Northern Hemisphere Exercises


SAFETY AND SEAMANSHIP PART A - SAFETY


1. The skipper intends to give a safety briefing to the crew before leaving on passage. Suggest five subject areas that should be included.


2. The motor cruiser Orion has a fire in the engine room, which the automatic extinguisher has not controlled. The decision is made to send a distress alert, followed by a voice mayday on the VHF/DSC radio. The position is 46º 23’.4N 005º 51’.5W. There are two adults and one child on board.


MMSI: 233 006 734. Call sign: MVYQ8. a) How would you initiate and send the DSC distress alert? b) Write down the voice message you would send after the distress alert.


c) On which channel would you transmit the voice message? d) How does using a mobile phone compare to using a marine radio in a distress situation at sea?


3. A helicopter is being sent to evacuate a casualty from your vessel to hospital. a) How should the crew prepare the boat for the helicopter’s arrival?


b) Which signal from the flare box would be the most suitable to signal to the helicopter when it is in sight?


c) What instructions should be given to the crew if a “hi-line” is to be used?


4. When offshore two red parachute rockets, fired in succession, are recommended to initiate a distress: a) Why are rockets recommended when offshore? b) Why is it suggested that the second should follow about a minute after the first?


c) An EPIRB is recommended if making passages beyond the 30–40 mile range of VHF. How do EPIRBs send alerts indicating a vessel is in distress?


5. You have some pyrotechnics which are outside their expiry date. A friend suggests letting them off at a firework party you are attending.


a) Is it legal to use distress signals if you are not in distress? b) How should they be disposed of legally and safely?


6. Do all gas lifejackets: a) Inflate automatically if you fall in the water? b) Include a whistle and oral inflation tube? c) Have a light? d) Have retro-reflective tape? e) Have crotch or thigh straps? f) Fit adults or children?


7. Dangerous incidents occur every year when a tender is used to transfer people from boat to shore. Give five basic safety rules that should be followed when using a tender.


8. A fire is a rare occurrence on a boat. List four precautions that help prevent fires. 9. What is the purpose of “jack-stays” fitted along the side decks of yachts and motor cruisers? 10. Why is a radar reflector particularly important on a GRP or wooden boat? Would an AIS system be as good?


6


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24