PASSAGES On Preparedness

Reading through this month’s stories got me thinking about preparation and safety—two things that are especially important at this time of year. For the most part, BCbased boats are still hunkered down, though some are slowly waking from their long winter nap and shaking off the dust (and mildew). Others, those early risers and eager beavers are already heading out on short trips and even longer forays—taking advantage of the empty anchorages, quiet marinas and increasingly longer days.

Shoulder season cruising (if indeed we can call March shoulder season) is not for the faint of heart. With fewer boats on the water, the likelihood of someone coming to your aid if something goes wrong is dramatically reduced.

That doesn’t mean boating should be limited to a few calm, sunny days in July—a little adventure is good for the soul. It does mean that it’s critical that you are prepared and self-reliant when you are out on the water—and that preparedness should extend to shore excursions.

Wendy Hinman and her crew learned that firsthand on a shoulder season cruise to Chatterbox Falls in Princess Louisa Inlet (page 46). Reading the story, it’s clear that the author had misgivings about undertaking the hike and voiced her concerns at multiple points before and during the trek. In the end, failure to trust those instincts and a lack of preparation in case something went wrong, led to near-dire consequences. I don’t mean to criticize Hinman and her crew. Hindsight is 20/20 and 99 times out of 100 the hike ends in the warm cabin with a bowl of pumpkin soup and a great story to tell. Unfortunately, something did go wrong and the lack of preparation worsened an already risky situation.

Contrast this accident with Bert TerHart’s cross-Canada adventure (page 38) and there is a marked difference in preparation and planning. TerHart, a Gabriola Islander, is a life-long sailor with a military planning background so it’s no surprise that his trip was excruciatingly well thought out. Gear was tested and approved. Strategies were practiced and tweaked. Very little was left to chance. When issues did arise, TerHart analyzed and adapted.

There is much to be learned from these adventures. The big lesson for me: If attempting any risky behaviour, and boating in the shoulder season is not without its risks, you should have an exit strategy. What is your plan if something goes wrong? Where are the closest marinas if you need to get to help as quickly as possible. Familiarize yourself with the local emergency services. Where is the closest hospital or clinic? Do you know who to contact if you need assistance. If something doesn’t “feel” right maybe it isn’t.

I was reminded again at last month’s Vancouver Boat Show just how many opportunities there are to improve your knowledge and skills. Does someone on board know first aid? Have you considered installing an AED on the boat? Do you know how to properly operate your VHF radio? The more skills you bring on your next boating trip the more you reduce the risks.

Then the next thing you need to worry about is cleaning off the mildew.

–Sam Burkhart

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