Marine exam pt. 6 Flashcards
Capsize
Capsizes have caused more boating deaths than any other type of accident. These are among the commonest capsizing factors: gross overloading, or poor distribution of load; broaching when running with a following sea. This is made more likely by the boat not having the bow trimmed up; free surface effect due to water in the boat or shifting load; poor driving technique; caught by breakers on the seaward side of a reef (usually on days of bigger than normal swell); and caught by wind and waves with the occupants on one side pulling pots. Stay with the vessel if possible. If the boat capsizes, make sure they are all there and make sure they stay with the boat. Most trailable-sized boats have enough flotation to keep afloat if upturned. If you can, turn the boat upright and bail it out. If you cannot right the boat and get inside it you should try to get as much of yourselves as possible onto the hull – you will lose less body heat. Consider getting the best swimmer to dive and remove lifejackets and safety gear. Keeping the small items in a watertight container will have made this easier. Once you have your safety gear, consider the appropriate means to use to get help. Never swim away from a capsized boat.
Sinking
Most trailer boats have flotation to cope with flooding, and seldom sink. Larger boats without flotation usually take some time to sink. Having life jackets quickly accessible, safety items and emergency provisions in a watertight drum, and water in a floating container should allow enough time to take these essentials with you. Before abandoning the boat, attempt to send a Mayday message. Do not remove any clothing – if there is time, it is better to put more on. Once in the water activate the EPIRB. To keep everybody together, and to conserve body heat, adopt the huddle position.
Grounding
Grounding is very common, with results ranging from minor scratching to sinking, injuries and environmental damage. The speed and type of bottom hit are often all that cause the difference. If you do run aground, look after your passengers. Coming to a sudden stop can cause injuries. You may need to call for medical assistance.
Breakdowns
If you are unable to restart the motor, you should, if possible, anchor to hold your position. Unless your boat is drifting into danger or has other problems, breakdown is not a reason for making a Pan Pan or Mayday call. You should call Sea Rescue for assistance.
Fire
Fire prevention is preferable to fire fighting. Fires involving LP gas are invariably catastrophic, and petrol fires usually so – essentially, they are explosions rather than fires. Besides these, boats are prone to the same types and causes of fires as you get ashore.
Causes of fire
– overheated oil on galley stove;
– overloaded or incorrectly wired electrical system;
– poor engine room housekeeping – rags in contact with turbocharger or exhaust system;
– leaking fuel or gas lines; or
– poor refuelling technique.
Correct installation, good housekeeping, regular maintenance and good fire prevention technique can prevent most of these.
Fighting a fire
The most important consideration is human life, the boat is secondary. Raise the alarm and make a head count. Get someone to make a Pan Pan radio call. Get someone to take charge of the safety gear and move the passengers as far as possible from the fire. If the fire is within an enclosed space, close all openings to reduce air supply to the fire. Close off fuel lines and gas lines. Try to put out the fire with extinguishers, fire blanket, water buckets or whatever is appropriate. The best way to deal with burning items may be simply to throw them over the side. When the fire is apparently out, still keep an eye on it and on adjoining spaces; fires can restart. Chemical extinguishers do not cool fires – consider using water to cool after the flames are extinguished.
Seasickness- Preventive measures
Check whether your passengers are prone to seasickness. If they usually take medication for it, make sure they take it at the recommended time. For those prone to seasickness consider the following:
– Non-medication remedies work for many people. Eating ginger or wearing an acupuncture band are popular.
– Avoid greasy food and alcohol before and during the trip.
– Sit in the lowest motion part of the boat, usually near the stern.
– Stay in the open air.
If seasickness strikes Often, people are only prone to seasickness in a stationary boat. If a bad bout comes on, try getting under way again. Bad seasickness can dehydrate people quickly. Encourage a seasick person to continually sip water.
Hypothermia
Treating hypothermia- Usually the circumstances will suggest the possibility of hypothermia if the victim seems drowsy and is cold to the touch. Other signs include, faint, slow pulse; shallow breathing; confusion, with slurred speech; and dilated pupils.
Your aim should be to prevent further heat loss, and gradually warm the victim. Move the victim to a sheltered part of the boat. Remove wet clothing and wrap in whatever clothing, blankets etc are available. Dry the hair and put a beanie or similar on the head. Probably the best way to gently warm the victim is to share a sleeping bag and use your body’s own heat. Do not rub or massage. Do not give alcohol. Make a radio call to Sea Rescue and ask for further advice while heading for shore at your best speed.
Huddle/HELP position – lessening the effect
If at all possible get out of the water, or at least get out as much of yourself as you can by climbing onto a capsized hull. If in the water, wearing a life jacket allows you to protect the heat loss areas. The Heat Escape Lessening Position (HELP) puts your legs together and drawn up, your upper arms tight by the sides of your chest, and your head back. The Huddle position is adopted by a group of people. Clustering close together in a circle, ribs touching, arms around each other, greatly reduces heat loss.
