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Images of Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park
 

Boat Safety Checks

Pre-season checklist 

When launching your craft for the first time in a while there are many easy mistakes to make.
 
This is a short checklist that will help to ensure that you are prepared for a safe and enjoyable boating season in Loch Lomond & The Trossachs National Park:
  • Engine is serviced
  • Lifejacket(s) is/are serviced
  • Flares are in date
  • Batteries are serviced
  • Fire extinguisher(s) is/are serviced
  • First aid kit is in date
  • Old spare fuel has been removed
  • Gas appliances have been serviced
  • Water tank is flushed out
  • All electrics are working
This list is not exhaustive and if you have any concerns about your boat maintenance you should contact a local marine engineer. The RNLI also offer a free Safety Equipment Advisory (S.E.A.) check. For more information Tel: 0800328 0600 or visit www.RNLI.co.uk.
 

Pre-launch checklist

Whenever you are out on any of the lochs in the National Park, there are a number of things to bear in mind. Once you are happy that your boat is running properly and is carrying enough fuel etc, consider the following: 
  • Before you leave home it is a good idea to check the weather. Although you are not going out onto the open seas the weather can change quickly on the lochs. Ensure that you have adequate clothing should the weather change.
    • There is a daily weather report in the reception area of the Duncan Mills Memorial Slipway in Balloch, alternatively please call Slipway staff on 01389 722030.
    • Two good weather websites are: BBC Inshore Weather and XC Weather.
  • Tell others where you are going. If you don’t make it back then someone can raise the alarm.
  • Should you get into difficulty you need to have some means of communication; have you got a VHF radio on your boat or a mobile phone with you, and do you have the Slipway telephone number?  Remember that the phone signal can be weak in some areas so carrying backup communications is always worth considering. 
  • Ensure that you familiarise yourself with the loch you are visiting before you are on the water. Watch out for shallow or rocky areas and many shores are inaccessible for larger craft. Loch Lomond is 22 miles long and it is easy to get lost.  Do you have a map or chart?
  • Ensure you have lifejackets for all people on board your craft. Increase your safety by wearing one at all times. Remember it's no use stowed away in a plastic bag to keep it clean. When on Loch Lomond you must wear a lifejacket if you are on a Personal Water Craft (PWC) or being towed.