AUXILIARY SAFETY ROWING

Function and technical context

The auxiliary safety oar is an emergency propulsion element designed to be taken on board as mandatory or complementary safety equipment on board recreational, auxiliary and semi-rigid boats. Its function is to provide a means of steering and manual advancement in the event of engine or main propulsion system failure, allowing the skipper to maneuver the vessel to port or to a safe area. As it is a safety equipment component, its presence on board is required by navigation regulations in certain categories of vessel, and its correct condition is reviewed during the technical inspections of the vessel. Having an auxiliary oar in good condition can be decisive for the safety of the crew when the engine fails in adverse circumstances.

When to replace this part?

The auxiliary safety paddle must be inspected at the beginning of each nautical season, checking that the blade and handle do not show breaks, splinters, deformations or signs of rot in the case of wooden models, or corrosion and fragility in those made of composite materials or aluminum. Its immediate replacement is recommended if structural cracks, weak joints between the blade and the mast are detected, or if the material has lost rigidity as a result of prolonged exposure to the elements and marine humidity. Having an auxiliary oar in perfect condition is a basic preventive measure that can avoid real emergency situations on the high seas or in anchorage areas without nearby assistance.

Compatibility table