Marine Safety and Emergencies Flashcards

What is the purpose of a personal locator beacon (PLB) and how does it differ from an EPIRB?

Answer: A PLB is a personal-worn 406 MHz distress beacon that transmits position to COSPAS-SARSAT satellites when activated manually — smaller than an EPIRB, intended for individual use rather than the vessel

A PLB is a personal device worn or carried by an individual, activated manually in distress to alert COSPAS-SARSAT satellites. Unlike a Category I EPIRB, it does not float-free automatically and must be manually activated. It is registered to a person, not a vessel.

What is a 'pyrotechnic distress signal' and what are the different types used in Canadian waters?

Answer: A flare or rocket that produces bright light, smoke, or both to signal distress — types include hand flares, parachute rockets, smoke signals, and orange smoke for daytime

Pyrotechnic distress signals include: red hand flares (night, close range); red parachute rocket flares (night, long range — visible at 40+ km); orange smoke signals (daytime); and buoyant orange smoke signals. Requirements vary by operating area and vessel class.

What immediate action should be taken if a fire breaks out in the engine compartment of a small vessel?

Answer: Shut down the engine and fuel supply immediately, deploy the fixed fire suppression system if installed, use a CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher through access port, radio for help, and prepare to abandon

Engine compartment fires: immediately shut engine and fuel valve to cut the fuel supply; never open the hatch (oxygen fuels the fire); if a fixed suppression system exists, activate it through the sealed port; use CO2 or dry chemical extinguisher through a small access port; radio MAYDAY or PAN PAN; prepare all persons to abandon ship.

What is 'cold water shock' and how can it be managed during an accidental immersion?

Answer: The immediate physiological response to sudden cold water immersion causing gasping, hyperventilation, and potential cardiac arrest — managed by controlling breathing and staying still

Cold shock is the first response (0–3 minutes) to sudden immersion in cold water: a gasp reflex followed by hyperventilation (risk of inhaling water), increased heart rate and blood pressure (cardiac arrest risk), and panic. Management: try to keep your head above water, control your breathing by concentrating on slowing the breath, and float still rather than swimming.

What are the minimum first aid requirements for a small commercial passenger vessel operating in near-coastal waters?

Answer: A first aid kit meeting the standards of the First Aid Kit Schedule under Transport Canada marine regulations, including bandages, dressings, airway management, and emergency medications appropriate for the operating area

Transport Canada's marine regulations require commercial vessels to carry a first aid kit meeting specified standards appropriate to the vessel's operating area and voyage duration. The kit contents scale with the distance from medical assistance.

What VHF radio channel is designated for distress, safety, and calling in Canadian waters, and what is the protocol for routine use?

Answer: Channel 16 — the universal distress/safety/calling channel that must be monitored at all times; routine vessel-to-vessel traffic must move to a working channel after initial contact on 16

VHF Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) is the international distress, safety, and calling channel. All vessels equipped with VHF must monitor Ch 16 continuously. Routine communications: call the other vessel on Ch 16, agree on a working channel (68, 71, 72, 73, etc.), and switch — keep Ch 16 clear.