There’s a good chance that you’ve never launched a liferaft or seen your lifejackets inflated, or even let off a fire extinguisher or flare.

We all hope for drama-free boating, but it’s worth being prepared.
 
Ocean Safety will be inviting yacht owners to familiarise themselves with their essential onboard safety equipment when the company throws its doors open to customers at its offices in Southampton on February 16 and 17 and Plymouth on February 16.
 
All are welcome to bring along your liferafts, lifejackets, and other serviceable onboard safety equipment to be checked by Ocean Safety’s expert team.

Visitors can just turn up to watch general demonstrations which held throughout the day.

But if you want to see your own liferaft inflated or equipment opened and checked, you will need to make an appointment.

This equipment can then be left for servicing and collected at a later date. During the day there will be plenty to see and do and the experts will be on hand to answer questions
 
Managing director Charlie Mill said: “We are repeating the successful Open Days that we have held regularly in the past.

“Boat owners and crews appreciate one-to-one advice and guidance.

“It is very interesting for them to see a liferaft being inflated for example, because hopefully not many of them have ever had to use one in anger.”
 
Visitors to the Southampton Open Day will also see and take part in flare and personal R10 AIS survival recovery systems demonstrations.

A full programme will be available on Ocean Safety’s website from January 1.
 
Visitors will need to book a time slot for their liferaft inspection and demonstration by calling 02380 720800 or emailing openday@oceansafety.com.

The open days run from 10am and 4pm. For details of how to get there visit www.oceansafety.co.uk.

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