Safety equipment, emergency procedures and man-overboard
Safety questions are marked as procedures: the examiner wants the sequence, not a vague promise to help.
Equipment
A 150 N lifejacket with crotch strap for everyone aboard, checked for fit and for cylinder and bobbin condition; a throw line and a dan buoy with light; in-date flares and a fire extinguisher suitable for fuel fires; first-aid kit; anchor and paddle; VHF, or at least a charged phone in a waterproof case. Children and non-swimmers wear the jacket at all times.
Man overboard - under power
- Shout 'man overboard' and press the MOB button on the plotter.
- Throw the dan buoy or a fender immediately.
- Keep the person in sight - appoint one crew member to point and not look away.
- Put the engine in neutral before anyone is near the propellers.
- Turn back and approach into wind and waves, slowing so you stop alongside on the leeward side.
- Recover over the lowest freeboard with a ladder or lifting sling; do not jump in.
Cold water and aftercare
Cold shock in the first minute causes gasping and hyperventilation, and that is when drowning risk peaks. Treat hypothermia gently: remove wet clothing, insulate, get medical help; do not rub the limbs or give alcohol.
Distress and reporting
MAYDAY on VHF channel 16 with DSC for immediate danger to life; PAN PAN for urgency. On Swiss lakes call the lake police; emergency numbers are 117 (police), 118 (fire), 144 (ambulance), 1414 (Rega). Report accidents involving injury or significant damage to the police.
Fire and flooding
Stop the engine and shut off the fuel; do not open an engine hatch that is hot - use the fire port. For flooding, find the source, run the bilge pump, head for the nearest shore.
Worked example
A crew member goes overboard while you motor at 15 knots. You do not slam the helm over with the throttle open: you neutralize the engine first to avoid propeller injury, throw floatation, note the position, then turn and approach into the wind so the boat can be slowed and stopped alongside on the leeward side.
Traps
Losing sight of the person; approaching with the engine still in gear; jumping in; forgetting the MOB button; leaving harbour without briefing the crew.