Every boater will be sent a copy to their home address in November and hire boat operators will also receive the new edition.
The original handbook won a Plain English Campaign award for style and clarity and the format and tone have been retained. The changes are mainly to detail and emphasis. Information about navigating rivers has been strengthened, particularly relating to navigating in strong stream conditions. Some additional diagrams have also been added to make things as clear as possible for boaters.
We want all boaters to be aware of the key safety messages:
- Avoid slips and trips! Watch out for ropes, bollards, holes and other hazards, use grab rails and wear non-slip shoes. Don't try to jump from the boat onto the bank and wear a lifejacket if you can't swim.
- Don't get crushed! Keep your body out the way of a moving boat: don't fend off with your arms, legs or boat pole, and don't have limbs dangling over the side or your head out the hatch. Keep off the roof when you're underway.
- Watch out for fire and fumes! If you smell exhaust, gas, or petrol fumes raise the alert right away. Switch off appliances when you're not using them and keep ventilators open and free of obstructions. Remember that carbon monoxide poisoning is extremely dangerous: early signs include headaches, tiredness, sickness and dizziness, and anyone affected should get medical help right away.
- Don't rock the boat! Think carefully before climbing onto the cabin roof as the boat could become top heavy and roll over, and don't all stand together on the same side if it risks tipping the boat over.
- Remember your lifejacket! The water is often colder and deeper than you think. You should always wear a jacket when navigating through a tunnel as you will be easier to spot and rescue if you fall in.
Dean Davies, interim head of customer services at the Trust, said: “The Boater's Handbook is an incredibly useful resource for any boater, from novices to old hands alike. It contains a wealth of information about how to boat safely, as well as all the basics that can seem quite mystifying to new boaters.
"We've taken the opportunity to update the Handbook to make sure it contains the best possible advice, and we're sending it out to all our licensed boaters so they can refresh their memories and keep it on board as a handy reference guide. I'd like to thank the members of the editorial panel who have shared their expertise and all the boaters who have given us feedback.”
A hard copy of the handbook will be sent to the home address of all licensed boaters in the second half of November – if you've recently moved house but are yet to update your details with us please do it now to ensure you don't miss out on your copy! This can be easily done by calling customer services on 0303 040 4040.
Visit our Boater's Handbook page to download the document or watch a video of it.
