Emergency Procedures Flashcards

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

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.

A crewmember has a suspected fractured femur after a fall below. The most important immediate consideration is:

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).

On a passage offshore and a crew member is unconscious and not breathing. In the absence of an AED (defibrillator), the crew should:

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.

When calling for a medical evacuation by helicopter offshore, what is the most important positional information to give?

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.

Fire on board: what type of extinguisher is correct for an electrical fire?

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.

What immediate action should be taken if a yacht runs aground?

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.