RYA Yachtmaster Emergency Procedures 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: When abandoning ship, the recommended sequence after issuing a Mayday is:
- Collect grab bag and EPIRB, don lifejackets and harnesses, inflate liferaft alongside, enter liferaft (step across, not jump), take water and supplies, close canopy (Correct answer)
- Jump into the water immediately
- Swim to the nearest shore
- Launch the dinghy and wait for rescue
Correct answer: Collect grab bag and EPIRB, don lifejackets and harnesses, inflate liferaft alongside, enter liferaft (step across, not jump), take water and supplies, close canopy
'Step across, don't jump' is the key — entering the water adds hypothermia risk and makes re-boarding harder. The liferaft should be boarded directly from the vessel while she is still afloat.
Question 2: A crewmember has a suspected fractured femur after a fall below. The most important immediate consideration is:
- Blood loss — femoral fractures can cause 1–2 litres of internal blood loss, leading to hypovolaemic shock. Immobilise, monitor circulation, call for medical advice. (Correct answer)
- Tying a tight tourniquet above the knee immediately
- Moving the casualty to the cockpit for fresh air
- Asking the casualty to bend the knee to confirm the fracture
Correct answer: Blood loss — femoral fractures can cause 1–2 litres of internal blood loss, leading to hypovolaemic shock. Immobilise, monitor circulation, call for medical advice.
Femur fractures are potentially life-threatening due to internal haemorrhage. Immobilise the limb, do not move unnecessarily, treat for shock, and contact medical advice via radio (e.g., HM Coastguard or Medico service).
Question 3: On a passage offshore and a crew member is unconscious and not breathing. In the absence of an AED (defibrillator), the crew should:
- Begin CPR immediately (30 compressions to 2 breaths), issue a Mayday, and request medical evacuation — continue CPR until the casualty recovers or rescue arrives (Correct answer)
- Leave them to rest
- Administer oxygen only
- Wait for a doctor to call back on the radio before starting CPR
Correct answer: Begin CPR immediately (30 compressions to 2 breaths), issue a Mayday, and request medical evacuation — continue CPR until the casualty recovers or rescue arrives
CPR should begin immediately — brain damage starts within 4 minutes of no circulation. Issue a Mayday at the same time (or have crew do so) to arrange evacuation. Do not delay CPR for radio communications.
Question 4: When calling for a medical evacuation by helicopter offshore, what is the most important positional information to give?
- Accurate latitude and longitude (verified by GPS), vessel heading and speed, and details of the weather/sea state at the position (Correct answer)
- Only the vessel name
- The nearest port name
- The type of vessel only
Correct answer: Accurate latitude and longitude (verified by GPS), vessel heading and speed, and details of the weather/sea state at the position
Helicopter crews need precise, verified position (GPS lat/long), heading and speed to intercept the vessel, and sea/weather data to assess approach feasibility. Approximate positions or area descriptions can cause fatal delays.
Question 5: Fire on board: what type of extinguisher is correct for an electrical fire?
- CO2 (carbon dioxide) — leaves no residue and is safe for electrical equipment (Correct answer)
- Water — most effective for any fire
- Foam — coats the fire
- Dry powder — preferred for all boat fires
Correct answer: CO2 (carbon dioxide) — leaves no residue and is safe for electrical equipment
CO2 extinguishers are correct for electrical fires — they do not conduct electricity and leave no corrosive residue. Water is dangerous on electrical fires. Dry powder is effective but corrosive — CO2 is preferred below decks.
Question 6: What immediate action should be taken if a yacht runs aground?
- Reduce risk of further damage: check for flooding, assess the ground and tide, heel the vessel to reduce draft if possible, note tidal state, and seek tow or kedge off if rising tide (Correct answer)
- Apply full engine power immediately in all directions
- Lower all sails immediately regardless of wind
- Call for immediate liferaft deployment
Correct answer: Reduce risk of further damage: check for flooding, assess the ground and tide, heel the vessel to reduce draft if possible, note tidal state, and seek tow or kedge off if rising tide
Aground: check for flooding (the priority — if holed, different action). Assess ground type (hard rock vs soft mud). Consider whether tide is making or ebbing. Heeling reduces draft; a kedge anchor deployed by dinghy can help pull off.
RYA Yachtmaster Emergency Procedures 2
When abandoning ship, the recommended sequence after issuing a Mayday is: