Safety of Life at Sea and Emergency Procedures
Core concepts
Know the SOLAS and local safety requirements for a coastal vessel: lifejackets for all on board, liferaft or dinghy, flares (types and expiry), fire extinguishers, first aid kit, EPIRB, and the correct use of a VHF DSC radio for a distress alert. Understand the distress, urgency, and safety priorities: MAYDAY, PAN PAN, and SÉCURITÉ. Learn the procedures for fire, flooding, abandon ship, and man overboard, and the importance of a muster drill and a passage plan briefing. Know how to operate a fire extinguisher (PASS: Pull, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep) and the classes of fire.
Traps
A common error is using MAYDAY for a non-life-threatening situation. Also watch for flare expiry dates and the difference between a hand flare and a parachute flare. Questions often test the correct DSC procedure: press the distress button, then follow with a voice MAYDAY on Ch 16. Remember that an EPIRB is registered to the vessel, not the person.
Worked example
A crew member falls overboard at night. Immediate actions: shout 'Man overboard', throw a lifebuoy with light, press MOB on the GPS, turn the vessel and approach from downwind, keep the casualty in sight, and transmit a PAN PAN if assistance is needed. Use a recovery sling or ladder; do not enter the water unless trained and equipped.
Rule of thumb
MAYDAY = grave and imminent danger; PAN PAN = urgency, no immediate danger; SÉCURITÉ = safety message. When in doubt about a distress situation, treat it as MAYDAY.