Water safety

Think boat safety and plan your trip before you go. Knowledge and planning reduce the risks and increase the fun. Always tell someone where you’ll be going, when you expect to be back, and what your boat looks like. If you’re leasing a boat, you should give your leasing agent this information. Also, ask the locals where it is safe and where the waters are dangerous.

Bring the necessary equipment

All the equipment on the boat must be in good condition and easily accessible. Familiarize yourself with the navigation system and other technical equipment on board. Being able to use this equipment correctly will significantly increase your safety.

Remember to bring a mobile phone, preferably stored in a waterproof plastic container. This will enable you to report any changes in your plans or call for assistance if needed.

Keep visual distress devices on board, such as pyrotechnic red flares, orange distress flags, or lights.

And don’t forget to bring enough fuel.

Check the weather reports

Check weather and water conditions before leaving shore. The weather, especially at sea, can change dramatically within minutes. Respect the waters and the weather and only use boats when the conditions are suitable. Don’t stay out too long before you return to land.

Weather forecast from Yr, delivered by the Norwegian Meteorological Institute and the Norwegian Broadcasting Corporation (NRK). Download Yr’s free weather app for iOS or Android.

Follow the rules of the sea

There are rules that apply to boats on the water, just like for cars on the road. It’s important to learn these rules to avoid a collision and maintain the safety of both yourself and others. Remember that safety, the environment, and the well-being of everybody is a common responsibility.

If you were born on 1 January 1980 or later, you must have at least a Yachtmaster Certificate of Competence (“båtførerprøven”) in order to pilot a boat over 8 metres in length or with more than 25 horsepower in Norwegian waters. Whilst not mandatory for those born earlier than this date, it is strongly recommended that they do the same. A similar or higher certification from an EEA/EU country will also be acceptable.

Always wear a life jacket

It is mandatory to bring a life jacket on your trip, and it is recommended that you wear it at all times. Insist that everyone wear a personal flotation device or life jacket whilst on board.

Don’t drink and boat

Make sure you are rested and sober. The blood-alcohol limit for a person in charge of a boat in Norway is 0.08 percent. Remember that alcohol affects your judgement and lowers your chances of survival in case of an accident.

Don’t overload your boat

Believe it or not, gravity also applies at sea. Make sure the weight is evenly distributed, and don’t overcrowd the boat, as this will obviously have a negative effect on your trip and compromise the safety on board.

Man overboard

If somebody falls overboard, it is important to get them back on the boat as soon as possible. Even in summer hypothermia can set in within minutes. If necessary, throw a flotation device to the victim, but do not jump in yourself. If the flotation device has a rope attached, or a flashing beacon, then so much the better. If you can’t to get the person out of the water, try towing him back to shore. Never leave anyone in the sea whilst you go to seek help.

When the person is back on board, get him out of wet clothes and into something dry as fast as possible. The priority is to prevent further heat loss from the body, which will usually continue to cool for 15 to 20 minutes after getting out of the water.

Be careful in a rescue situation

When helping somebody into your boat, be careful to not tip your vessel, especially if you’re in a small rowing boat, canoe, or kayak.

If your boat is overturned but still floating, don’t try to swim to safety, but stay nearby and await rescue. If you can, climb onto the boat, but be careful so that it doesn’t get unstable.