Interesting Facts about Australia that will surprise you!

BY  Shahnawaz Nov 18, 2022

What is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard? It is always good to know how you can pull yourselves out of any danger. Whether you are taking a Boat Ed exam or you just want to be safe during a boat ride, you need to know about all the different safety precautions. One popular question on the internet is why someone falls overboard and what to do in such a situation.  Falling overboard is a major risk on small boats. But how can you reduce this risk? In this article, I will help you find out. What Does It Mean To Fall Overboard? Falling overboard here is mainly referred to as falling from a boat when it is on the move. According to the recreational boat statistics by U.S. Coast Guard, 299 boat accidents happened centering falling overboard. A massive 63% of these accidents ended up in death or fatal injuries. When a boat is moving, it usually causes swaying movement back and forth, and the people in the boat experience agitation, causing them to lose their balance during the ride. It is extremely against safety protocols to stand up while on a recreational boat ride. Since you already struggle to have balance while sitting, standing up reduces that balance to zero. Usually, people don't stand up when riding small recreational boats. However, most of the cases are caused due to carelessness or under the influence of alcohol. What Is Most Likely To Cause Someone To Fall Overboard? The most prominent reason for a passenger falling overboard is due to standing when the boat is moving. But why would someone stand when the boat is moving and swaying the passenger back and forth? Here are a few common reasons - 1. Fishing Anglers need to stand up when they are fishing. Standing up makes it easier for them to handle their rod and fight the fish when it resists. Unfortunately, standing during fishing may also cause someone to fall overboard. That is why anglers are recommended to wear certified PFDs when they are fishing. 2. Alcohol/Intoxication Although it may sound silly, alcohol is among the topmost reasons for people fall overboard when they are sailing. Some people ride on boats when they are under the influence of alcohol or intoxicated by drugs. These influences force them to make a poor judgements. An intoxicated person has more chance of standing up than a sober person. As a result, they fall overboard. So, what is most likely to cause someone to fall overboard? You can ask that for alcohol and drugs. It’s better to ditch them before getting onboard. 3. Carelessness Another cause for falling overboard is carelessness. Boat riders may want to stand up carelessly to take photos and videos for social media. Sometimes, they also stand up just to show off or impress others. Standing up during a small boat ride is considered careless since it makes you lose your balance. Also, it is one of many reasons for falling overboard. What Is The Immediate Thing To Do When Someone Falls Overboard? When you notice that someone fell overboard, it's critical to remain calm. You don't want to get into a panic, waste time, or worsen the situation. When you realize you have a man overboard situation, the first thing you need to do is slow the boat down and turn off the engine.   This will permit you to focus on the casualty so that protecting them is simpler. Additionally, it extraordinarily decreases the gamble of the individual incidentally being harmed by the boat on the off chance that it's actually moving and the motor is running. You must yell "MAN OVERBOARD!" if you are just another passenger and are not actually in charge of the boat. What's more, keep your eyes on the individual in the water. It's easy to lose track of someone in the water, so point them out so the captain and other passengers can find them.  This is doubly evident on the off chance that the individual isn't wearing a PFD, despite the fact that they ought to be. In the water, a life jacket is a useful visual locator. However, if one is not present, you must make every effort to keep an eye on the individual. What To Do When Someone Falls Overboard? It is possible to save someone who has fallen overboard. But, the actions need to be taken immediately. You should also know if the person has fallen into warm water or cold water. Here are a few important steps to help you rescue someone who has fallen overboard. Ask For Help When you notice that someone has fallen overboard, the first thing you have to do is to ask other passengers and occupants for help. If the situation is critical to handle, you should call U.S. Coast Guard for help. Keep An Eye Of The Victim When someone falls overboard, you should keep an eye on them and track their movement. Usually, they will try to swim and go to safety. However, when the wave is rough, they will struggle. Also, if the water is cold, you need to make sure that they are alert and awake at all costs. Most importantly, you should keep track of their location at all times. Throw A Life Ring Or Jacket When someone falls overboard, you can help them by throwing in a life ring or jacket. The life rings are Type IV PFD colored in bright shades. You can also help them with a reaching pole or offer them something to grab onto. It will help you get them out of the water. Turn Back Or Stop The Boat You should slow down the boat and turn back for the victim when someone falls overboard. But, some boats are big enough and cannot be moved easily. Using a smaller boat or life raft can help you save the victim. Having a life raft or small boat as a precaution can help prevent propeller injury while reaching close to the victim in an attempt to save them. Pull The Victim Back In The Boat If all the conditions are met, you are ready to pull the person back on the boat. However, make sure not to put all the weight of the boat on one side of the boat. Doing so can put you at an even larger risk. Read More: When Can Navigation Rules Be Overlooked? How To Avoid Falling Overboard When The Boat Is Moving? Having proper precautions minimize the risk of an accident happening. Here are some of the precautions you can take before sailing off. Wearing PFDs or lifejackets approved by the U.S. Coast Guard should be mandatory for passengers.  The driver of the boats needs an ignition safety switch that acts as a kill switch. It can come in handy during such events. The passengers should not sit in places that are not meant for seating. Passengers should also not sit on the pedestal seating when the boat is on the move.  A boat should not be overcrowded with too many passengers. All the passengers and gears should be well-balanced. Passengers must not stand up or move around the deck of the boat during the journey. If journeying on a smaller boat, do not let the passengers lean themselves beyond the gunwales. Slow down the boat during a turn. Also, stay updated with recent weather reports and travel accordingly. Rules To Follow Onboard The same rule applies to all boats to ensure the safety of passengers. This is because you should always have at least one hand on the boat when standing or moving around the boat. Here are some of the rules that you must follow: Numerous toe rails and lifelines, as well as handholds scattered throughout the boat for you to grab and hold on to, ensure your safety. You run the risk of going overboard if you disregard this rule and are careless while aboard the ship.  You should also avoid going onto the deck when the weather is windy or when the boat is caught in any other bad weather to ensure your safety onboard. Assuming you should go at hand, we recommend wearing a saddle that is secured to jack lines and continuously keeping one hand on the boat. Decks can be risky, particularly on more modest boats, for example, boats when the boat is moving. To stay away from undesirable and dangerous circumstances, forever know about your environmental elements, remain as quiet as could be expected and remain sober while exploring a deck. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Here are some important questions I have answered. These might be helpful for situations such as falling overboard. 1. Do People Survive Falling Off A Cruise Ship? Ans: The chances of survival when someone falls from a cruise ship are very minimum. In most cases, the chances of survival are reduced to 85% to 90%, which causes death. 2. What To Do If You Fall Overboard? Ans: If you fall overboard during a boat cruise, the first thing you should do is stay calm and think positively. Also, it is better for you to stay afloat than try to swim. That way, you will save more energy. Also, cooperate with the rescuers when they try to help you. 3. Can You Survive If You Fell Overboard? Ans: Yes, the chances of survival become high if you are already wearing a life vest. But, if you try to float and stay close to the boat after the fall, it will be easier for your companions to save you. Bottom Line Most of the cases of falling overboard are caused by someone standing when the boat is on the move. You should always try not to stand up or move around the boat during a journey. As long as you and the rest of the passengers are maintaining all the precautions, no accidents should happen. However, if anything were to happen, you can follow these precautions to help them. I think this article was helpful. You can share your feedback in the comment. Read Also: Best Pet Friendly Hotels Near Me In Florida City – Reviewed Top 11 Outlets In Massachusetts You Can Visit While Traveling Top 15 Restaurants In Colombia You Must Visit While Traveling

BY  Arnab Jun 20, 2023

Few experiences compare to traveling or living abroad. The thrill of immersing yourself in a vibrant new culture or experiencing the lifestyle of a different country is unrivaled. But despite the sheer joy of these adventures, many travelers and ex-pats will miss certain home comforts from time to time. Whether it’s your favorite snack or a specific brand of skincare you’ve always used, there are always things we miss when we’re abroad. But getting your hands on your favorite products when you’re abroad can be a challenge. Local international shops have limited options, and international fees can quickly get expensive. The good news is there’s a simple solution — parcel forwarding services. If you’re an ex-pat or a globetrotter looking to buy products from home, you’re in the right place. We’ve put together everything you need to know about parcel forwarding in one place. Understanding Parcel Forwarding At its core, parcel forwarding is a pretty straightforward concept- pretty much like what Canada shipping companies do. It’s a service designed to make international shopping easier and give access to a wider range of products. We’ll dig into the specific steps of how it works later, but here’s roughly how it works: Go to your favorite eCommerce store and shop as you usually would When it comes to ordering the products, you use a local delivery address that your parcel forwarding service has provided. The parcel forwarding service receives your order, usually at a warehouse where it will be processed. The company will ship your parcel to you wherever you are in the world. Essentially, the parcel forwarding service gives you a local address and then takes care of getting your parcel to you. Plus, they often offer parcel consolidation, so you can order from multiple places and just pay one shipping fee. The Benefits Of Parcel Forwarding Obviously, the biggest benefit of parcel forwarding is you can order from anywhere in the world without having to worry about shipping restrictions. But the benefits go well beyond that: Consolidation Of Multiple Purchases One of the significant benefits of parcel forwarding services is the ability to consolidate multiple purchases into a single shipment. This not only simplifies the tracking process but can also save substantially on international shipping costs. Reduced Shipping Rates Parcel forwarding companies have contracts with leading courier companies, which allow them to negotiate lower shipping rates. These reduced rates are passed on to customers, making international shipping more affordable. Reliable And Secure Parcel forwarding services are known for their reliability and security. They ensure your packages are safely stored and securely shipped to your destination. In many cases, insurance is also available for added protection. Flexible Delivery Options Whether you need express delivery, standard shipping, or other specialized shipping methods, you can select the best option for your situation. Efficient And Time-Saving Parcel forwarding takes the hassle out of international shipping. They manage all aspects, including customs documentation, which can save customers a significant amount of time. Your Step-By-Step Guide To Parcel Forwarding Now you understand what parcel forwarding is and why it's a fantastic tool for international shoppers, let's dive into how to make the most of it: Step 1: Choose Your Parcel Forwarding Service Start by selecting a parcel forwarding service provider aligned with your needs. Look for a company with a good reputation, transparent pricing, excellent customer service, and flexible shipping options. Step 2: Setting Up Your Account Once you've selected a service, the next step is to set up an account. During this process, you'll provide essential details such as your contact information, shipping address, and payment details. Step 3: Time To Shop! Now comes the fun part — shopping! When you're ready to checkout, simply use the address provided by your parcel forwarding service. Step 4: Handling Your Parcels Once your items arrive at the forwarding service's warehouse, they'll notify you. At this stage, you can choose to consolidate multiple packages or select your preferred shipping method. Step 5: Forwarding Your Parcels Finally, your items are forwarded to your current location. Choose your preferred shipping method, pay the associated costs, and wait for your package to arrive! Tips And Tricks For Parcel Forwarding Just like any process, there are a few tips and tricks to make parcel forwarding a breeze: Merge your packages — If you're shopping from multiple stores, take advantage of your service's package consolidation feature. This can significantly reduce your overall shipping costs. Check prohibited items — Always check the shipping restrictions of your current country before making a purchase. A good parcel forwarding service should have a comprehensive list of prohibited items for reference. Repackaging options — Look for parcel forwarding services offering repackaging to reduce shipping weight and subsequent costs. As a traveler or ex-pat, parcel forwarding is a fantastic tool for maintaining access to your favorite products without the hassle and high costs of international shipping. So the next time you crave a taste of home or spot a must-have item, don't let shipping restrictions hold you back. Read Also: Why Myrtle Beach Is The Ideal Summer Destination 6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India A Traveler’s Guide To Lutsen

BY  Sibashree Sep 19, 2025

Disneyland Hong Kong is now celebrating its 20th anniversary with “The Most Magical Party of All.” The celebration has already begun on 28th June 2025, and it will continue throughout the year.  Furthermore, Disneyland Hong Kong is now getting bigger and better with new partnerships and attractions.  In this Tour and Travel Blog, I will decode what’s new at this wonderland located at Penny’s Bay, Lantau Island, Outlying Islands, and all the experiences and details you need to know about. What’s New At Disneyland Hong Kong? Partnership With Cathay And New Marvel Attractions Hong Kong Disneyland, or HKDL, is going to play a crucial role in boosting tourism in Hong Kong. It has now signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Cathay Pacific.  Thanks to this MoU, the two leading Hong Kong brands will now combine the theme park fun of HKDL with the premium flight experiences of Cathay.  Ronald Lam, the chief executive officer of Cathay, and Michael Moriarty, the managing director of HKDL, attended the event at the Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel. Of course, Mickey Mouse was there to share the quintessential Disney Charm.  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hong Kong Disneyland (@hkdisneyland) At the event, Michael Moriarty said,  “As we celebrate Hong Kong Disneyland’s 20th anniversary, this collaboration with Cathay strengthens our commitment to elevating Hong Kong’s global tourism appeal. We look forward to creating magical, immersive experiences that captivate today’s travelers and reinforce Hong Kong’s position as a world-class destination.” Earlier, Michael Moriarty also shared his thoughts on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Disneyland Hong Kong. He said,  “HKDL has become the tourism flagship for Hong Kong and the region now. We hope this milestone year will be filled with immersive entertainment, unforgettable moments, and boundless magic and surprises that only Hong Kong Disneyland can create.” Moreover, Disneyland Hong Kong on 12th September 2025 (the 20th anniversary of HKDL), has shared a “new concept art for the upcoming Spider-Man ride.”  The Rides And Attractions At Disneyland Hong Kong View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hong Kong Disneyland (@hkdisneyland) Disneyland Hong Kong offers the ultimate experience with rides and attractions, live entertainment, and miscellaneous Disney characters.  The Ant-Man and The Wasp, The Barrel of Fun, The Castle of Magical Dreams, Big Grizzly Mountain Runaway Mine Cars, Dumbo the Flying Elephant, and Garden of Wonders are some of the best rides and attractions for people of all age groups and heights.  Most of them are also inclusive, allowing the rider to remain seated in a wheelchair or ensuring a smooth transfer from the wheelchair. Best Offers On Disneyland Hong Kong Tickets And Hotels  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Hong Kong Disneyland (@hkdisneyland) Currently, Disneyland Hong Kong is providing the following offers. Here are the details. 1. Park Tickets You can now log in to your MyDisney HK Account and purchase tickets to get a HK$100 discount voucher on shopping and dining. Furthermore, if you are buying a ticket of HK$100, you will get a gift of at least the same amount.  Nevertheless, here are more details about the park tickets.  Park TicketsDetailsNon-stop 2-Day Fun Ticket• Add HK$100 to the price of a regular 1-day ticket and get tickets for two consecutive visits. • General Admission: HK$7691-Day Ticket with Free 20th Anniversary SouvenEAR Mini Party Hat• Enjoy a park visit and get a “complimentary 20th Anniversary SouvenEAR Mini Party Hat.” Offer ends on 27th September, 2025. • General Admission: HK$6691-Day Tickets• General Admission: HK$669• Valid for 3 Months• Choose your type of ticket. Furthermore, the park offers free entry to children under 3 years of age.  2. Magic Access Or Annual Pass From 17th September to 30th December 2025, HKDL is offering a 20% discount on the purchase of three or more Magic Access or Annual Passes.  There are three types of Magic Access or Annual Passes. You can choose a silver, gold, or platinum pass, and the benefits will vary based on the pass you choose.  3. Priority Access And More Do you want the best experience at Disneyland Hong Kong? You can choose a Disneyland VIP Tour at HK$16668. Furthermore, you can have your Disney Princess Moments or have personalized photography services with additional charges.  Furthermore, you can buy an Early Park Entry Pass and Disney Premier Access for priority access and more benefits in the park. The Best Dining Options At Disneyland Hong Kong  There are multiple dining options inside the park with a valid park ticket. You can even take the dining fun a few notches higher by being a part of the Crystal Lotus Disney Friends Dim Sum Making Class with Lunch.  The price for being a part of the Dim Sum Making Class with Lunch is HK$1388 per person. Moreover, you can join the Mickey and Friends Afternoon Tea Party Set at HK$618.  River View Cafe, Explorer’s Club Restaurant, and Enchanted Garden Restaurant are some of the best places to dine in the park. However, to dine at these places or have a fun dining experience, you will need to carry a valid ticket to the park.  How To Reach Disneyland Hong Kong? Disneyland Hong Kong is located at a distance of around 13 km from the Hong Kong International Airport. So, you will reach the park from the airport by road in less than 15 minutes.  Here are more details on how to reach Hong Kong Disneyland.  1. Traveling To Disneyland Hong Kong By MTR Trains Trains run frequently from the Sunny Bay Station to Hong Kong Disneyland Resort. You can board a train from the MTR Kowloon Station and MTR Hong Kong Station to reach HKDL in 30 minutes.  Furthermore, you will get a train from the Hong Kong International Airport MTR Station. However, you will have to transfer at Tsing Yi Station to reach HKDL.  2. Public Bus You will find many local buses from Tung Chung, Downtown Hong Kong, Lantau Link Interchange, and Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge Hong Kong Port.  The bus ticket charges range between HK$3.2 and HK$23.5.  3. Guangdong Cross-Border Bus You can take the Wonderland Express from Huanggang Port. Eternal East Bus runs this service. Furthermore, you can board a cross-border bus from Guangdong Province & Macau.  Trans-island ChinaLink Bus, CTS Bus, and Eternal East Bus offer services on these routes.  4. Taxi The urban taxis or the red taxis, New Territories taxis or green taxis, and Lantau taxis or blue taxis are available to Disneyland Hong Kong.  The government transportation department operates all these taxis.  Moreover, you can choose a car or coach service, resort shuttle service or airport transfers to reach HKDL from various parts of Hong Kong.  Disneyland Hong Kong: Spreading Disney Magic With Community Impacts  Throughout its 20-year journey, Disneyland Hong Kong has been one of the top entertainment employers in the country. Furthermore, the Disney VoluntEARS have devoted around 123,000 hours to help children with ailments and disabilities.  In 2025, as a part of the 20-year celebration of the park, Disneyland will double its donation of 100,000 complimentary park tickets for community organizations serving those in need.  The Future Of Disneyland Hong Kong  The pipeline for the future growth of HLDL looks solid. Michael Moriarty, the managing director of HKDL, says in this context,  “We remain agile and committed to providing innovative experiences and exceptional service for our guests,” Moriarty said. “Those are a testament to the ideals that have guided us for the last 20 years.” An offering of Pixar-themed entertainment and new superhero attractions is going to be the biggest attraction at the park in the near future.  Disneyland Hong Kong: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about Disneyland Hong Kong. 1. Is One Day Enough For Disneyland Hong Kong? Yes, one day is enough to visit Disneyland Hong Kong. However, you can add just HK$100 more to your usual one-day ticket and get access to two consecutive entries. Thus, you can enjoy all the rides and attractions of Disneyland Hong Kong at a much relaxed pace.  2. What Is The Disneyland Hong Kong Fireworks Time? The fireworks at Disneyland Hong Kong or Momentous: Party in the Night Sky usually start from 8 PM. However, the exact time of the fireworks can change on different days based on specific dates and weather conditions.  3. What Are The Disneyland Hong Kong Opening Hours? The park opens at 10:30 AM and it shuts down at 8:30 PM. However, with the Early Park Entry Pass, you are eligible to enter the park before the usual opening hours.  4. What Is The Best Time To Visit Disneyland Hong Kong? October to March is the best time to visit Disneyland Hong Kong, as the temperature is cooler and the humidity in the air is lower. Furthermore, these months usually do not have typhoons.However, if you want to avoid the crowd, you can visit HKDL in early July or September.  5. Can I Bring Food To Disneyland Hong Kong? Yes, you can bring food to Disneyland Hong Kong. However, it must not have pungent odors. Also, you cannot process, heat, or refrigerate the food. 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