Boat Safety Briefing: How To Use a Dinghy
When you take a live-aboard sailing trip with Go Sail VI, you may spend more time than you think on a dinghy. What’s a dinghy? You’ve probably heard the term, but maybe you’re not all that familiar with the handy little boat stored on or next to a yacht. This small but mighty watercraft is how you can travel from your anchor or mooring site to one of the many beautiful beaches on the Virgin Islands.
There are a few things to learn before you can safely use your dinghy. When you take ASA sailing courses with Go Sail VI, a charter checkout attendant will walk you through safety tips for the dinghy. This article and video are also good resources when preparing for operating a dinghy on your Virgin Islands sailing vacation.
What Kind of Dinghy Will You Use?
Wondering what type of dinghy you’ll need to familiarize yourself with? There are a few different types of common dinghies, but the most common (and the ones we use) are rigid inflatable dinghies. These are the most popular type of dinghies because they are:
- Lightweight.
- Fuel Efficient.
- Durable.
- Equipped With Motors.
When operating a RIB, one of the first things you’ll want to learn is how to start the engine. Take a good look at the boat with a charter checkout attendant before you sail.
Starting the Engine
The dinghies on the sailboats we use for ASA courses and bareboat charters have four-stroke engines. Most people find these engines easier to operate because they don’t require a choke to start them. You can turn the engine on in a few simple steps:
- Check Your Fuel Levels: Make sure you have enough gas to get where you need to go. You will usually find the fuel gauge on the dinghy itself or an external panel. Ask a charter checkout attendant if you can’t find the gauge.
- Make Sure the Crankcase Is Ventilated: Older dinghies may require you to manually open a pipe or vent cover, while newer engines automatically ventilate.
- Use a Safety Lanyard: Double-check that the lanyard is attached to the “off” switch on the dinghy. Then clip it to your life jacket before turning on the motor.
- Turn the Engine to Neutral: The engine is safest to start in neutral. This prevents the boat from taking off before you are ready.
- Drop the Lower Unit Into the Water: Make sure the propeller, gears, and water pump are in the water before you start the boat.
- Start the Ignition: Use a key to turn the ignition and start the engine. A charter checkout attendant can show you how to do this during your boat safety briefing.
Safety Tips for Using a Dinghy
Starting the engine is an important part of operating a dinghy, but there are some other things you should note before sailing. Here are some general safety tips for operating a dinghy:
- Transfer Your Personal Flotation Devices: Just like when you sail, you shouldn’t operate a dinghy without a lifejacket. Carry the correct size for every passenger on board.
- Plug the Hole: Don’t turn your dinghy into a swimming pool! Be sure to plug the dinghy hole before you take off. Ask your charter checkout attendant to show you where this is—they are typically close to the stern.
- Use a Lock Cable: While the Virgin Islands are typically a safe spot to sail, and you don’t usually have to worry about theft, the fact is that most dinghies look almost exactly the same. Using a key-activated lock cable prevents someone from mistaking your dinghy for their own. If the key fits, it’s probably yours!
- Don’t Tow the Dinghy: Even though it may save you some time, you shouldn’t tow your dinghy behind the sailboat. Doing this can cause lines to wrap around the prop or accidentally cut it loose.
Boat Safety Briefing Materials
Before you set sail, a boat safety briefing can help you learn the basics of operating your sailboat and dinghy. Watch our Boat Briefing Series and reread this article before you charter a bareboat with Go Sail VI.
If you forget a few details, don’t worry. A charter checkout attendant will help you brush up on the basics!