Many people dream of sailing the high seas. However, not everyone is capable of taking on such a gruelling task. Humans are social creatures. That is the challenge that people whose jobs and passions lie in the sea face. They would have to brave through weeks or even months staying in the sea away from civilisation. These sailors do what other people cannot.
Now, if you are a sailor yourself, you may already have an idea of what lies ahead. But for those who are only starting their voyages, this guide is for you. This is how you can prepare your ship and yourself for a sea voyage.
Assess the Condition of Your Ship
Your ship is what gets you from one port to another. If something were to happen while you are at sea, there would be no one else to help you but yourself and your crew. To prevent any accident, you should assess the condition of your ship before setting sail.
Make sure that the engine is well maintained and ready for a beating. The hull should not have any holes, rusting, or even barnacles sticking to it. You should also have a new shipboard cable to ensure power throughout the ship.
Even the slightest error could be detrimental to your ship and crew. And with a course slated to go on for a long period, this could only mean bad things. So, do not skimp out on repairs and replacements.
Plot Your Course
It used to be said that a good sailor knows how to navigate the seas even with nothing but a compass, the stars, and the direction of the wind. However, that is no longer the case today. Now, we have all the resources we can use to plot a ship’s perfect course. And as early as you can, you should plot your sea voyage as such.
A ship’s course could go on for days or weeks at a time. While your ship may be able to handle the turbulent waves and the changing weather conditions, the crew may not. That is why you need to make sure that you plan to dock at nearby ports to get fresh supplies and get ample rest on land. If land is not present though, then you could always make anchor in shallow waters to rest and recuperate.
You can use this time to readjust your ship’s course if, for instance, it is having trouble sailing in bad weather or in rough waters. This may delay your voyage further, but you and your crew’s safety is more important. Once your ship is ready and your course plotted again, the only thing left to do is sail.
Every good sailor knows when it is the right time to go for a voyage. There is no use forcing one if the weather is not good. You will only experience rough seas and hard times if you push through. So, make sure you plot your long voyage at a time that is best for travel.
