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Module 14: Emergencies - Coggle Diagram
Module 14: Emergencies
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MOB
MOB SOP
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Skipper should focus on steering the vessel. Make sure engines are in neutral before recovering the person
buddy system should prevent any members of the crew from falling overboard. However, there are still instances when crew members end up in the water. To ensure that they are spotted quickly, the vessel should be divided into sectors, and each sector should have a lookout.
Engine issues
Non-start
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Inform the NSRI, club or emergency contact of the situation by radio.
Check the kill switches, fuel system, battery terminals, spark plugs, plug leads and connections and fuses.
If after checking it still won't start, radio for assistance using a pan-pan message. The situation should be treated seriously, even though the vessel might not seem in distress. Prepare for the vessel to be rescued.
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Steering problems
Emergency steering
Loss of steering can be caused by a leaking or burst hydraulic line or helm seal, or from damage to the helm unit itself
All vessels, other than small crafts with tillers, must have back-up steering.
This usually consists of a metal plate bolted to the front of one motor and a stainless steel pipe that is used as a handle.
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Before connecting the pipe, disconnect the hydraulic system by opening the bypass valve or loosening the lock nut.
Communication between the throttle control and tiller person is critical and must be practised before emergency steering is needed.
Other methods of steering, such as dragging a drogue off the stern to a specific side, can also be used in emergencies.
Fire
Fires on small vessels
Fire SOP
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Fight fire w wet blankets, water, fire ext
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Fire on large vessels
Causes: electrical systems shorting, the battery charging process or fumes, fuel or oil getting too hot and combusting, the engine room not being clean or the presence of pyrotechnics and oxygen on board.
Fire SOP
Locate the position and activation techniques of all the different types of fire extinguishers aboard the vessel.
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Be able to turn off the fuel shut-off valves, if told to do so by the skipper.
Be able to block off the air intake to the engine room, if told to do so.
Fire extinguishers: have an average discharge time of 20 seconds, so get as close to the fire as safely as possible and direct the jet to the base of the flames. Most small boats only carry one extinguisher per motor, so this technique should be used carefully.
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Take on water
Causes
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Knocked down or capsize, if sea doors are not shut
SOP
Test the high-water alarms frequently and conduct visual engine room checks occasionally when underway.
Know the positions of all the watertight bulkheads and how to access each compartment of the vessel, such as forepeak, forecabin, engine room and the tiller flat.
Know the location of bilge pumps and main propulsion-driven pumps (Japsco), which must be tested and used frequently.
Know other methods of water removal, which includes bailing with a bucket (also known as 'bucket brigade').
In extreme cases, it is possible to assemble an emergency patch, using mats, gratings or bedding. This means positioning the patch from the outside by using ropes and swimmers if necessary.
Finally, it is possible to force bungs and chocks into holes, which will slow down the rate of water going into the vessel.
Capsize
SOP
hold tight with your hands and feet and roll over the vessel. Keep head down as close to the deck as possible.
If inside the boat, move to the front of the vessel. There is the biggest airgap in this part of the vessel, so it's a good point to assemble. Leave the boat together, using the grablines.
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Check for injuries. Those who are hurt or unconscious should be supported so that their faces are kept above water.
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If not already wearing a life jacket, get one and don it. Only inflate when outside the boat. Salvage any floating equipment, especially the capsize bottle.
Calmly decide what to do. Some boats can be righted, such as dinghies and rigid inflatable boats. A boat is nearly always more stable in a capsized position. If it can't be righted, every attempt must be made to get out of the water and onto the hull.
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Stream the sea anchor to reduce drift, unless the vessel is drifting towards shore.
Use flares judiciously and always keep one for attracting the attention of nearby searchers. Use the ID sheet to increase visibility. Activate the EPIRB if necessary.
After a capsize, know the water might be chaotic. There will be fuel, ropes and equipment in the water. Be careful.
Abandon ship
The order to abandon ship can only come from the skipper.
It must be certain that the vessel is no longer the safest place to be. Many abandoned ships continue to float for a significant time period after being left. A large vessel is more visible and easier to track than a life raft or people in the water.
Deploying a life raft
- Examine the securing and release arrangements of the life raft aboard.
- Check over the side to make sure it is safe to launch the raft.
- Make sure the painter link is securely fastened to a strong point on the ship.
- If it can be launched from a safer location, the raft must be moved. Whoever unties the painter cannot help to move the raft, because they are responsible for attaching the painter at the new spot.
- Release the housing straps.
- Launch the raft by throwing it over the side of the ship.
- Take hold of the painter line and pull on it with a series of hard jerks until the CO2 cartridge is activated and the raft inflates.
- Climb down to the lowest point and board the raft.
- If it is possible to step into the raft then do so, but do not jump into the raft, because it might damage it.
- Help each other. Once everyone is in the raft, cut the painter, stream the drogue (sea anchor) and close the entrances. If time permits, take extra clothing, lots of water, food and handheld radios.
After the emergency
Motor restoration
Remove the engine cover, spark plugs and kill switch, as they are fire risks.
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Flush the motor and pour standard fuel mix into all the cylinders and turn the motor, expelling the water.
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Inspect, clean and dry the spark plugs.
Flush the fuel line, fuel filter and carburettor with clean fuel.
Couple with the cooling water to the motor, prime the carburettor and try to start the engine.
Start the motor and run at a quarter throttle for about 10 minutes and a further hour at three-quarter throttle in the safety of flat water in a lagoon or river.
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If there is sand in the motor cylinders, flushing or turning them over will cause damage. Remove the spark plugs and put the motor into a large body of fresh water, until it can be professionally looked at. If in any doubt, speak to an authorised agent or mechanic.
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