the ratchet.
4. When moving the lock gate, wherever possible lean back on the gate and push with the legs to avoid damage to the back.

Dangers to the boat

1. Always ensure that the paddles are down at the far end before opening any sluices.
2. When locking down, always keep the boat at the front of the lock to avoid the back hanging on the cill. Should the back hang on the cill, close all paddles to stabilise the situation and then refill the lock to float the boat off. (The boat has been damaged several times in this way. If the boat hangs up and the situation is not rectified quickly there is a danger of sinking)
3. If the boat is in danger of drifting back into cill or lock gates, lay tiller over to one side to avoid rudder damage and being knocked overboard by swinging tiller..
4. When locking up, always ensure that ground paddles are opened before gate paddles. Do not raise the gat paddles until the gate sluices are covered. ( Danger of water filling the boat)