Alaska Safe Boating Course

CHAPTER 7: Emergency Preparedness

7.1 RENDERING ASSISTANCE

If you are involved in an accident, you should exchange information with and assist those in the accident without endangering your own life or the safety of your vessel. If you see a distress signal, you should assist those in distress if you can do so without putting your vessel or crew at risk. If you cannot assist, make sure you notify the nearest boaters or authorities who can assist.

7.2 CAPSIZING/FALLS OVERBOARD

The major cause of fatalities involving small boats is drownings from falls overboard, which is why it is important for boaters to wear their personal flotation devices (PFDs). In certain weather conditions and on some vessels, boaters are wise to wear a safety harness with a safety line secured to the vessel. These falls overboard may have several causes; however often times they are the direct result of a vessel capsizing. Capsizing - the overturning of a vessel on its side or turned over - is most common in small sailboats and canoes. Capsizing can occur from operator error or from heavy winds and rough waters. Capsizing illustrates the importance of always wearing a PFD. Luckily; these smaller boats will usually stay afloat after capsizing and provide support to the victims.

IF SOMEONE DOES FALL OVERBOARD:

• Slow down, stop if possible, and throw something buoyant to assist the person overboard (this will also help to briefly mark the spot if the person overboard submerges)
• Assign one person to keep sight of the overboard person and have him/her continuously point to the victim's location
• Carefully maneuver to recover the overboard person - keep them on the operator's side of the boat for powerboats
• Establish contact with the victim using a buoyant heaving line or lifebuoy secured to the boat with a line, and recover the person. Be sure to turn off the prop - if retrieving from the stern. A heavy rope, chain or cable secured at both ends and draped over the side, almost touching the water, can provide a makeshift step if no boarding ladder is available.

SURVIVING A CAPSIZING/FALL OVERBOARD

• Stay calm and conserve energy. If possible, take a headcount and signal for rescue.
• Stay with the boat unless the boat is headed for a hazard.
• If possible, try to right the boat. At the very least, you should try to get as much of your body out of the water and onto the capsized boat as possible to conserve energy and delay the onset of hypothermia (cold water).

• Improvise flotation: If the boat is not nearby - use floating items around you to help you stay out of the water and afloat (empty fuel tank, fender).
• When separated from your boat in a swift river current, you should float on your back with your feet downstream.

PREVENTING A CAPSIZING/FALL OVERBOARD

• Be sure to stay centered and low in the vessel
• Do not overload the vessel, and ensure the load is distributed evenly.
• Take corners at a safe speed and angle.
• Watch for other boats' waves and take them head-on off the bow.
• Reduce your speed or avoid boating in bad weather that creates rough water.
• Remember to never tie an anchor rode line to the stern of the boat. This will place even more weight at the back of the boat and increase the chances of swamping.

7.3 COLDWATER IMMERSION

Many drownings and boating related fatalities are a result of cold water immersion. When a person falls into cold water their body experiences a number of physiological responses which are affected by both the temperature of the water and the amount of time they are in the water. Cold water should be avoided whenever possible. However, if a person does end up in cold water, it is important that they find a way to get their body out of the water as soon as possible using whatever means available.

7.3.1 PREVENTION

Vessel capsizing and falls overboard are the leading causes of cold water immersion. Capsizing is most often caused by overloading, poorly secured or shifting loads, improper boat handling and anchoring, loss of power or steerage. Falls overboard usually occur when a person slips or loses their balance while standing or moving around the boat. These events usually happen quickly, and often catch people off guard. In order to prevent cold water immersion, be sure not to overload vessels and always take weather and water conditions into consideration when operating. Falls overboard can be avoided by remaining seated and limiting how much you move around a boat when it is underway.

7.3.2 STAGES AND EFFECTS

INITIAL IMMERSION: COLD WATER "SHOCK"

If a person falls into cold water - their body's initial reaction is a 'gasp reflex' which can include hyperventilation and muscle spasms. This initial reaction can result in water inhalation as well as significant changes in heart rate and blood pressure. These initial effects are present for the first two or three minutes of immersion.

SHORT-TERM IMMERSION - IMPAIRED FUNCTION

In cold water, you may begin to experience the loss of basic motor skills after only a few minutes. Between 3 and 30 minutes after immersion a person hand's quickly lose strength and sensation and subsequently their ability to swim (even strong swimmers). In cold water immersion cases, boaters often drown as a result of swimming failure before hypothermia ever has the chance to set in.

LONGER TERM IMMERSION - IMMERSION HYPOTHERMIA

Following 30 or more minutes of immersion, hypothermia – (a drop in body temperature below the normal level) will begin to set in. The persons overall body temperature will continue to drop until it reaches the same temperature of the water. Hypothermia symptoms range from mild to severe. As the body's core temperature falls, a person will eventually lapse into unconsciousness.

POST RESCUE COLLAPSE:

A drop in blood pressure which may lead person to become unconscious or to stop breathing at the point of rescue or up to several hours afterward.

A PERSON SUFFERING FROM HYPOTHERMIA SHOULD RECEIVE MEDICAL ATTENTION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE

7.3.3 SURVIVING COLD WATER

If rescue is not imminent – your number one priority is to get yourself out of the water as soon as possible. You can do this either by climbing onto your capsized boat or any other floating objects, or if it is within reach by swimming to shore. In cold water, person may only retain the ability to swim for up to 30 minutes, but typically it is usually much less than that. The sooner you can get your body out of the water the greater your chances of survival will be.

If rescue is imminent - you should conserve energy and body heat. You may extend your survival time by adhering to the following tips:

Wear your PFD. You can expend valuable energy treading water without it.

H.E.L.P. –'heat escape lessening posture.' You want to keep as much body heat as possible from escaping. If you are alone, cross your arms tightly against the chest and bring your knees up close to the chest.

If other passengers are in the water as well, use the "Huddle" technique to maintain body heat. Get the sides of everyone's chests close together, with arms around the back and legs intertwined.

When re-warming following immersion in cold water, but sure to do so slowly; be sure not to rub your body vigorously , use your body heat, a portable heater (if available) or towels/blankets. Re-warming slowly and gradually will help to prevent shock.

As a boat owner it is never a bad idea to learn CPR and other First Aid techniques in order to be able to properly deal with emergencies.

LEARN A RECOVERY TECHNIQUE THAT WORKS AND PRACTICE IT.

ADDITIONAL COLD WATER PROTECTION

FLOATER SUIT

a full nose-to-toes PFD

AN ANTI-EXPOSURE WORKSUIT

a PFD with a thermal protection rating

A DRYSUIT

to be used in conjunction with a flotation device and a thermal liner

A WETSUIT

traps and heats water against your body

IMMERSION SUIT

to be used in extreme conditions upon abandoning vessel (usually for off-shore use)

7.4 FIRE EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Gasoline fumes are heavier than air. Fuel and fumes on board need only a spark to explode or start a blaze. Fires need three things: heat (such as a match or spark from the ignition), fuel (gasoline, propane, etc.), and oxygen (air). Removing any of the aforementioned fire elements can extinguish the fire.

IF YOUR BOAT IS UNDERWAY AND A FIRE STARTS:

• Stop the engine immediately - this should always be your FIRST action!
• Position the boat - so the wind will blow the fire away from the boat.
• Try to separate the fuel source from the fire.
• Grab the extinguisher.

USING A FIRE EXTINGUISHER

• Aim the extinguisher at the base of the fire.
• Pull the pin and squeeze the two levers together.
• Use a sweeping motion with the extinguisher while maintaining focus on the base of the fire.
• Continue to extinguish until the fire is COMPLETELY out.

7.5 RUNNING AGROUND PREVENTION AND RESPONSE

RUNNING AGROUND IS A COMMON OCCURRENCE AMONG BOATERS, THOUGH IT DOES NOT HAVE TO BE. THE BEST WAY TO PREVENT RUNNING AGROUND IS TO FOLLOW GENERAL SAFE BOATING GUIDELINES:

• Obtain a nautical chart for new or unfamiliar waterways, or seek advice and knowledge from local marinas and boaters before heading out.
• Keep a proper lookout; this includes keeping your eye out for shoals and sandbars.
• Maintain a safe speed — a speed at which you can take necessary action to avoid grounding.
• If you have no major structural damage, you may be able to pry yourself loose. Try shifting some weight to the opposite end of the boat, stop the engine, lift the outdrive, and try pushing off with paddles or oars.

IF YOU HAVE A DEPTH FINDER: SET YOUR FINDER TO SHALLOW-ALARM ALERT. CONTINUE TO MONITOR THE BOTTOM VISUALLY AND WITH THE DEPTH FINDER. LOOK FOR ANY MARKER BUOYS INDICATING SHALLOW WATERS.

SHOULD YOU GROUND YOUR BOAT, FOLLOW THESE TIPS:

• Survey and assess the situation: Is anyone hurt?(Your passengers are your first priority.)
• Is there damage to the hull? Look for leakage.
• If you have serious damage or injuries, use distress signals to alert other boaters of your situation.
• If you have suffered serious damage to the hull, then you should STAY put rather than venturing to deeper water. Flag down a fellow boater and secure a tow, if practical.
• Back off; If you are not grounded too deeply, you may be able to reverse the vessel off the rocks, mud or sand. Shift weight away from the point of impact and push off.
• If you are aground on a sandbar, you may be able to get on the bar, lift the bow or raise the motor and push the boat to deeper water.

Surprisingly, most accidents occur during calm, clear weather with light winds.

KEEP A PROPER LOOKOUT FOR SHOALS AND SANDBARS.

7.6 ACCIDENT REPORTS

IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN A BOATING ACCIDENT, YOU NEED TO KNOW WHAT ACTION IS REQUIRED BY LAW. EXAMPLES OF REPORTABLE ACCIDENTS INCLUDE INjURIES REQUIRING MEDICAL TREATMENT, DEATH, DISAPPEARANCE OF A PERSON, OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. IF YOU ARE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT, YOU ARE REQUIRED TO:

• Stop
• Identify yourself and your boat
• Provide assistance, if possible and warranted
• Take down pertinent information with dates, time and conditions
• File an accident report with the local law enforcement authority (federal law)

Failure to provide assistance or to identify yourself when involved in an accident can result in stiff fines and even imprisonment.

7.6.1 ACCIDENT REPORTING IN ALASKA

In Alaska, operators must report any accident involving $500.00 or more in damages, complete loss of a vessel, and injuries to any person requiring treatment greater than first aid or the death or disappearance of any person.

When an accident occurs that requires a written report, the operator shall, without delay, by the quickest means available, notify the state of Alaska, Department of Public Safety or the Office of Boating Safety within:

• 48 hours of accident resulting in death or injury;
• 10 days of accident causing property/equipment damage only

When the operator of a vessel cannot give the notice required by the foregoing, each person, on board the vessel shall notify the Department or a member of its law-enforcement team, or determine that the notice has been given.

CHAPTER 7 SUMMARY

AFTER READING CHAPTER 7, YOU SHOULD HAVE KNOWLEDGE OF:

• Rendering assistance
• What capsizing is, how to prevent it from happening, and how to survive if it happens
• Falls overboard, and what to do
• Hypothermia and hypothermia prevention
• Running aground, measures to prevent it, and what to do if it should happen
• How to report an accident

Alaska Safe Boating Course