To not have unpleasant surprises in possible inspections... (Photo Pedro Seoane)

The Civil Guard of the Sea, gives us a series of very useful tips for our sports navigation:

• Keep your nautical qualification and regulatory documentation up to date... check the good condition and operation of the ship, communications and other equipment.
• Information about the weather forecast of the area where it is intended to sail by avoiding the departure in case of bad weather or bad visibility... the National Institute of Meteorology, the Telefónica Radio-coastal stations and the Maritime Salvation Centres will spread weather bulletins on a permanent basis; contact them by phone, radio or report to your docking port or Nautical Club.
• Always monitor the waters at the bow of the vessel; there may be swimwear, other minor vessels, fishing gear or other obstacles.
• Report of the expected date / time of departure / arrival and port of departure / destination and the characteristics of the ship in the Maritime Captains, in its Nautical Club, to family or friends.
• No more crew boarding than allowed.
• The free emergency phone (900 202 202) allows warning of a situation of danger at sea seen from the ground.
• Don't go out to sea without an anchor. In the event of a failure or a lack of fuel, it may prevent the vessel from leading to the high seas.
• Secure your boat and crew. In the event of any eventuality or if a trailer is required to have an insurance is important.
• If you are in danger, transmit the MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY signal in VHF, channel 16 or telephone 2,182 kHz and activate the radiobaliza. If you need help but you are not in imminent danger emits the PAN, PAN, PAN signal on the same frequencies. In these cases the mobile phone is NOT a good choice because its scope is short and it is difficult to obtain a precise location.

If you see or receive signs from a ship in danger in its vicinity:

• You must come quickly in your help, provided you do not endanger your own safety.
• Contact (VHF channel 16 or 2.182 Khz.) the nearest Maritime Rescue Centre or Radio and Coastal Station and contact other ships nearby.
• If you do not have communication equipment, warn other nearby ships with distress signals... if you cannot help, go to the nearest port to report the situation.