Online Boating Emergency Procedures & Rescue Skills Flashcards

A passenger falls overboard in cold water. What is the FIRST action you should take?

Answer: Throw a life ring or throwable PFD toward the victim

Throwing a flotation device to the victim is the safest first step while keeping them in sight.

Which signal indicates a vessel is in distress during daylight hours?

Answer: Slowly and repeatedly raising and lowering outstretched arms

Slowly raising and lowering outstretched arms is the internationally recognized visual distress signal for daytime use.

When executing a Williamson Turn to return to a man-overboard position, what is the correct maneuver?

Answer: Turn hard to one side until heading 180 degrees from the original course

The Williamson Turn involves a hard turn to one side then counter-turning to reverse course 180 degrees, bringing the vessel back on its original track.

What does the acronym HELP stand for in cold water survival?

Answer: Heat Escape Lessening Posture

HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) involves drawing knees to the chest to reduce heat loss while wearing a PFD.

When should you activate an EPIRB (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon)?

Answer: When your vessel is in grave and imminent danger

EPIRBs should be activated only during a genuine life-threatening emergency, as false activations waste rescue resources.

A boat is taking on water rapidly. After calling for help, what should you do next?

Answer: Try to find and plug the source of the leak

Attempting to locate and stop the leak buys time and may prevent the need to abandon ship entirely.

Which VHF radio channel is designated for distress, safety, and calling in the US?

Answer: Channel 16

VHF Channel 16 is the international distress and calling channel monitored by the Coast Guard and most vessels.