SVOP Emergency Procedures and Safety 2 — Questions and Answers

Question 1: What is the immediate action when a crew member falls overboard on a small commercial vessel?

Shout 'man overboard', throw a lifebuoy toward the person, assign a lookout, and execute a recovery manoeuvre (Correct answer)
Radio Coast Guard immediately before attempting any rescue
Reduce speed and wait for the person to swim to the vessel
Deploy the liferaft and evacuate all passengers

Correct answer: Shout 'man overboard', throw a lifebuoy toward the person, assign a lookout, and execute a recovery manoeuvre

Man overboard (MOB) response: immediately shout the alarm, throw a buoyant device toward the person, post a lookout who keeps eyes on the victim at all times, mark the position (GPS/MOB button), and execute a recognised MOB manoeuvre such as the Williamson Turn or Quick Stop.

The Man Overboard response sequence on a commercial vessel: (1) Shout 'Man Overboard' and press the MOB button on GPS; (2) Throw a lifebuoy ring or heaving line toward the person; (3) Designate one person as lookout — they must never take their eyes off the victim; (4) Radio a MAYDAY or PAN PAN depending on condition of person; (5) Execute a recovery manoeuvre — the Quick Stop (immediate turn toward the victim's side) is best for short-handed crews; the Williamson Turn returns the vessel on a reciprocal course for offshore use. Approach the victim from downwind/downcurrent, stop the engine before they reach the propeller, and use a boarding ladder or rescue sling. Document the incident.

Question 2: What is the correct procedure for using a portable fire extinguisher (PASS technique)?

Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side (Correct answer)
Push the nozzle down, Aim at the flames, Squeeze, Spread widely
Pull the pin, Aim above the flames, Spray continuously, Stand close
Press the top, Angle upward, Squeeze, Spray from behind

Correct answer: Pull the pin, Aim at the base of the fire, Squeeze the handle, Sweep side to side

PASS: Pull the pin (breaks the tamper seal), Aim the nozzle at the base of the fire (the fuel source, not the flames), Squeeze the handle, Sweep from side to side across the base of the fire.

The PASS technique is the international standard for using a portable fire extinguisher. Pull: remove the safety pin by pulling the ring — this unlocks the handle. Aim: direct the nozzle at the base of the fire where the fuel is, NOT at the flames above. Targeting flames just moves them; targeting the fuel source extinguishes the fire. Squeeze: apply steady pressure to the handle to discharge the agent. Sweep: move the nozzle from side to side, covering the entire base of the fire. When the fire appears out, watch for re-ignition. Always keep your back to an exit. Most extinguishers discharge in 8–30 seconds, so act quickly. Ensure crew are trained and extinguishers are regularly inspected.

Question 3: What are the signs of carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning, and what is the immediate action?

Headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion — immediately move persons to fresh air and call for emergency medical help (Correct answer)
Chest pain and bleeding — apply direct pressure and administer CPR
Difficulty breathing and swollen throat — give antihistamine and radio Coast Guard
Sunburn-like redness — move to shade and give fluids

Correct answer: Headache, dizziness, nausea, and confusion — immediately move persons to fresh air and call for emergency medical help

CO is odourless and colourless. Symptoms include headache, dizziness, weakness, nausea, and confusion. Immediate action: fresh air, no ignition sources, seek medical attention, and ventilate the vessel.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is produced by incomplete combustion from engines, generators, and heating systems. It is colourless and odourless, making it especially dangerous. Early symptoms mimic flu without fever: headache, dizziness, weakness, shortness of breath, nausea, and confusion. Higher concentrations cause loss of consciousness and death. On vessels, CO can accumulate in enclosed spaces, cockpits with poor ventilation, or areas downwind of the exhaust. Immediate actions: (1) Move all persons to fresh air; (2) Account for all crew and passengers; (3) Do not use any ignition source; (4) Ventilate the vessel completely; (5) Seek medical attention for all affected persons, even if they feel recovered, as CO can cause delayed complications. Install CO detectors on all enclosed vessels.

Question 4: What is the 'HELP' position and when should it be used?

Heat Escape Lessening Posture — drawing knees to chest and crossing arms over the chest to reduce heat loss when in cold water (Correct answer)
High Extension Lateral Position — floating on back with arms extended to signal distress
Head Elevation Landing Position — used when landing a helicopter rescue swimmer
Horizontal Emergency Level Position — lying flat in the water to reduce fatigue while awaiting rescue

Correct answer: Heat Escape Lessening Posture — drawing knees to chest and crossing arms over the chest to reduce heat loss when in cold water

HELP (Heat Escape Lessening Posture) minimises heat loss from the body's core when immersed in cold water by protecting the groin, armpits, and neck. It can extend survival time by up to 50% compared to swimming or treading water.

Hypothermia in cold Canadian waters is a leading cause of death in boating accidents. The HELP position involves: drawing both knees up to the chest; crossing both arms tightly over the chest; and keeping the face out of the water. This protects the three main areas of heat loss: the groin (femoral arteries), the armpits (brachial arteries), and the sides of the neck. HELP can extend survival time significantly. The HUDDLE position (group version) involves 2–4 survivors holding each other in a circle, sides together, with children in the centre. Wearing a lifejacket is essential to maintain HELP or HUDDLE without continuous effort. Never attempt to swim long distances in cold water — it accelerates heat loss and drowning.

Question 5: When sending a MAYDAY call on VHF radio, what information must be included?

MAYDAY spoken three times, vessel name and call sign, position, nature of distress, persons aboard, any useful information, and OVER (Correct answer)
MAYDAY once, vessel name, and wait for a response before giving position
PAN PAN spoken three times, vessel type, last known port, and number of passengers
SECURITE spoken three times followed by vessel name and distress type

Correct answer: MAYDAY spoken three times, vessel name and call sign, position, nature of distress, persons aboard, any useful information, and OVER

A MAYDAY call on Ch 16 includes: 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY', vessel name × 3, call sign, position (lat/long or bearing/distance from known point), nature of distress, persons on board, any other helpful information, then OVER.

The MAYDAY format follows ITU Radio Regulations and Canadian Coast Guard procedures: (1) Select VHF channel 16 at high power; (2) Transmit: 'MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY'; (3) 'This is [vessel name × 3, call sign]'; (4) 'MAYDAY [vessel name]'; (5) Position: latitude/longitude or bearing and distance from a named landmark; (6) Nature of distress: 'We are sinking / on fire / have a medical emergency'; (7) Number of persons on board; (8) Other useful info: vessel type, colour, length, safety equipment aboard; (9) 'OVER' — then release the transmit button and listen for a response. MAYDAY is for grave and imminent danger to life. PAN PAN is for urgent but not immediately life-threatening situations. SECURITE is for safety/navigational warnings.

Question 6: What is the purpose of a muster drill on a commercial passenger vessel, and how often must it be conducted?

To familiarise passengers with emergency procedures — required before departure or at the start of service each day (Correct answer)
Only required when more than 50 passengers are aboard
Required monthly and documented in the vessel log
Optional for vessels on voyages under 30 minutes

Correct answer: To familiarise passengers with emergency procedures — required before departure or at the start of service each day

Transport Canada requires muster drills (safety briefings) to be conducted before departure so passengers know the location of lifejackets, emergency exits, and how to act in an emergency. For commercial vessels, this is a legal requirement, not optional.

Under the Canada Shipping Act, 2001 and the Safe Boating Guide for commercial vessel operators, passengers must receive a pre-departure safety briefing (muster drill) covering: location and donning of lifejackets; location of emergency equipment (fire extinguishers, flares, lifebuoys); emergency signals and what they mean; muster stations; and what to do in an emergency. For vessels carrying passengers for hire, this must be done before departure, every day of operation. Records should be kept in the vessel's log. Passengers who understand what to do in an emergency are far more likely to survive. Commercial operators face fines and liability for failing to conduct required safety briefings.

SVOP Emergency Procedures and Safety 2

What is the immediate action when a crew member falls overboard on a small commercial vessel?