Emergency Procedures and Equipment
What this domain tests
This domain tests your ability to respond to a person overboard, fire, flooding, capsize, or a distress situation, and your knowledge of the required safety equipment and how to use it. Expect questions on distress signals, PFDs, fire extinguisher classes, and cold-water immersion.
Person overboard
- Immediately shout "person overboard", throw a buoyant object, and assign a spotter to point at the person continuously.
- Slow down, turn back toward the person while keeping them in view, and approach from downwind or against the sea to reduce drift.
- Stop the engine before bringing the person alongside; retrieve over the stern or lowest freeboard.
- Treat for hypothermia and shock; call for medical help if needed.
Distress signalling
- MAYDAY on VHF channel 16 is the distress call, repeated three times, followed by vessel name, position, nature of distress, and persons aboard.
- Other recognized signals include a red parachute flare, an orange smoke signal (day), continuous sounding of a horn, and slow raising and lowering of outstretched arms.
- Flares are time-limited and must be within their expiry date; store them dry and accessible.
Fire and flooding
- Fire needs fuel, heat, and oxygen; shut off fuel, de-energize electrical systems, and use the correct extinguisher class. Class B (flammable liquids) and Class C (electrical) fires require dry chemical or CO2 extinguishers.
- Aim at the base of the fire, sweep side to side, and keep an exit behind you.
- For flooding, locate the source, use the bilge pump and manual bailer, and reduce speed to lessen water intake.
Cold-water immersion and hypothermia
Cold shock causes gasping and rapid breathing in the first minute; encourage the person to stay still, keep the airway clear, and get them out of the water and insulated from the wind. Do not rub limbs or give alcohol.
Worked example
A passenger falls overboard in choppy water. Reasoning: first throw flotation and assign a spotter, then maneuver back while keeping the person in sight, and stop the propeller before retrieval. The order matters because losing sight of the person is the greatest risk.
Traps that cost marks
- Leaving the engine in gear during retrieval.
- Using water on a fuel or electrical fire.
- Treating an expired flare as usable.
- Warming a hypothermic person too aggressively or rubbing the extremities.
Key points to memorize
- Throw flotation, spot, maneuver, stop the engine, then retrieve.
- MAYDAY on VHF 16 is the distress call.
- Class B and C fires need dry chemical or CO2, aimed at the base.
- Reduce speed and pump out when taking on water.
- Treat cold-water immersion by minimizing movement and insulating from wind.