If you go out in your boat today could you survive a day and maybe a night in the event you have problems with your vessel? Consider safety whenever you go out in a boat. Think defensively and use common sense. Good seamanship could save your life and the life of others.

The treacherous reefs of Bermuda are enough to keep any captain watchful.

Suppose you accidently crash into a reef and your boat begins to take on water. If she sinks do you have a reliable dinghy with oars? A good checklist before you leave your mooring or dock is listed below: Effective life buoys and life vests with whistles attached for each person Flares or rockets A 10 pound fire extinguisher VHF radio and a cordless phone well charged A sensible anchor strong enough to hold your vessel Anchor chain of five feet with 75 feet of rope attached to the anchor At least 50 feet of free rope Pump or bailer, a standard plastic bucket Sound signalling apparatus such as a air horn and a whistle Combination light or port and starboard lights Stern lights and bow lights A flashlight which works An inflatable raft or dinghy A reliable compass A boat ladder A first-aid kit with aspirin and Benadryl.

Several gallons of drinking water A few cans of food with an old-fashioned can opener, nuts and fruits A blanket and a change of clothing in a plastic bag Sun screen and a hat A must on your list before any venture out into the ocean is to leave a destination plan with a family member and an estimated time of return. Always file a plan with Harbour Radio before venturing out of the harbour. Harbour Radio, St. George's is: 297-1010 or 297-0686 Voegeli's "Yachtsman's Guide to the Bermuda Islands'' says, "The first use of the word "dingy'', referring to a small boat appears in the Royal Gazette in 1843. It went through several spellings during the next fifty years, viz, "dingey'',, "dinghey'', and finally "dinghy''.

SAILING SLG