Lifejackets
We recommend buying your own lifejacket. We favour a manual lifejacket without a harness, which adds unnecessary weight and bulk. Buoyancy aids can also be used, though they can be hot to row in.
Radios
VHF marine radios are important safety equipment and are carried on the boat. A Short Range Certificate is necessary to use most marine radios. Some modern radios offer Digital Selective Calling, which enables another radio to be called using an MMSI code. Speak to the club if you are considering buying your own radio.
Flares and smoke
As most rowing takes place in daylight, flares are not particularly useful. Coloured smoke is a good way of attracting attention. We carry flares and smoke on trips.
Personal locator beacons
PLBs transmit a radio signal, sometimes including GPS location, which is picked up by satellite and enables a search and rescue operation. They have a sealed battery with a five-year shelf life and need to be registered with Ofcom.
Satellite Emergency Notification Devices perform a similar role but require an active subscription and are not as reliable as PLBs for locating a beacon. Their advantage is that they can send a trackable position at intervals.
External equipment references from the original page: Yachtshop and Lifejackets.co.uk.