America’s Boating Course 3 rd Edition

1. America’s Boating Course3rd Edition Adverse Conditions and Emergencies Chapter 3 Section 11 Presented by the St Paul Sail and Power Squadron 1

2. In An Emergency … Wear your Have crew wear Have guests wear P F D 2

3. Man Overboard (PIW) Prevention Recovery Use tether or jackline Stay in cockpit or cabin Watch crew & passengers Account for all • Shout ‘man overboard’ • Throw floatation • Assign ‘watcher’ • Circle back – approach into wind • Turn engine off – in gear • Consider ‘Lifesling’ to assist 3

4. Fires • PREVENTION • Proper fuel handling • Bilge inspection • Check fuel system • Inspect wiring • Use only marine parts • Cook in stable conditions • Caution in storing inflammables • RESPONDING • First priority – people • Get people upwind of fire • Issue distress call • Turn off fuel & power • Access fire extinguishers • Locate source of fire • Evacuate boat, if necessary 4

5. Swamp/Capsize Swamp boat fills with water Capsize boat overturns • Stay with the boat • Don’t swim for shore • In a river, float feet-first, downstream 5

6. Hypothermia • DELAY • Use PFD – remain inactive • Retain heat • H.E.L.P. position • Group huddle • CARE • Seek medical attention • Use CPR as necessary • Move to warm place • Warm victim slowly – not rapidly • Abnormal lowering of internal body temperature by cold air or water • Symptoms • Shivering, numbness, apathy • Weakness, unconsciousness • Impared judgement, glassy stare 6

7. Cold Water Immersion COLD WATER IMMERSION Can kill before hypothermia Gasp reflex when water under 50° F Can cause cardiac arrest Reduce hazard by: Attempt to block gasp reflex Type I or II PFD & automatic inflation 7

8. Carbon Monoxide Symptoms Nausea, weakness Watering eyes, ears ring, red skin • TAKE CARE • Near exhaust – death in minutes • On swim platform – unconscious in minutes • Possible station wagon effect in cockpit • Results • Light-headedness, headache • Drowsiness, unconsciousness • Death 8

9. Carbon Monoxide TREATMENT Victim must breathe fresh air If breathing stopped – CPR Get medical attention Watch for relapse • PREVENTION 9

10. Medical Emergencies First Aid & CPR First Aid manual First Aid kit 10

11. Collision PREVENTION Follow navigation rules Take every action to prevent collision Anticipate & avoid bad weather Seek shelter in unfavorable conditions • REACTIONS • Check for missing/injuries • PFDs • Check for fire • Radio for assistance • Don’t pull boats apart • Stay with the boat 11

12. Grounding PREVENTION Learn to use charts Use depth sounder • REACTIONS • Get PFDs on everyone • Check for hull damage • If damaged, do not move boat • If hull intact, shift weight to free • Sailboats – heel boat • Use dinghy to drop anchor, pull free 12

13. Fuel Low fuel – reduce speed No fuel – anchor out of channel Call for assistance 1/3 Reserve 1/3 Out 1/3 Return 13

14. Towing • PROCEDURE • Wear PFD • Strong tow lines • Proper cleats • Tow line danger • Adjust length of line • Slow & steady 14

15. Restricted Visibility Check weather forecast Reduce speed Wear PFDs Post lookout Turn on navigation lights Use sound signals Listen … Listen … Listen 15

16. Severe Weather Check weather forecast Watch dark clouds & squall lines Monitor temperature & humidity changes Watch for strong winds • Seek shelter 16

17. Heavy Seas Check weather forecast Anticipate – seek shelter Avoid breaking waves (maybe deeper water) Beware of opposing wind & current 17

18. Waves Cross at angle – not head-on Angle should maintain steerage Avoid traveling parallel to waves 18

19. Waves RUNNING BEFORE Risk of pitch-pole Set speed to stay on back side of wave Watch wave heights before going over wave 19

20. Waves RUNNING PARALLEL Risk of broaching Reverse direction between crests Never run parallel to waves in an inlet 20

21. End Section 11 21