RYA Yachtmaster Emergency Procedures

Question 1

In a man overboard (MOB) situation, the immediate actions (first 30 seconds) should include:

Accepted Answer

Shout 'man overboard', deploy a danbuoy/horseshoe and throw line, press MOB on GPS, maintain visual watch, and turn the vessel back

Answer

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?

Accepted 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

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Waving a flag with a large red cross

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Plug the hole with a tapered softwood bung or damage control materials, close any seacock, and operate all bilge pumps simultaneously

Answer

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:

Accepted Answer

Handle gently to avoid afterdrop — do not rub limbs — remove wet clothing, insulate on all sides including underneath, and call for medical help

Answer

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.

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster Practice Test

RYA Yachtmaster Emergency Procedures