Avoid sailing in the commercial ship channels when you can, especially in poor visibility and when deep draft vessels are manoeuvring. If you cannot sail outside the channel, obey Rule 9 of the ColRegs for conduct in narrow channels by keeping as near to the outer limit of the channel which lies on the starboard side (right) of your vessel as is safe and practicable, crossing only when it will not impede the passage of a large vessel confined to the channel by draught.

Be visible. At night make sure your navigation lights can be seen. If you see the navigation lights of a vessel and you think you have not been seen, get out of the way. Use torches, search lights or a spotlight on sails or prominent structures on your vessel. Carry a radar reflector high on your boat. Remember, from the bridge of a large vessel, the captain or pilot may lose sight of you more than a third of a mile ahead. If you can’t see the bridge they can’t see you!

Keep a good look out so you are aware what is going on around you.

Don’t forget to look behind, and to keep watch at night. Even on a clear night you may have difficulty seeing vessels approaching or objects in the water.

Do not underestimate the speed of ships. (At 6 knots, a vessel travels 1 nautical mile in 10 minutes; at 15 knots it takes only 4 minutes.) Monitor the approach of vessels and remain clear when required. If your boat is slow, allow sufficient time to take effective evasive action or cross channels in the vicinity of large ships.

Learn about the markers on the waterway. These markers are the equivalent of road signs. It is important you know how to recognise them, what they mean and how they are used, particularly by the larger vessels using the Waterway.

Watch the ship’s lights. If you see both sidelights (red and green), you are dead ahead – MOVE CLEAR. Be aware that ships alter course on passage through the Waterway. You must be sure of your position and be aware of other vessels operating around you.

Know the sound signals on the Waterway. Vessels often use sound or light signals to communicate. If you hear 5 short blasts, the master or pilot of a vessel is trying to tell another vessel that they are unsure of its intentions. The master may be concerned about how close it is, or concerned with the course and speed another vessel is following. Check and see if it is for you - and if it is make your intentions clear and GIVE WAY. If in any doubt about who a vessel is signalling at the very least make your intentions obvious, allow sufficient sea room for the vessel to pass.

Know flag signals and shapes. Vessels also use flags and shapes to communicate. A common flag seen in the Waterway is the Code Flag ‘A’. It indicates that divers are in the water. Divers may also deploy inflatable surface marker buoys which come in different shapes and styles. You should stay clear of any vessel flying this flag and keep a good lookout for surface marker buoys as divers may be some distance from the vessel.

Read more.

Keep a VHF Radio tuned to channel 12, the Port working channel, and listen for traffic information from VTS; Call Sign Milford Haven VTS.

At the end of your day afloat make sure those ashore and the coastguard are aware of your safe return.

When leaving your vessel, whether in one of the Waterway's marinas or on a mooring, always make sure your vessel is properly secured so that it cannot drift.

Constructed from foam, these combine buoyancy and freedom of movement - especially around the neck (though they can be bulky around the chest). Buoyancy aids are ideal for activities such as kayaking and dinghy sailing - anything where being in the water at some stage is considered likely and not classed as a problem. They are, however, inferior in performance to life jackets and not suitable in all circumstances or for use on sail and motor boats. They do not require much maintenance but should be washed with fresh water after salt water immersion/spray.

While this term commonly is used to cover all PFDs it is actually a specific term. Life jackets are designed to keep airways clear of water, even if you are unconscious. If you own a boat, a life jacket should be regarded as a key piece of equipment. There should be a life jacket for every person aboard, and they should all be in good working condition. Annual checks are recommended and these can be done professionally if you are unsure of what is involved.

It is worth giving your life jacket a freshwater wipe down if it has been exposed to spray and at the end of season (while doing the wipe down take care not to immerse the jacket and set off the auto inflate). You should also stow the life jacket with care when not in use.

If the jacket has auto-inflated, by accident or during an incident, you will need to replace the CO2 bottle. If you aren't sure, you can have the cannister checked to see if a replacement is required.

Great information advice on care for life jackets has been prepared by the RYA.