The recent changes in the 2006 Chicago Mackinac Safety regulations have created a much safer nighttime sailing environment. The new rules mandate that lifejackets (PFD’s) must be worn from dusk to dawn by all participants. The new safety regulations say that all PFD’s must be a Category One. If the PFD is inflatable, which is acceptable, the PFD must have a minimum of 32 pounds buoyancy. The feeling of US Sailing and the International Sailing Federation was that the wearing of lifejackets at night was the single most important safety improvement, which could be made.

Reading about the above changes has prompted me to have a look at the Federal Requirements for recreational boats. The U.S. Coast Guard has provided a quick reference chart to review the federal requirements.

Equally important is the additional gear, which makes our sailing safer and more comfortable. The partial list below can be a start for a happy and safe summer.

 Safety harness and tether. A must at night or when shorthanded at any time.
 First Aid kit with instructions. Add your favorite medication. (Ibuprofin)
 Flashlight with fresh batteries.
 Updated Charts and Light lists.
 Lifesling or equivalent, to assist person back on board
 Sunhats, sunglasses, gloves and foul weather gear for personal protection.

Take the time to inspect, upgrade and improve your safety equipment. How much is your security worth?

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