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Sailing Safety & Information

Emergency Procedures

Before setting off

Man Overboard Procedures

Carry!

Get advice before buying your boat

Be Safe Afloat

Safety on the Sea.

The following information comes from 'Safety Guidelines for Recreational Boat Users', this is a free publication available from the Coastguard, RNLI and other organisations.

How to get advice before buying your boat.

Decide on the type of n Seamanship, Navigation, Rules of the Road, use of safety equipment and boat/engine maintenance.

Your skills, and those of your crew, are your greatest asset, particularly if things go wrong.

Join a suitable sailing or boating club.

For information on where training is available in your locality: Call the RYA on 01703 627400.

What to do before setting off:


Check the weather

If you change any of the above, remember to inform them ashore.

Yacht and Boat Safety Scheme, a scheme is run by the Coastguard whereby you file details of your boat with them. Contact HM Coastguard for details.

Ensure that parked vehicles and trailers do not obstruct slipways or access for emergency vehicles/lifeboats and are above the high water mark.


Know your limitations:

Sail within your own ability and that of your crew

Ensure you have sufficient experienced crew for the trip, particularly if it is overnight.

Know the limitations of your boat

Do not overload the boat as it will make it unstable.

Be Safe Afloat.



Man Overboard Procedures.


The following information comes from 'Man Overboard Procedures for Pleasure Craft', this is a free publication available from the Coastguard, RNLI and other organisations.



The Statistics.

Approximately 67% of Emergency Services launches for Man Overboard incidents are to 'pleasure craft', powered craft account for 17% of the total.

Learn the basics - Your life may depend on it! The RYA run courses which include Man Overboard procedures.



Prevention.


Guard-rails should be continuous around the upper deck. the ends should be secured with lashings or quick release slips so that you can cut or release them to recover a person from the water.

Treat any slippery surfaces with either non-skid paint or stick-on strips. Pay particular attention to the tops of hatches and sloping coachroof sides with become walkways when the boat is heeled.

Use harness in rough weather and at night. make sure they are adjusted to a tight fit or you can fall out of them.

Fit suitably placed harnesses attachment points close to the companionway so that you can clip on before coming on deck and on both sides of the cockpit. Rig jackstays on both sides of the boat so that you can walk the full length of the deck without having to unclip. Flat webbing straps are in some ways better than wire because wire tends to roll underfoot when you stand on it.

Wear suitable protective clothing and a lifejacket preferably fitted with retro reflective tape and light.

Remember that if you go over the side, at night or in bad weather, there is a high probability that you will not be recovered.

Have the necessary equipment to hand so that it is ready for immediate use:

Horseshoe Lifebuoy - fitted with

A drogue to prevent drifting

An automatic light - a continuous beam is considered most effective

A danbuoy - fitted with a flag 2 metres clear of the water which assists in marking the position of the lifebuoy.

A buoyant heaving line may be necessary in heavy seas if it is difficult to come alongside the person in the water.

Practise Man Overboard Drill regularly - This can be achieved by using a fender and bucket as your casualty.

Remember Practise Makes Perfect!

Action


When you first discover that someone has fallen overboard, the most important thing to remember is Don't panic!

If the person overboard is on a lifeline, stop the boat immediately and then recover them using the lifeline/harness as necessary.

If you are well prepared and have practised the drill regularly, you will automatically know how to react.



Check List.


Immediately throw a lifebuoy and attachments overboard.

Raise the alarm by shouting: "Man Overboard!" (Even if you are the only one left aboard, shouting "Man Overboard" may provide reassurance to the person in the water).

If there are others on board, instruct a crew member to watch the person in the water and point continuously.

Start your recovery manoeuvre. You may have to lower your sails and start your engine - Beware of loose sheets fouling the propeller.

If possible note your position - most navaids have a MOB function - it may prove vital if contact is lost with the person in the water. Remember the MOB function records where the person fell overboard - he/she will drift away with the tide.

If you are the only person on board, do not leave the deck as you may become disorientated and lose sight of the person in the water.

During the hours of darkness, a white parachute flare, which will pick up the reflective tape on clothing/lifejacket, can be used to illuminate the area.

If you cannot see the person in the water, or you have any doubt about your ability to recover him/her, send a Mayday call on your VHF radio.



Manoeuvring



Without an engine.


A simple way to make recovery is to :

Put boat onto an 'apparent' beam reach (burgee across the boat). Allow yourself some sea room to manoeuvre and get yourself organised to recover the person from the water.

Tack and sail on the opposite beam reach (person in the water now on weather bow).

Approach on a close reach easing the sheets in the final stages. Leeway will increase as you slow down - allow for this.

In a larger boat it is easier to come alongside to windward of the person in the water and make the recovery over the leeward side.

In a dinghy, come alongside to leeward of the person in the water and make the recovery by the weather shroud.


With an engine.


To stay as close to the person in the water as possible:

Come up to wind and tack, leaving the headsail cleated so that boat stops heave to.

Throw a heaving line to the person in the water, if in range and haul alongside.

If not within heaving range:

- start the engine

- lower or furl the headsail

- sheet the main sail amidships.

Ensure there are no lines or sheets lying loose on deck or over side that could foul the propeller.



In the water.

Look for the lifebuoy which may be close by. Remain calm, keep your legs together and restrict movements to stop flushing cold water under your clothing.

What ever your situation conserve your body heat - the greatest threat to your survival is from the cold. Remember in UK waters during winter your ability to assist in your rescue will be greatly diminished after ten to fifteen minutes.

In rough conditions, turn your back to the waves to keep your mouth an d nose clear of spray.

Tighten up wrist, ankle and neck fastenings of protective clothing to reduce heat loss and the onset of hypothermia. Do not attempt to swim back to the boat for the same reasons.

If you are not wearing protective clothing or any of the safety equipment advised in this booklet - Good Luck, you'll need it!




Recovery.


Getting the person aboard can be difficult. If you have a bathing platform or boarding ladder and the person in the water is able to help themselves, use it if it safe to do so. If they are unconscious or exhausted, a form of lifting gear will need to be improvised.

A short strop used in conjunction with a block and tackle rigged on the end of a halyard would make it easier for a heavy casualty to be brought on board.

A parbuckle can be improvised by using ropes, nets or a small sail, and the rolling the person out of the water.

A dingy provides another option for recovery, perhaps by partially deflating on section of the sponson tube to make it easier to get them on board.

Prevention is better than cure. Ensure that all actions and safety precautions to prevent a person overboard have been taken and practise drills regularly in all weathers and sea conditions - You could save someone's life.



How to attract attention in an emergency.


A VHF radio, which can be portable, will enable you to summon help by calling the Coastguard on channel 16. This may also alert other vessels in your vicinity who may be able to provide assistance

If you use a radio you need to obtain an operator's certificate and an annual licence. Call the RYA for details.

Carry a portable foghorn and use the whistle fitted to your lifejacket to attract attention if necessary.


Carry!



Carry an alternative means of propulsion and a spare can of fuel.

A set of oars or a small auxiliary outboard are advisable.

A spare can of fuel is essential and should be clearly marked if different types are carried, e.g. petrol, diesel, two stroke.

Always carry a tow-rope and ensure you have a strong towing point in the fore end of the boat.

Carry a first aid kit, a torch and in-date distress flares.



Day and night flares are essential, instructions for their safe use are printed on the side, read these and understand them - It is too late on a dark and stormy night.

RYA courses include instruction in the use of safety equipment, including flares.

A first aid kit and basic first aid knowledge can provide invaluable until professional assistance arrives

Keep all your essential small gear in a watertight container.

Carry an in-date fire extinguisher, a bailer and an anchor with adequate chain and rope.

A length of chain adds weight to the anchor and will improve its holding capability.

Ensure your anchor cable is sufficient length for the area in which you are sailing.

A radar reflector on a yacht will assist with detection by other vessels, particularly in reduced visibility.


Be Aware.


Keep a good look out at all times and be aware of your surroundings.

Be sensible about drinking alcohol - it will impair your judgement.

If you smoke be careful - a fire at sea can be disastrous

Always turn gas bottles off at source when not in use.


Keep an eye on the weather and sea conditions. Seek shelter in good time.

Do not press on regardless - make for a safe haven in good time.

If in doubt, call for help - don't leave it too late!

Remember - it is easier to find you in daylight than it is in darkness.


Emergency Procedures.

The following information comes from 'Emergency Procedures for Pleasure Craft', this is a free publication available from the Coastguard, RNLI and other organisations.


A check list called 'Emergency Radio Procedures' can be obtained from the addresses below.

For information on radio operators courses, sea survival training and distress flare demonstration, contact the RYA.


If you should ever find yourself in a situation where you have had to call out the emergency services, there are quite a few ways in which you can assist to make the rescue go as smoothly as possible. the point covered by these guidelines are worthy of consideration, should such a position arise.

54% of Lifeboat services are carried out for pleasure craft.

Always Brief Your Crew Before Departing About Safety Equipment and Procedures.

Don't delay in calling the Coastguard if you have problems. It is better for the lifeboat or helicopter to launch and than be recalled than to be called out too late!



Clothing/Lifejackets.


If you are in an emergency situation, ensure all crew members are wearing lifejackets and that they are all properly secured.

Put on warm clothing and headgear in case you end up in the water during the rescue operation. This should be done as soon as possible as you may become too busy as the situation develops.

Have a grab bag ready in case you need to abandon at short notice. This should contain emergency equipment i.e. Hand held VHF, flares EPIRB, water, and thermal protective aids e.g. survival bags - not space blankets, which are unsuitable.

Stow the bag in an easily accessible place e.g. just inside the companionway.



Radio/Electronics.


Keep a checklist with the correct radio distress procedures and your call sign adjacent to the radio. It is easy to get muddled when things go wrong.

Follow the checklist instructions when making a distress call.

Maintain a radio watch on channel 16.

Activate the EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Beacon) if you have one. This will assist rescue craft to locate you.

If you have electronic nav aids, e.g. Decca, GPS, use them to up the information passed to the lifeboat/helicopter.

Conserve power, where possible, so that vital equipment can be used for as long as possible.



Recognition.


Flares should always be in date and to hand. Make sure you know how to use them!

When firing parachute flares, remember to aim well clear of sails, mast and rigging. Fire them slightly downwind so that they can achieve maximum height. Do not fire them if a helicopter is close by.

Fire flares to leeward so that smoke and debris is blown clear.

It is important to be easily recognisable from the air, so a large brightly coloured sheet or cover spread over the deck can be of assistance.

Listen on Channel 16 for instructions. You may be asked to give a long count on your VHF radio e.g. 1-10 for direction finding purposes.



Towing Preparations.


Have a plan for securing the tow line to your vessel when it is passed by the lifeboat. Practise this as a routine drill.

As the lifeboat approaches, the coxswain will discuss his intentions with you. Advise him of any hazards, e.g. ropes, sails in the water around you. Follow his instructions - he is the expert!

Do not secure the tow line around the base of a deck stepped mast or to fittings that are not strong enough for the job. If in doubt, back up the tow line using additional ropes to sheet winches or other strong points on deck.

All-weather lifeboats are equipped with a small canvas drogue which may be passed to you for streaming astern of your vessel under certain conditions, particularly if you have lost your rudder. This will make the tow more manageable and also reduce the tendency to broach in following seas.

Where possible, provide suitable protection for the tow rope in way of the bow fairlead(s) to prevent chafe.

A good set of wire cutters are worth carrying t s the helicopter downdraught can be very strong.

Use a red hand held or orange smoke flare as a signal to the helicopter if requested. Never use a parachute flare when the helicopter is near by.

Once contact has been made with the helicopter, the pilot will tell you exactly what his intentions are e.g. Hi-line technique. Follow his instructions - He is the expert.

Winching normally takes place from the stern of the vessel, ensure there is a clear area.

tatic line is secured to the vessel before throwing the liferaft overboard. You may have to pull out about 8 metres of static line before the liferaft inflates.. It is a good idea for a heavier person to board the liferaft first to help stability and assist others onboard.

Don't forget to take the grab bag, plus extra water containers into the liferaft.


REMEMBER - ALWAYS CLIMB INTO YOUR LIFERAFT AS A LAST RESORT. DO NOT ABANDON YOUR VESSEL TOO PREMATURELY!



Fire.


A fire at sea can be a most terrifying experience! It is important to make regular checks on gas bottles and fuel containers to reduce the possibility of vapours escaping into the bilges.

Ensure electrical wiring and connections are in good condition.

Fire extinguishers should be easily accessible and need checking regularly. Make sure your crew know how to use them!

If you find a fire on board, get everyone out of the accommodation. Remember to take the fire extinguishers on deck with you.

Once everyone is clear, try to extinguish the fire and where possible, reduce the air getting to it by sealing off vents and hatches.

Do not go back into the cabin or any smoke filled space.

Move the crew and the liferafts as far away as possible from the seat of the fire and smoke. Follow the same procedure for launching the liferaft as described previously.



Useful Addresses:

Royal Yachting Association (RYA)

RYA House

Romsey Road

Eastleigh

Hants. SO50 9YA.

Telephone: 01703 627400.



Coastguard

Spring Place

105 Commercial Road

Southampton

Hampshire. SO15 1EG.

Telephone: 01703 329100

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