RYA Yachtmaster Emergency Procedures — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a man overboard (MOB) situation, the immediate actions (first 30 seconds) should include:
- Shout 'man overboard', deploy a danbuoy/horseshoe and throw line, press MOB on GPS, maintain visual watch, and turn the vessel back (Correct answer)
- Continue on course and note the position
- Call the coastguard immediately before turning
- Stop the engine to prevent propeller strike
Correct answer: Shout 'man overboard', deploy a danbuoy/horseshoe and throw line, press MOB on GPS, maintain visual watch, and turn the vessel back
The first 30 seconds are critical: alert the crew, get a lifebuoy and danbuoy in the water immediately, maintain sight of the casualty, note/press GPS MOB, and begin the return manoeuvre.
Question 2: When returning to a MOB under sail, which manoeuvre gives the best control for the final approach?
- Figure-of-eight or reaching return — approaching on a close reach allows speed control and the option to luff/spill wind on final approach (Correct answer)
- Running downwind at full speed for fastest return
- Beating hard upwind to return on the same track
- Anchoring and sending a dinghy
Correct answer: Figure-of-eight or reaching return — approaching on a close reach allows speed control and the option to luff/spill wind on final approach
The close-reach approach gives maximum manoeuvrability — the skipper can spill wind to reduce speed, maintain boat control, and can abort if needed. A dead downwind or upwind approach gives less control.
Question 3: Distress signals listed in COLREGs Annex IV include all EXCEPT which of the following?
- Waving a flag with a large red cross (Correct answer)
- Orange smoke
- MAYDAY by voice radio
- Morse SOS by any signalling method
Correct answer: Waving a flag with a large red cross
A red cross flag is not a listed COLREGs Annex IV distress signal. Listed signals include: orange smoke, radio Mayday, SOS by any method, gun or explosive every minute, flames on the vessel, rocket parachute flares, continuous fog horn, square flag and ball, NC code flags.
Question 4: A yacht is taking on water from a through-hull fitting that has failed. In the immediate term, the crew should:
- Plug the hole with a tapered softwood bung or damage control materials, close any seacock, and operate all bilge pumps simultaneously (Correct answer)
- Abandon ship immediately
- Heel the vessel to raise the leak above the waterline if possible — then plug
- Drill additional holes to equalise pressure
Correct answer: Plug the hole with a tapered softwood bung or damage control materials, close any seacock, and operate all bilge pumps simultaneously
Immediate damage control: close the seacock if accessible, plug with softwood bung or rags, heel the vessel to raise the leak, use all bilge pumps. Mayday should be broadcast early if flooding cannot be controlled.
Question 5: A crew member is suffering from hypothermia after being recovered from the water. The correct handling is:
- Handle gently to avoid afterdrop — do not rub limbs — remove wet clothing, insulate on all sides including underneath, and call for medical help (Correct answer)
- Rub the limbs vigorously to warm them
- Give hot drinks and alcohol immediately
- Make them walk around to generate heat
Correct answer: Handle gently to avoid afterdrop — do not rub limbs — remove wet clothing, insulate on all sides including underneath, and call for medical help
Hypothermia treatment: gentle handling (rough movement can trigger cardiac arrest from 'afterdrop' — cold blood from limbs rushing to the core), remove wet clothes, insulate from below and above, arrange evacuation.
Question 6: What is the internationally agreed signal for a helicopter rescue crew to stop hoisting a casualty?
- Arms raised horizontally (like a 'T' shape) — the international signal to stop/hold hoist (Correct answer)
- Waving both arms upward rapidly
- Giving a thumbs up
- Shouting 'stop' into the radio
Correct answer: Arms raised horizontally (like a 'T' shape) — the international signal to stop/hold hoist
During helicopter rescue, the 'arms out horizontal' (T-shape) signal means 'stop hoist immediately'. The helicopter crew follow standardised hand signals for safety. All crew should know these before an offshore passage.
RYA Yachtmaster Emergency Procedures
In a man overboard (MOB) situation, the immediate actions (first 30 seconds) should include: