Seamanship
Chapter 7
Emergencies on the
Water
USPS® Seamanship
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Learning Objectives

acquaint you with hazards:
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learn about responses to:
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carbon monoxide
physical, heat, and cold injuries
emergency conditions and potential
responses to these conditions and injuries
groundings, collisions, taking on water,
and systems failures
learn how to request emergency
assistance
USPS® Seamanship
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Carbon Monoxide

Odorless, colorless
deadly gas

Present around
engines, exhaust

Also galley stoves,
internal heaters,
generators
USPS® Seamanship
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Carbon Monoxide

Colorless, odorless poisonous gas


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Cumulative effect – time of exposure
Dependent upon concentration of CO
Impact
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
USPS® Seamanship
Minimum: headache, nausea
Maximum: death, possibly in minutes
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Carbon Monoxide

Where?

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Anywhere on boat
 Especially near transom
 Enclosed cockpit or cabin
 Beware of “Station Wagon” effect underway
Prevention
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Assure good flow-through ventilation
Check exhaust systems – engines, stoves, generators
Do NOT run engines when not moving and no wind
Install CO detectors
USPS® Seamanship
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Hazardous Locations
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Anywhere near exhaust
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Swim platform
Rear deck
Enclosed cabin
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CO Exposure
From own Generator or Engine
while docked
From adjacent
Boat
USPS® Seamanship
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Cold Water Immersion

Sudden Shock – immediate

Gasp Reflex
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Cardiac Arrest
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Head under water – ingest water – drown
Instant increase in blood pressure and pulse
Longer-term

Hypothermia
Lowering body temp
 Difficulty controlling limbs

USPS® Seamanship
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Cold Water Immersion
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Occurs: water under 68° F
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Prevention:
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Wear a PFD – keeps head out
of water
Suitable clothing – survival
gear
Awareness – prepare for gasp
USPS® Seamanship
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Delaying Hypothermia
USPS® Seamanship
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Recovery

Slowly warm
body
USPS® Seamanship
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Adverse Effects of Sun

Sunburn

USPS® Seamanship
1st, 2nd, and even 3rd
degree burns
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Premature aging

Skin cancer
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Prevention
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UV Protection
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USPS® Seamanship
Sun block – UVA & UVB
Protective clothing
Avoid midday sun
Avoid moisturizing creams
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Medical Problems
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Health issues heightened
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Being on the water may cause
medical issues
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USPS® Seamanship
Help may be delayed
Fatigue
Seasickness
Exposure
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Assessment
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Determine seriousness of condition
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Outside help required?
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Contact Coast Guard
Can you handle situation?
First Aid kit
 Medications

USPS® Seamanship
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Medical Emergencies

First Aid, CPR and
medical instruction

First Aid Kit

Know how to use it
USPS® Seamanship
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Care for Sudden Illness
Care for life-threatening conditions first. Then:
 Help the victim rest comfortably
 Keep the victim from getting chilled or
overheated
 Reassure the victim
 Watch for changes in consciousness and
breathing
 Do not give anything to eat or drink unless the
victim is fully conscious.
USPS® Seamanship
Courtesy of American Red Cross
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Traumatic Injuries
Boating activities
may lead to:
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Lacerations
Bruising
Sprains
Fractures
USPS® Seamanship
First aid treatment
 Stop bleeding
 Clean
 Sterile dressing
 Stabilize
 Seek medical treatment
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Hazardous Marine Life
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Propeller Injuries
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Prop Accident Defense
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MOB Procedures
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Man Overboard Recovery
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Individual Survival Kit
USPS® Seamanship
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Swamping/Sinking

How?
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Rogue waves
Wind shifts, squalls,
microbursts
Overloaded boat
Response
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Be prepared with VHF
Lifejackets for all – wear them
Stay with boat – visible,
floatation
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Stopping Water
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Capsized Boat
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Stay With the Capsized Boat
Stay with the boat
Roll the boat over
Reboard
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Bail
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Fire
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Vessel Fires
10 minutes start to finish
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Lightning
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Chart, Depth and Danger
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Grounded Boat
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Grounding Recovery, Kedging
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Salvage Operation
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Salvage

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Unknown cost prior to
salvage
Claim made afterward
Negotiated
Towing


Costs can be
estimated
Reach agreement up
front
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Debris in Water
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Collision
Night Navigation Problem
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Backup Electronics
USPS® Seamanship
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Sea Anchor
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Vessel Assistance
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USCG Rescue
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Seamanship
USPS® Seamanship
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