Unit 5: Boating Emergencies
you cannot get out of the water quickly
act to protect against rapid heat loss by slowing heat loss if
an exhaust component failure
any change in exhaust sound can indicate
electrically grounded
boats are vulnerable to lightning if not
- visual distress signals - VHF Marine Radio - cell phone - Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
equipment on board needed to summon help
10 minutes
how long do you have to save yourself after falling into cold water
swim - on your back - with your upper arms against the sides of your chest - your thighs together - your knees bent - Flutter-kick with your lower legs
how to conserve energy and minimize movement if you have to swim
P: Pull pin. A: Aim at base of fire. S: Squeeze handle. S: Sweep side to side.
how to use fire extinguisher (PASS)
reduce hypothermia.
in cold water, float rather than tread to
intership safety communications.
purpose of VHF marine radio Channel 6
head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach
when you first see the signs of a storm
downwind fire
- fire is at the back: head into the wind - fire is at the front: put the stern into the wind
treating victims of cold water immersion
- get the victim out of the water as soon as possible - place them in a horizontal position. - prevent further heat loss - treat the hypothermia victim gently and to your level of training - be prepared to provide basic life support - seek medical help immediately
profile of a typical U.S. boating fatality
- someone not wearing a PFD falls overboard and drowns - a vessel capsizes and someone drowns - a vessel strikes another vessel or fixed object, and the occupants are fatally injured or drown due to injuries
VHF-FM radio stations / frequencies that broadcast National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) weather reports
162.400 MHz 162.425 MHz 162.450 MHz 162.475 MHz 162.500 MHz 162.525 MHz 162.550 MHz
Stage 1: Initial "cold shock" Stage 2: Short-term "swim failure" Stage 3: Long-term immersion hypothermia Stage 4: Post-immersion collapse
4 Stages of Cold Water Immersion
Try to reboard your boat, even if it is swamped or capsized, or anything else that is floating.
After you fall into cold water, focus on locating and getting everyone out of the water quickly before you lose full use of your hands, arms, and legs.
seasickness or intoxication
CO poisoning is often confused with
this position protects the body's three major areas of heat loss
Heat Escape Lessening Posture position
1. Transmit "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY." 2. Say "This is (name of boat three times, call letters once)." 3. Repeat once more "MAYDAY" and your vessel's name. 4. Report your location. 5. Report the nature of your emergency. 6. Report the kind of assistance needed. 7. Report the number of people on board and condition of any injured. 8. Describe the vessel and its seaworthiness. 9. Wait for a response. If there is none, repeat the message.
How to issue a MAYDAY call on Channel 16 of your VHF radio
loss of consciousness and death, with or without drowning
Hypothermia eventually leads to
1. Reduce speed 2. Toss the victim a PFD 3. Turn your boat around and slowly pull alongside the victim 4. Approach the victim from downwind or into the current, whichever is stronger 5. Stop the engine 6. Pull the victim on board over the stern keeping the weight in the boat balanced, especially in small boats
If someone on your boat falls overboard, you need to immediately:
Treading water will cause you to lose body heat faster.
If your boat remains afloat, try to reboard or climb onto it in order to get as much of your body out of the cold water as possible.
Always keep your shoulders between the gunwales.
Keep centered in the boat with your center of gravity low in the boat.
- make sure everyone has a PFD on and that is is secured - passengers should sit on the vessel floor close to the centerline
Preparation of passengers for severe weather
- slow down - close all hatches, windows, and doors to reduce the chance of swamping - stow any unnecessary gear - turn on your boat's navigation lights - keep bilges free of water - be prepared to remove water by bailing - if there is lightning, disconnect all electrical equipment. Stay as clear of metal objects as possible
Preparation of the boat to handle severe weather
Channel 22
VHF Marine Radio channel for communications between the Coast Guard and the maritime public, both recreational and commercial. Severe weather warnings, hazards to navigation, and other safety warnings are broadcast on this channel
Channel 70
VHF Marine Radio channel for digital selective calling "alert channel."
Channel 16
VHF Marine Radio channel for distress and safety calls to Coast Guard and others, and to initiate calls to other vessels; often called the "hailing" channel. (Some regions use other channels as the hailing channel. For example, the Northeast uses Channel 9.) When hailing, contact the other vessel, quickly agree to another channel, and then switch to that channel to continue conversation
Channel 6
VHF Marine Radio channel for intership safety communications.
Channel 24-28
VHF Marine Radio channel for public telephone calls (to marine operator)
Channel 13
VHF Marine Radio channel strictly for navigational purposes by commercial, military, and recreational vessels at bridges, locks, and harbors
foul weather approaching
a decreasing barometer indicates
good weather
a rising barometer indicates
a bucket
acceptable substitute for a sea anchor during a storm
- more effective for marine communications than CB radios - they have more consistent reception than mobile phones - no license is needed when used in recreational boats - they withstand rough weather - boat-mounted radios are wired to the boat's battery - the source of a VHF signal can be located so that you can be found even in fog
advantages of VHF marine radios
Channel 16, the emergency channel
always monitor this VHF marine channel when operating your boat
one-watt setting
always use this energy setting on your VHF marine radio, except in an emergency or if your signal is too weak
regular maintenance
an inflatable PFD is a mechanical device so it requires
barometer
an instrument that measures atmospheric pressure
carbon monoxide (CO)
an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas that is produced when a carbon-based fuel burns
77° Fahrenheit
cold make the victim as comfortable and safe as possible until medical personnel arrive
25 times faster
cold water robs the body of heat how much faster than cold air
teak surfing
dragging or water-skiing within 20 feet of a moving vessel (can be fatal)
CO2 cylinder
each inflatable PFD has like
- glare of the sun - heat of the sun - motion of the vessel caused by wind and waves - noise of the engine - vibration of the engine
examples of boating stressors
- jon boat - canoe - boat with low sides
examples of small boats of open design
after heavy rainfall
floating debris is more common...
inlets and bays
fog creates the most problems in which bodies of water
- allow fresh air to circulate throughout the boat at all times, even during bad weather - keep away from your engine and generator exhaust outlets - never sit on the back deck, "teak surf," or hang on the swim platform while the engines are running - don't enter areas under swim platforms - ventilate immediately if exhaust fumes are detected on the boat - install and maintain CO detectors inside your boat
how to protect yourself and people on your boat from CO poisoning
- stay as motionless as possible, protecting the high heat loss areas of your body - keep your head and neck out of the water - stay close to the boat - if alone, use the HELP position - if there are others in the water with you, huddle together
how to slow heat loss
Row
if a rowboat is available, get to the victim and then use an oar or paddle to pull the victim to the stern. Let the victim hold onto the stern as you paddle to shore. If the victim is too weak, hold onto him or her until help arrives. If using a powerboat, stop the engine and glide to the victim from the downwind side
it may be best to ride it out in open water rather than try to approach the shore in heavy wind and waves
if already caught in a storm
1. Stop the boat 2. Have everyone put on a PFD 3. Position the boat so that the fire is downwind 4. Shut off fuel supply if fire is near engine 5. Aim extinguisher at base of the flames, sweep back and forth (PASS) 6. Get help from VHF marine radio
if fire erupts on your boat
traveling toward the boat. If you can't reach the USCG, assist the other boat to the best of your ability while not placing yourself or your passengers in danger
if no one is answering another boat's distress call on Channel 16, try to reach the USCG while
all gasoline-powered generators with transom exhaust ports must be off
if persons are using a swim platform or are close to the stern
drop a "sea anchor" on a line off the bow to keep the bow headed into the wind and reduce drifting while you ride out the storm
if the engine stops during a storm
to prevent your boat from drifting into dangerous areas
if the sea anchor is not sufficient, anchor using your conventional anchor
Throw
if the victim is too far away to reach and a boat isn't handy, toss the victim a PFD or anything else that will float
a MAYDAY call on Channel 16
if you have a life-threatening emergency, have everyone put on life jackets and issue a call using your VHF radios for
45 degrees
in a storm, head the bow into the waves at an angle of
symptoms of hypothermia
in order of severity - Shivering, slurred speech, blurred vision - Bluish lips and fingernails - Loss of feeling in extremities - Cold, bluish skin - Confusion - Dizziness - Rigidity in extremities - Unconsciousness - Coma - Death
16 and older
inflatable PFDs are approved only for people
three points of contact
keeping both hands and one foot OR both feet and one hand in contact with the boat at all times
falling overboard and drowning
major cause of fatalities for small boats
major
make the victim as comfortable and safe as possible until medical personnel arrive if the injury is
men 26-50 years old who have been boating for years and likely know how to swim
most common victims of boating fatalities
boating stressors
natural stressors that make you tire more rapidly when on the water—regardless of your age or level of fitness
- gasoline - oil - grease - electrical
never use water on which type of fires
Channel 68 Channel 69
non-emergency VHF marine radio channels
ultraviolet radiation from the sun
over time, the synthetic materials of your PFD will be broke down by
strictly for navigational purposes by commercial, military, and recreational vessels at bridges, locks, and harbors
purpose of VHF marine radio Channel 13
distress and safety calls to Coast Guard and others, and to initiate calls to other vessels; often called the "hailing" channel. (Some regions use other channels as the hailing channel. For example, the Northeast uses Channel 9.) When hailing, contact the other vessel, quickly agree to another channel, and then switch to that channel to continue conversation
purpose of VHF marine radio Channel 16
communications between the Coast Guard and the maritime public, both recreational and commercial. Severe weather warnings, hazards to navigation, and other safety warnings are broadcast on this channel
purpose of VHF marine radio Channel 22
public telephone calls (to marine operator)
purpose of VHF marine radio Channel 24-28
recreational vessel radio channels and ship to coast
purpose of VHF marine radio Channel 68, 69, 71
digital selective calling "alert channel."
purpose of VHF marine radio Channel 70
communications between vessels (commercial and recreational), and ship to coast (calling channel in designated USCG Districts)
purpose of VHF marine radio Channel 9
the PFD is inflated
replace the CO2 cylinder in an inflatable PFD every time
- thirst - dry mouth - sleepiness - irritability - weakness - dizziness - headache
signs of dehydration
- rust - black streaking - water leaks - corroded or cracked fittings - burns in rubber exhaust hoses - deterioration of rubber exhaust hoses
signs of leaks from exhaust system components
- the wearer falls into the water - others require the wearer to pull a cord
some inflatable PFDs are designed to inflate when
- gasoline engines - gas generators - cooking ranges - heaters
sources of CO on your boat
Stage 2: Short-term "swim failure"
stage in cold water immersion that occurs 3-30 minutes following immersion in cold water. - muscles and nerves in the arms and legs cool quickly - manual dexterity, hand grip strength, and speed of movement all can drop by 60% - 80% - death occurs by drowning
Stage 4: Post-immersion collapse
stage in cold water immersion that occurs during or after rescue. Once rescued, after you have been immersed in cold water, you are still in danger from collapse of arterial blood pressure leading to cardiac arrest. Also, inhaled water can damage your lungs, and heart problems can develop as cold blood from your arms and legs is released into the core of your body
Stage 1: Initial "cold shock"
stage in cold water immersion that occurs in the first 3-5 minutes of immersion in cold water. Sudden immersion into cold water can cause (can result in inhalation and drowning) - immediate, involuntary gasping - hyperventilation - panic - vertigo (can result in death) - sudden change in blood pressure - heart rate - heart rhythm
Stage 3: Long-term immersion hypothermia
stage in cold water immersion that sets in after 30 minutes, at a rate depending on water temperature, clothing, body type, and your behavior in the water - cold water robs the body of heat 25 times faster than cold air - Hypothermia occurs - Hypothermia eventually leads to loss of consciousness and death, with or without drowning
Go
swimmers without lifesaving training should not swim to a victim. Instead, get help. If you must swim, take along anything that floats to keep between you and the victim
as a last resort
swimming to shore should be considered only
- irritated eyes - headache - nausea - weakness - dizziness
symptoms of CO poisoning
death
the colder the water, the greater the chance of
west
the direction from which most bad weather arrives
- height of the antenna AND the - power of the radio
the distance for sending and receiving messages on VHF marine radios is limited by the
Channel 16
the distress channel for VHF marine radios
get as much of your body out of the water as possible
the most important thing to try to do during cold water immersion
risk management
the process of recognizing and acting upon accident warning signs or minimizing the effects of an accident if it does occur
PWCs
these vessels should head directly into the waves during a storm
another vessel's exhaust
this can can emit carbon monoxide into the cabin and cockpit of your vessel from a vessel alongside you
blocked exhaust outlets
this can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate in the cabin and cockpit area
slow speed / idling
this causes carbon monoxide to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, and rear deck
station wagon effect
this causes carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin and cockpit if you are operating the vessel at a high bow angle, if there is an opening that draws in exhaust, or if protective coverings are used when the vessel is underway
Very High Frequency (VHF) marine radio
this device has channels that are reserved for distress calls and are monitored continuously by the USCG
1/3 of the amount of alcohol on land
this fraction of the amount of alcohol it takes to make a person legally intoxicated on land can make a boater equally intoxicated on the water
shut of the fuel supply
this must be done quickly if the fire is in an engine space
Hypothermia
this occurs when your body loses heat faster than it produces it, cooling the organs in the core of your body
90%
this percentage of drowning victims are not wearing a life jacket
10%
this percentage of drowning victims were wearing a proper PFD
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
this satellite device is designed to quickly and reliably alert rescue forces, indicate an accurate distress position, and guide rescue units to the distress scene, even when all other communications fail
during the temperature changes of the early morning or evening hours
time of day when fog typically forms
1. Count the number of seconds between the flash of lightning and the clap of thunder 2. Divide the number of seconds by five
to determine the distance you are from an approaching thunderstorm (in miles)
Reach
to extend a fishing rod, branch, oar, towel, or other object to the victim and pull him or her to safety. If nothing is available, lie flat on the dock and grab the victim's hand or wrist, and pull him or her to safety
on the vessel floor close to the centerline
to make the boat more stable, where should the passengers sit in the presence of severe weather
bailing
to remove water by scooping it out with a bucket
every 15-20 minutes
to stay hydrated, drink water at what time intervals
minor
treat it immediately if an injury is
- Reach - Throw - Row - Go
try to talk to people who fall in while you are on a dock. If they are unable you should
- looks like a pair of suspenders - a belt pack that looks like a small fanny pack
two styles of inflatable life jackets
sailboats
type of boats that are particularly vulnerable to lightning
grounded vessel (runs aground)
vessel when it is stuck on the bottom
every hour
weather reports by NOAA are updated this often
- remain silent - listen - write down information about the boat in distress - listen if the USCG or other rescue authority responds to their distress call
what to do if you hear MAYDAY call on Channel 16 try to reach the USCG while traveling toward the boat
1. Check for leaks. If there are no leaks, try to get loose 2. Don't put the boat in reverse. 3. Stop the engine 4. Lift the outdrive. 5. Shift the weight to the area farthest away from the point of impact. 5. Try to shove off from the rock, bottom, or reef with a paddle or boathook. 6. Check to make sure your boat is not taking on water.
what to do if you run aground
swamping
when a powerboat turns its stern to the waves, the boat is more vulnerable to
20 ft. away
when another vessel near you is running a generator or engine, your vessel should be at least
keep the weight in the boat balanced
when pulling someone on board make sure to
safety typically looks closer than it actually is
why is staying with the boat is always a better choice than swimming
rescuers can spot a group more easily than individuals
why stay in a group when stranded in water
a weather change
wind direction shifts indicates
Small Craft Advisory
winds: 21 - 33 knots / 24 - 38 mph create conditions considered dangerous to small vessels
Gale Warning
winds: 34 - 47 knots / 39 - 54 mph
Storm Warning
winds: 48+ knots / 55+ mph. tropical cyclone: winds of 48 - 63 knots
Hurricane Warning
winds: 64+ knots / 74+ mph and above connection with a hurricane
to the waves
without power, a powerboat usually will turn its stern
removing the CO2 cylinder and orally inflating the PFD
you can check that an inflatable PFD has no leaks by
- on PWCs - water-skiing
you can't wear inflatable PFDs while
10-15 minutes
you lose dexterity this long after cold water immersion
- fuel - oxygen - heat
3 ingredients require to ignite a fire
If you must move, maintain three points of contact.
If possible, don't move about the boat.
very high frequency
VHF
Channel 9
VHF Marine Radio channel for communications between vessels (commercial and recreational), and ship to coast (calling channel in designated USCG Districts)
Channel 68, 69, 71
VHF Marine Radio channel for recreational vessel radio channels and ship to coast
