Emergencies (Powerboat Level 2)

UNDERSTANDS: 

  • Disabled craft
  • Emergency action, preventing sinking
  • Adrift - alternative means of propulsion
  • Actions to be taken by a disabled craft and being towed
  • Fire precautions & fire fighting
  • Distress signals, means of issuing distress, DSC and Mayday Call

Understands: Disabled craft

  • First action: Where possible, anchor to prevent drifting into dangerous area. 
  • Second action: Attempt to resolve issue
  • If required: Summon assistance (VHF call or visual signal)

Understands: Actions to be taken by a disabled craft and being towed

How? i.e. Type of tow: Alongside or astern?

What? Strong points to use? 

Where? Are you going to be towed / towing to? 

Understands: Emergency action, preventing sinking

  • Emergency kit i.e. soft wooden bungs & mallet (small hull damage), emergency RIB tube repair kit, clam seal etc

Understands: Adrift - alternative means of propulsion

  • First action: Where possible, anchor to prevent drifting into dangerous area. 
  • Second action: Attempt to resolve issue
  • If required: Summon assistance (VHF call or visual signal), Alternative means of propulsion i.e axillary engine or paddles (ensure students understands limited effect of paddles dependant on vessel size). 

Understands: Fire precautions and fire fighting

Prevention: Only carry limited spare fuel, NO smoking or naked flames onboard etc

Fire Extinguishers: Limited in effectiveness but better to try something than nothing ! 

Understands: Distress signals, means of issuing distress, DSC and Mayday call

  • Benefits and means of obtaining VHF licence
  • VHF: How to issue a DSC distress alert & make a Mayday call
  • Flares - when & how to use (red & orange smoke)
  • Sound signals i.e. whistle, fog horn (continuous sounding)
  • Mobile Phone: 999 to call coastguard
  • Visual signal : arms up & down
  • Other Electronic signals: PLB / EPIRB)