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Nautical advisory · Chile · Online & In-Person

Safety Equipment
On Board in Chile

Do you carry what you need if something goes wrong? A captain with 30 years of experience will tell you before you set sail.

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30+
Years at sea
EPIRB
PLB · AIS · VHF
Offline
Canals without signal
Online
All of Chile
Why it matters

The right equipment can save a life

Most nautical accidents in Chile occur in areas with no mobile coverage, no nearby vessels, and rescue that can take hours. In those conditions, what you have on board is all you have.

The problem isn't just having equipment: it's having the right ones, that work, are accessible, and that the crew knows how to use. This advisory checks exactly that.

Captain Rodrigo has operated vessels in extreme conditions in Chile and worldwide — wellboats in the southern canals, offshore ships in the South Atlantic, tugboats in the Patagonian fjords. He knows first-hand which equipment makes the difference and which is just paperwork.

What's covered

What this advisory reviews

FAQ

Questions I'm often asked

What safety equipment should I carry on my vessel?
It depends on the navigation zone, vessel size and current regulations. At a minimum: certified life jackets for each crew member, marine VHF, pyrotechnic signals, first aid kit, bilge equipment, fire extinguisher, anchor and lines. For offshore or southern canal navigation: EPIRB, life raft, immersion suits and AIS.
What is an EPIRB and do I need one on my sailboat?
The EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon) is a satellite locating beacon that activates in emergencies and sends your position to rescue services. If you sail offshore or in remote areas of Chile, yes, you need one. In the southern canals it can be the difference between being rescued or not.
Does the Chilean Navy check safety equipment?
Yes. Directemar (General Directorate of Maritime Territory) requires meeting safety standards according to the navigation zone and vessel type. This advisory helps you verify that you comply with current regulations before the Maritime Authority inspects you.
What is the difference between EPIRB, PLB and AIS?
The EPIRB is a fixed emergency beacon on the vessel that transmits to satellite. The PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) is a personal version carried on the person. The AIS (Automatic Identification System) makes you visible to other ships and authorities on screen. They are not mutually exclusive: each serves a different function.

Want to review your equipment?

Tell me what you have on board and where you want to sail. I'll tell you what's missing and what's fine.

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