Your Emergency Tools
On my recent visit to my neighbours on the historic vessel Vega I was mightily impressed by the way they keep their emergency and most used tools. On this 128 years old wooden beauty of a boat with a LOA of 25m, emergency tools must be kept amidships with instant easy access.
The types of emergency tools used on a heavily built timber historic vessel with traditional rigging require additional equipment spares and specialised tools, many more than on a light displacement sailboat like our monohull Stardancer. However, even though the design, construction and rigging of these two boats are so different the basic principle regarding access to emergency tools is the same. Emergency tools must be kept in strategic locations for immediate use.
On the Vega the location for their tools ready for deck and rigging emergencies are based around the top of the central access to the companionway. (see photos) Hatchets of various sizes are easily grabbed from the wall display to deal with any emergency rope, line or sheet problems, and the drawers incorporated into the steps contain emergency supplies of shackles and blocks. All conveniently located. Other tools they may possibly need in a hurry are mounted on doors that open on hinges. This is a great space saving idea which can be modified for use on smaller boats.too
Because of the Vega’s many large sails where rips could be disastrous Meggi keeps several strong needles handy for repairs. These are kept in the top one of the step drawers. Meggi sews everything from sails, huge awnings to the leather covers for rigging parts, using strong long curved needles such as you would use for a suture. These needles are precious and not readily available and so Meggi keeps them well wrapped up in oiled cloth and well sealed in used Berocca canisters.
Our fibreglass light displacement 14m monohull, Stardancer, has a slightly different set of emergency tool requirements. Instead of having a selection of hatchets handy as on the Vega, we have a sharp strong knife in a sheath by the top companionway step to cut lines and sheets in an emergency, plus a heavy hammer in the cockpit area. In fact most of our tools except those for electrical use are kept in our cockpit lockers for easy quick access. Our tools for outboard engine repairs are kept in a waterproof bag in the stern locker close to the dinghy for ease of access. Because our engine is underneath our companionway steps there is no space here to have storage drawers however, we have made one of our four cabins into a ‘shed’ together with a sail locker up forward and lockers at the stern.
For emergencies involving fire, all boats should display several up to date fire extinguishers placed in strategic locations. In case an emergency requires you to use your flares, life raft and grab bag, ensure they are in working order, current and conveniently stored. One can prepare for emergencies by laying jack lines, wearing life vests, having knowledge of Man Overboard techniques, learning radio handling techniques and if relevant, having the drogues ready to deploy. Get reliable weather forecasts and prepare ahead for potential adverse sailing conditions. Being well prepared should set your mind at rest.
On Meridian of Hobart one of the Blue Water Women sailors featured in my book, Helen Hebblethwaite, experienced losing the mast as she sailed west towards the Maldives. She says, ‘Most of the rigging was a tangled mess of steel hanging over the side.... its weight cumbersome and potentially dangerous.’ After a brief thought of salvaging the mast was discussed and discarded they decided the rigging and mast had to be cut loose for safety’s sake. Helen recalls, ‘The skipper yelled, quick, get the bolt cutters! And we set to work’. She adds ‘...one of the lessons I learnt from this misadventure is you must know where tools on your boat are kept so you can find things (like the bolt cutters) in a hurry!’
Grit Chu, another of our Blue Water Women, says she learned from experience that it is important to put tools back in their ‘home’ place. She says, ‘Winch handles and window covers have been lost overboard because crew did not secure them correctly.’ Every tool should have its own proper place. She adds, ‘Putting tools and equipment away promptly is essential. One day a big wave hit our boat which threw the captain into the galley, practically onto the large knife that had been used to make lunch. That was a close one!’
Tools needed for cruising are different for day sailing compared to offshore voyaging where it pays to keep an extensive range of tools, and spare parts. I did a small survey around neighbouring boats in my marina to find out what were commonly the most used and essential tools on board. Remember, you may need both metric and imperial sizes. See the list of basics below:
• Axes
• Black cable ties
• Cord
• Cordless drill with drill bits
• Duct tape
• Electrical repair kit
• Fiberglass repair kit
• Hacksaw with good quality blades, no rust
• Hammer
• Hose clamps
• Set of adjustable spanners & wrenches
• Set of Allen keys
• Set of screwdrivers
• Sharp strong knife
• Strong headlamp
• Strong towline
• Types of silicone
• Variety of wrenches and sockets
• Vaseline Jelly
• Vice grip pliers
• Voltmeter, Amp meter, Digital clamps
• WD40 or similar to loosen tight metal joints
Naturally, you will add to this list to suit the specific needs of your own boat. For example, we keep odd bits of line, rope, cord, wire etc in a bag. Rags also have their own dedicated bag. Remember, not only do you have to have the right tools for the job but you have to maintain them, washing the sea water off, keeping them oiled and where relevant, sharp.
When you have revisited and checked your emergency needs, relax and enjoy your sailing, knowing you are well prepared in the unlikely event of an emergency.