Before leaving the dock, the Boat Operator or “Captain” should review his checklist and conduct a safety brief with the crew; discussing:
- Where the Life Jackets are and how to use any devices attached to it.
- Where if required, the throw cushion is in the event a person falls overboard.
- How to mark the position of a “Man Overboard” on the GPS
- How to operate the marine radio and use the Hailing and Distress (channel16)
- Remind Crew that everyone’s a lookout for potential dangers
- Where the First Aid kit is.
- Where the Fire Extinguishers are located
- Where the Emergency Float Bag is and what’s inside it; in the event of a sinking or overturned vessel.
Checklist
- Weather and Sea conditions
- Boat Plug
- Adequate Fuel and Oil
- Registration/Documentation paperwork
- Nautical Charts/ Navigational Aids
- Float Plan
- Marine Radio Check
- Sound producing device (Horn or Whistle)
- Navigation Lights
- Engine Safety Lanyard
- Vessel’s Capacity
- Appropriate Life Jacket for each person onboard (or -50ºF cold water immersion suit)
- Tool Box
- Dock Lines
- Epirb or (personal epirb) - Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
- Anchor with suitable type and length of line
- Calm seas 5-7 times water depth, Rough seas 7-10 times water depth
Man Overboard
During a Man Overboard Rescue, Move Fast and Stay Calm
Experts tell us that in every emergency situation, "Remain calm". Initial reactions often set the stage for the outcome. You may at some point experience a passenger falling overboard; a potentially dangerous situation for both you and the person in the water. Preparing ahead of time and making rescue procedures routine can help ensure that if this should happen, you'll know how to get the person back aboard safely.
There are generally three positions during a man overboard: the helmsman, a pointer and the recovery person; unless there were only 3 people aboard. In that case, the pointer becomes the recovery person when the helmsman has the person in site. When a person falls overboard, remain calm but do not remain quiet. This is one circumstance in which it's not rude to yell and point.
To keep thing simple and easy to remember, here are the steps for each position:
The Pointer
- The person who sees the person fall overboard yells "Man Overboard!" followed by "Port Side!" (Left side) or "Starboard Side!" (Right side) depending on the side of the boat the person fell off.
- Throw a life ring or Type IV seat cushion to provide something for the person to hold and it also marks the position if the person is lost.
- Keep pointing until the person is recovered.
The Helmsman
- Turns the vessel in the direction the person fell over to swing the propellers away from the person in the water and create a clear “line of site” for the pointer.
- Sound 5, or more short (1 second blasts) on horn to announce to nearby vessels that you have a dangerous situation.
- Save the position (if available) by utilizing the GPS manufacturer’s MOB button in the event the person is lost.
- Determine for the remaining crew, which side will be used for recovery and position for recovery. Do not engage engines when alongside person in water.
Recovery Person
- If available, the recovery person should prepare for recovering the person in the water by obtaining a rescue heaving line or throw bag. A float cushion or life jacket tied to a line can be used as well.
- Prepare the line to be thrown and stand by for command from the helmsman so that everyone is working together and to prevent lines from tangling in the engines during vessel maneuvers.
- Throw the rescue line to the person in the water and pull them to the side of the boat where they can be recovered.
- Check for injuries
Note: An unconscious person in the water will have to be pulled directly out of the water since they can not grab a rescue line. If there's any doubt about safety or medical evacuation is needed, call the U.S. Coast Guard for assistance using the marine radio.
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers. Essential steps include: wearing a life jacket at all times and requiring passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence (BUI); successfully completing a boating safety course; and getting a Vessel Safety Check (VSC) annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries, United States Power Squadrons®, or your state boating agency's Vessel Examiners. The U.S. Coast Guard reminds all boaters to "Boat Responsibly!" For more information and tips on boating safety, visit www.USCGboating.org. |
