RYA Yachtmaster Safety and Emergency 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the correct procedure for dealing with a fire in the engine compartment?
- Open the engine compartment to see the fire
- Shut down the engine, close the fuel supply, close all openings to starve the fire of oxygen, and discharge a fixed fire extinguisher into the compartment without opening it (Correct answer)
- Pour water on the engine
- Start the engine to blow the fire out
Correct answer: Shut down the engine, close the fuel supply, close all openings to starve the fire of oxygen, and discharge a fixed fire extinguisher into the compartment without opening it
For an engine compartment fire: stop the engine, shut off fuel, close all ventilation and openings to starve the fire of oxygen, and discharge the fixed fire extinguisher through its port without opening the compartment (opening feeds oxygen to the fire).
Question 2: What is a 'Category 1' inspection for offshore racing yachts and why is it relevant to Yachtmaster candidates?
- A customs inspection
- A comprehensive safety inspection covering stability, structural integrity, safety equipment, and crew competence for offshore racing — its standards represent best practice for all offshore sailing (Correct answer)
- An engine maintenance check
- A hull antifouling inspection
Correct answer: A comprehensive safety inspection covering stability, structural integrity, safety equipment, and crew competence for offshore racing — its standards represent best practice for all offshore sailing
World Sailing Category 1 specifications set the highest safety standards for offshore racing, covering equipment, stability, crew competence, and boat preparation. These standards represent best practice for any serious offshore passage.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'jackstay' or 'safety line' on an offshore yacht?
- To hold the boom in place
- A strong webbing or wire running the length of the deck to which crew clip their safety harness tethers, allowing movement fore and aft while remaining attached to the vessel (Correct answer)
- A line for drying clothes
- A line for fishing
Correct answer: A strong webbing or wire running the length of the deck to which crew clip their safety harness tethers, allowing movement fore and aft while remaining attached to the vessel
Jackstays are strong webbing straps or wires running along each side of the deck. Crew clip their harness tethers to the jackstay, allowing them to move along the deck while remaining securely attached to the yacht.
Question 4: When calling for helicopter rescue, what preparations should the crew make on deck?
- Light flares on deck
- Lower and secure all sails and loose gear, have all crew in lifejackets and harnesses, brief the crew, prepare the casualty for winching, and maintain VHF contact with the helicopter (Correct answer)
- Stand on the highest point and wave
- Deploy the liferaft
Correct answer: Lower and secure all sails and loose gear, have all crew in lifejackets and harnesses, brief the crew, prepare the casualty for winching, and maintain VHF contact with the helicopter
Preparations include: striking all sails, securing loose gear (especially anything that could snag the winch wire), briefing crew on positions, preparing the casualty, and maintaining radio contact. The helicopter pilot controls the operation.
Question 5: What is 'cold shock' and how does it differ from hypothermia?
- They are the same condition
- Cold shock is the immediate, involuntary gasp reflex and rapid breathing on sudden immersion in cold water — it occurs in the first 1-2 minutes, while hypothermia develops over 30+ minutes (Correct answer)
- Cold shock only happens in winter
- Cold shock is less dangerous than hypothermia
Correct answer: Cold shock is the immediate, involuntary gasp reflex and rapid breathing on sudden immersion in cold water — it occurs in the first 1-2 minutes, while hypothermia develops over 30+ minutes
Cold shock is the immediate physiological response to sudden immersion: involuntary gasping, hyperventilation, and panic. It occurs in the first 1-2 minutes. If the face is submerged during the gasp, water is inhaled. Hypothermia develops much more slowly.
Question 6: What medical supplies should be carried on an offshore passage beyond coastal first aid?
- Only plasters and paracetamol
- A comprehensive medical kit including prescription medications (antibiotics, strong painkillers, anti-seasickness), wound closure strips, splints, burns dressings, and a medical reference book (Correct answer)
- No additional supplies are needed
- Only seasickness tablets
Correct answer: A comprehensive medical kit including prescription medications (antibiotics, strong painkillers, anti-seasickness), wound closure strips, splints, burns dressings, and a medical reference book
Offshore passages may be days from medical facilities. The kit should include prescription medications (arranged through a ship's medical scheme), comprehensive wound care, splints, burns treatments, and a medical reference such as the Ship Captain's Medical Guide.
RYA Yachtmaster Safety and Emergency 2
What is the correct procedure for dealing with a fire in the engine compartment?