RYA Yachtmaster Emergency Procedures 2

Question 1

When abandoning ship, the recommended sequence after issuing a Mayday is:

Accepted 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

Answer

'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:

Accepted 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.

Answer

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:

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Accurate latitude and longitude (verified by GPS), vessel heading and speed, and details of the weather/sea state at the position

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

CO2 (carbon dioxide) — leaves no residue and is safe for electrical equipment

Answer

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.

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster Emergency Procedures 2