Safety at Sea Flashcards

What is the correct procedure for sending a 'Mayday' distress call on VHF radio?

Answer: Say 'MAYDAY' three times, followed by 'THIS IS' and your vessel name three times, then give position, nature of distress, and number of persons on board

The correct Mayday procedure is: 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY, THIS IS [vessel name x3], MAYDAY [vessel name], MY POSITION IS [position], [nature of distress], [assistance required], [number of POB], [any other useful information], OVER.'

What does the 'SOLAS' convention stand for?

Answer: Safety Of Life At Sea

SOLAS stands for Safety Of Life At Sea. It is the most important international treaty concerning the safety of merchant ships, originally enacted after the Titanic disaster.

What is the purpose of a 'kill cord' (engine cut-off device) on a motorboat?

Answer: To cut the engine automatically if the helmsperson falls overboard or away from the helm

A kill cord attaches the helmsperson to the engine's emergency cut-off switch. If they fall overboard or are thrown from the helm, the cord pulls out and stops the engine immediately.

In a man overboard situation under sail, what is the recommended initial action?

Answer: Shout 'MAN OVERBOARD', throw a lifebuoy, assign a spotter, press MOB on GPS, and begin the recovery manoeuvre

Immediate actions are: shout the alarm, deploy a lifebuoy or danbuoy, assign someone to point at the casualty continuously, press MOB on GPS, and begin the appropriate recovery manoeuvre.

How many pyrotechnic flares are typically recommended for a yacht sailing in coastal waters?

Answer: A minimum pack including red hand flares, red parachute rockets, and orange smoke signals

For coastal sailing, the minimum recommended pack includes red parachute rockets (for long-range alerting), red hand-held flares (for close-range signalling), and orange smoke signals (for daytime use).

What is the primary purpose of a 'liferaft' on a cruising yacht?

Answer: To provide a means of survival if the yacht must be abandoned, keeping crew out of the water

A liferaft is emergency equipment designed to keep the crew alive if the yacht must be abandoned. It provides shelter from the elements and keeps people out of the cold water.