RYA Day Skipper Safety Equipment & Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does 'EPIRB' stand for and what does it do?
- Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — transmits a distress signal on 406 MHz to Cospas-Sarsat satellites, providing vessel identity and position to rescue services (Correct answer)
- Emergency Primary Inshore Radio Beacon — for coastal use only
- Electronic Position Indicating Radio Buoy — marks a man overboard position
- Extended Personal Identification Radio Beacon — for individual crew members
Correct answer: Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon — transmits a distress signal on 406 MHz to Cospas-Sarsat satellites, providing vessel identity and position to rescue services
An EPIRB transmits on 406 MHz to the Cospas-Sarsat satellite system, alerting rescue services with the vessel's MMSI and GPS position (if GPS-enabled). A registered EPIRB is far more effective than an unregistered one.
Question 2: A vessel takes on water faster than her bilge pump can remove it. The crew should:
- Identify and plug the source of ingress first, use all available pumps, issue a Mayday if flooding cannot be controlled (Correct answer)
- Abandon ship immediately
- Increase engine speed to raise the bow
- Transfer all crew to one side to tilt the hull
Correct answer: Identify and plug the source of ingress first, use all available pumps, issue a Mayday if flooding cannot be controlled
Source-finding and plugging is the first priority. Additional pumps (manual, electric, engine-driven) should be used simultaneously. Mayday should be issued early if there is doubt about controlling the flooding.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'grab bag' on a yacht?
- A portable bag kept ready at the companionway containing essential emergency items to take into the liferaft (Correct answer)
- A bag for collecting sail cloth
- A waterproof bag for storing charts
- A harness storage bag
Correct answer: A portable bag kept ready at the companionway containing essential emergency items to take into the liferaft
A grab bag contains items not stored in the liferaft that are critical for survival: flares, water, rations, EPIRB/PLB, knife, torch, first aid kit, ship's papers, and communication devices.
Question 4: How should a fire extinguisher be used on a small boat engine compartment fire?
- Do not open the engine compartment — inject extinguishant through a fixed system or small access hole to avoid a backdraft oxygen rush (Correct answer)
- Open the lid fully for maximum access
- Use a bucket of water
- Turn the engine on to smother the flames
Correct answer: Do not open the engine compartment — inject extinguishant through a fixed system or small access hole to avoid a backdraft oxygen rush
Opening the engine compartment in a fire allows a rush of oxygen that can cause a fireball. Fixed fire suppression systems inject agent without opening the compartment. Manual extinguishers should be used through a small opening.
Question 5: A PLB (Personal Locator Beacon) differs from an EPIRB in that:
- It is worn by an individual crew member and activates to locate that person, rather than the vessel (Correct answer)
- It is larger and more powerful
- It only works in harbour
- It requires a separate satellite subscription
Correct answer: It is worn by an individual crew member and activates to locate that person, rather than the vessel
A PLB is a personal device worn by individuals — useful especially if separated from the vessel (e.g., knocked overboard). An EPIRB is a vessel-mounted device registered to the boat.
Question 6: What action should a skipper take if a crew member falls unconscious on deck after a head injury?
- Do not move unless in immediate danger; assess ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation); place in recovery position if breathing; call for medical assistance (Correct answer)
- Shake them vigorously to wake them
- Give them water immediately
- Move them to the foredeck for fresh air
Correct answer: Do not move unless in immediate danger; assess ABCDE (Airway, Breathing, Circulation); place in recovery position if breathing; call for medical assistance
After trauma, spinal injury must be considered — unnecessary movement risks paralysis. The ABCDE approach ensures airway, breathing, and circulation are maintained while waiting for professional help.
RYA Day Skipper Safety Equipment & Procedures 2
What does 'EPIRB' stand for and what does it do?