Accidents (pgs 97 -122)

Question 1

How can you prevent a man overboard situation?

Answer 1

Ensure that everyone is aware, and keeps one hand on the boat. Adapt behavior to conditions. Use a harness attached to the boat as necessary.

Question 2

What should you do in the case of a man overboard situation?

Answer 2

1. Say “Man overboard!”
2. Mark the position on your GPS, and throw a flotation device to the victim
3. Assign someone to not lose sight of the victim
4. Return to the victim
5. Approach the victim slowly
6. Bring the victim aboard
   If retrieval will be difficult, you can use your radio to get help from another nearby vessel or professional rescue services. A mayday call is in order if immediate retrieval isn’t possible. In this case, a search pattern should be devised and executed.

Question 3

What should you do in the case of propulsion failure? Steering failure?

Answer 3

A secondary means of propulsion should always be available. One can always devise sails in an emergency. If your boat has two engines, the boat can be steered by varying their speeds. A sailboat can be steered using sail trim. A paddle, or anything dropped over the side to drag along side the boat, will also do as a makeshift rudder.

Question 4

What should you do if you’ve run aground?

Answer 4

1. Check for damage
2. Look at the seabed to determine what the boat has grounded on
3. Lay out an anchor or ground tackle if surf might turn the boat broadside to the waves
4. Refloat the boat if damage does not appear to be severe (float on an incoming tide, use the engine, rock the boat back and forth with the rudder, transfer weight to the bow, pull the boat off with ground tackle, get a tow)

Question 5

What are considerations when towing?

Answer 5

Generally, the longer line the better. Nylon’s elasticity and strength make it dangerous as a towline. Weight the towline in the center to act as a shock absorber as the rope loads. Secure the line near to the pivot point of the vessels. Cleats are typically not designed to take the weight of a tow. Pick up speed gradually. Keep in regular touch with the towed boat. Make sure the engine is not overheating. Regularly check towline and points of connection.

Question 6

What might be in your first-aid kit?

Answer 6

Anti-bacterial solution, antihistamine tablets, band aids, burn dressings, aspirin, CPR face mask, bandages, strip dressings, eye irrigation solution, insect repellent, latex gloves, medical tape, gauze, scissors, seasickness meds, tweezers, sun screen, thermal survival sheet, triangular bandage, white vinegar…

Question 7

How might you treat hypothermia?

Answer 7

Hypothermia is a lowered, deep body temperature, and can be fatal. Symptoms include shivering at first, followed by decreased consciousness and heart failure. To prevent it, take extra clothing, prevent fatigue, eat and drink regularly, stay warm and dry, wear a hat, gloves, scarf, do not drink alcohol, be careful if you’re seasick. To re-warm, apply treatment to the chest. You can use body contact, warm water to drink, electric or chemical warming pads, hot baths or showers (but keep arms and legs clear), warm wet towels, hot water bottles…