RYA Yachtmaster Safety and Emergency

Question 1

What is the recommended order of actions in a 'man overboard' situation under sail offshore?

Accepted Answer

Shout alarm, throw lifebuoy/danbuoy, assign spotter, press MOB on GPS, and execute a recovery manoeuvre (reach-tack-reach or figure-of-eight)

Answer

Stop sailing immediately and wait

Answer

Call Mayday immediately before any other action

Answer

All crew should jump in to help

Question 2

What is a 'damage control plan' and why should every offshore yacht have one?

Accepted Answer

A pre-prepared plan identifying the location of all through-hull fittings, emergency equipment, and procedures for dealing with flooding, fire, and structural damage

Answer

A plan for redecorating the cabin

Answer

A document for the insurance company only

Answer

A plan only needed for racing yachts

Question 3

When should a yacht deploy its liferaft?

Accepted Answer

Only when the vessel is definitely sinking or otherwise uninhabitable — you should 'step up into the liferaft, not down'

Answer

At the first sign of bad weather

Answer

When the crew is tired

Answer

When approaching a harbour

Question 4

What is the immediate treatment for a crew member showing signs of severe hypothermia?

Accepted Answer

Remove wet clothing, insulate them horizontally with blankets and a vapour barrier, handle gently (no rubbing), give warm sweet drinks only if conscious, and seek medical advice

Answer

Give them a hot bath

Answer

Give them alcohol to warm up

Answer

Make them exercise vigorously

Question 5

What is a 'through-hull fitting' and why are they a critical safety consideration?

Accepted Answer

A pipe or valve passing through the hull below the waterline — if one fails, it can cause rapid flooding; all crew should know their locations and how to close or plug them

Answer

A decorative fitting on the hull

Answer

A fitting for the anchor chain

Answer

A type of navigation light

Question 6

What is the purpose of an 'emergency steering' system?

Accepted Answer

An alternative means of steering the vessel if the primary rudder or steering system fails, typically using an emergency tiller fitted directly to the rudder stock

Answer

A backup GPS

Answer

A spare autopilot

Answer

A drogue used for steering