Capsize
A capsize is a common boating accident that results in many
fatalities.
Almost always, a capsize is totally unexpected and happens
in a few seconds. There is no possibility of grabbing anything
other than what is immediately to hand. Countless persons
have died within the few hours following a capsize before
help reached them. Men on a fishing trip are the most likely
casualty.
Being prepared means:
- Realising that a capsize can happen to anyone, no matter
how experienced they are, or how safe their boat is.
- Having lifejackets accessible means within reach, not
put away in the cabin or under the seats. Better still,
wear them.
- Knowing whether your boat will sink? will float with just
the bow above water? or will float level? Almost certainly,
equipment such as flares or a locater beacon will be able
to be retrieved from a boat that is floating level, even
if it is upside down. Many accidents have shown that
equipment cannot be retrieved if the boat floats bow up, even for experienced
swimmers or divers.
- Understanding that hypothermia can set in very quickly
resulting in rapid loss of strength. There have been several
deaths within 30 minutes following a capsize in New Zealand
waters.
- Ensuring you have the means to tell someone you are in
trouble once you are swimming beside a capsized boat. Unless
sealed in a plastic bag, a VHF Radio will not work after
immersion, although some hand-held VHF radios are water-proof.
Cell phones may provide the communication needed to save
lives but only if sealed in a plastic bag. They can be kept
in a person’s pocket and there is no loss of signal
strength if cell phones or VHF radios are used while still
in the bag.
- Knowing that red hand flares are the best visual distress
signal and can be used by day or night. They work well in
spite of immersion. Orange smoke is a daytime signal. Every
boat should carry a powerful waterproof torch.
Having equipment that is not able to be retrieved
or will not work is pointless. If you boat floats bow up,
or sinks, ensuring safety equipment will be available will
almost certainly turn a capsize from a fatal accident to an
inconvenience.
Sinking
If your boat starts taking in water, the first thing
to do is ensure everyone on board is wearing their his or
her lifejacket.
Try to locate the cause of the leak and reduce the flow of
water by pushing something into the hole. Make a distress
call and head towards shallower water.
Bail the water out as best you can.
Should the boat submerge or turn over, stay with
the boat, you have a much greater chance of being
found.
Hypothermia
When in the water hypothermia leads to unconsciousness and
will cause a victim to submerge and drown. Wearing a life
jacket will prevent submersion, and in some cases provide
protection against hypothermia.
Wearing a life jacket allows a person to conserve energy.
Although treading water or swimming will make you feel warmer,
it is a false sensation. Energy spent on moving rather than
maintaining warmth will cool the body’s core.
Air is warmer than water. Heat loss is greater in water than
in air of the same temperature. If you are in the water with
floating objects e.g. upturned boat, then raise as much of
your torso out of the water as possible.
Get into a "huddle" position with all those from the boat to conserve body heat and for support
Fire Fighting
Remove one of the following:
- fuel - turn off the gas or petrol supply,
or remove combustible material;
- heat - by applying cold water;
- oxygen - smother the fire with CO2, dry
powder, or foam or cover with a fire blanket. When using
an extinguisher, aim at the base of the fire while keeping
low.
Prevention of Fires
NEVER smoke while refuelling!
- ventilate the boat thoroughly after refuelling. Petrol
and LPG vapours are heavier than air and will accumulate
in the lowest areas where they may be ignited by a spark;
- remove all rags and materials which have inflammable products
on them, such as oily or turps-soaked rags;
- maintain the electrical systems on your boat to prevent
shortouts and sparks;
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