When not to wear a life jacket?

frillyding

hi there,I'm completely new to this (boards ie and boating!) I've heard a few people mention that wearing a life jacket whilst down below in a boat can be a disadvantage should the boat quickly take on water as you could be held against the ceiling and unable to swim down to any escape route! can anyone offer any good advice on this matter as I'm a total novice!
thanks

Tabnabs

When on deck and likely to enter the water without warning is a good basic rule. Down below you have to get out and so lifejackets are often stowed near the companionway (steps) on the way up to deck, so within easy reach.

frillyding

thankyou, that sounds like good common sense advice and answers my worries

NUTLEY BOY

Whenever I sailed on Asgard II there was a lifejacket right over each bunk and there was a second set of lifejackets readily available in a locker on deck. The latter arrangement avoided the classical hazard of people going below after an emergency had been called.

If you are sailing in a yacht don't forget your "crash bag". If you are not familiar with it a crash bag is simply a bag - preferably waterproof and small - in which you keep those things that you would most need as distinct from want to take immediately in an emergency. It is literally a bag that you grab with it's contents on the basis that you will have no time to fill it in an emergency.

frillyding

Great idea, like that one!