THE Maritime and Coastguard Agency today issued a timely reminder to boat owners on basic safety precautions before they set out to sea.

RNLI crews in Cardigan and New Quay have both been called out in the past week to rescue stricken boats and with the half-term holidays upon us and the weather getting warmer, more people are set to take to the water along the Ceredigion and Pembrokeshire coast.

A Coastguard spokesman said: “If you’re heading out to sea we would always recommend that boaters carry a fixed DSC VHF radio system, a fully charged mobile phone, flares, powerful torch, a personal locator beacon and appropriate personal floatation devices such as a lifejacket or buoyancy aid at all times while on deck.

“If you get into difficulty use Channel 16 to alert the Coastguard to your position. When you make an emergency call to the coastguard from VHF radio you will tell everyone within range what your situation is even if you cannot see them – there might be someone nearby who can help you more quickly. “

And while a mobile phone can be a lifesaver, it does not always work of the coast.

“If you are at sea and only have a mobile phone you will only be able to speak to the person you are making the call to. If mobile network coverage is poor then you might not be able to make a mobile call at all. If you have got a signal call 999 and ask for the Coastguard,” said the spokesman.

“VHF coverage along the coast is generally much better. For remote locations, consider carrying a 406 personal locator beacon to raise the alarm. Always carry a means of alerting the Coastguard if you get into difficulty.

“We can never get time back – speed is of the utmost importance. Don’t wait for things to improve. You need to inform us as soon as a potentially difficult situation is developing – once things start to go wrong, they develop rapidly.

“Maintain your safety equipment, cutting costs will not help you in an emergency. Make sure you have a plan on board for ‘what if?’ and make sure everyone on board knows their part within the plan.

“At sea changes in tidal streams could make conditions worse, particularly if the wind and tide are against each other and tidal heights may hide underwater hazards. Even the most experienced sailors can be caught out. “

You can check marine weather at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/marine and tides at https://easytide.ukho.gov.uk/EasyTide/