Abnormal Situations and Safety Gear

Question 1

If you need to get towed, can you be towed by your mast

Answer 1

Keel-stepped mast - yes

Deck-stepped mast - no

Question 2

What VHF frequency is used for emergencies

Answer 2

Channel 16 (156.8 MHz)

Question 3

What is a EPIRB

Answer 3

Emergency Position Indicator Radio Beacon

• alerts search and rescue agencies
• connected to government run emergency network
• linked to a specific vessel
• Intended strictly for marine use

Question 4

If you run aground what are some things you can do

Answer 4

Check for leaks and broken gear
Check your depth
Note the tide, current, wind, and waves
Anchor to stop boat from going further aground

Raise centerboard and rudder (check wind first)
Use the engine if you have one
Try moving weight forward or aft
Try heeling over with the sails
Kedging

Question 5

State of Florida and life jacket laws

Answer 5

All vessels require 1 wearable PFD for each occupant

Sailboats 16 feet or longer also require a throwable PFD

If being towed you need to wear a PFD

Children under 6 on boats less than 26 feet are required to wear a Type I, II, or III PFD while underway

Question 6

What is VHF radio range dependent on

Generally speaking, about how far can you transmit and receive while using VHF

Answer 6

Antenna height
Line of sight
-transmitting and receiving antennas must be able to see each other
Transmitter power (25 watts is max)

More or less, about 10 miles

Question 7

When are you required to carry “visual distress signals”

If required, what would you have to have onboard

Answer 7

All vessels except boats 15 feet or less and
Open sailboats 25 feet or less

• Orange and black flag
• A light to flash S.O.S
• Three handheld red flares (day or night)

Question 8

Name some HF frequencies for long range communication

What frequency is no longer monitored by the USCG

Answer 8

4125 kHz
6215 kHz
8291 kHz
12290 kHz
16420 kHz

2182 kHz no longer monitored

Question 9

What is the S.O.S signal

Answer 9

3 short flashes, 3 long flashes, 3 short flashes

Question 10

If you are being towed, about how much towline should there be between the two boats

Answer 10

Open water - five boat lengths

Close quarters - one boat length

Question 11

Considerations for a “man overboard”

Answer 11

-Toss a flotation device
-If you have a GPS hit MOB
-Keep a watch on the person
-Jibe (usually quickest and easiest)
or
Head up, stop, and make a course just downwind
-Turn on engine

Question 12

What is a PLB and some of it’s characteristics

Answer 12

Personal Locator Beacon

• alerts search and rescue agencies
• connected to government run emergency network
• can be carried anywhere
• less bulky than EPIRB but half the battery life
• incorporates a 121.5 MHz for homing