SAFETY AT SEA CORE TOPICS HANDBOOK Edited by Sally Lindsay Honey With contributions by: Jim Antrim, Kent Benedict, Chris Branning, Bruce Brown, Ken Campbell, Jim Corenman, Dave Endean, Rubin Gabriel, Chuck Hawley, Carol Hasse, Stan Honey, Peter Isler, John Jourdane, Michael Jacobs, Sheila McCurdy, Paul Miller, John Neal, Dawn Riley, Ben Wright Acknowledgements This handbook would not exist without the original impetus of US Sailing’s Safety-At-Sea Committee Chair, Chuck Hawley, and without the many hours of effort contributed by the experienced offshore sailors who have offered their knowledge in the following chapters. These authors include: Jim Antrim, Kent Benedict, Chris Branning, Bruce Brown, Ken Campbell, Jim Corenman, Dave Endean, Rubin Gabriel, Chuck Hawley, Carol Hasse, Stan Honey, Peter Isler, John Jourdane, Michael Jacobs, Sheila McCurdy, Paul Miller, John Neal, Dawn Riley, and Ben Wright. Each chapter reflects the knowledge and style of its contributor. I am very appreciative of all the time and thought donated by these mentors in our sport. The information cited was current at the time of writing in 2014-15 and the principles will remain valid for a long time. It is the responsibility of any sailor to remain current with updated practices and equipment. As with any discipline that relies on modern technology, the specifics are subject to change and eventual obsolescence. Please use this handbook as a reference and reminder of the many topics that require thoughtful consideration before you push off from the dock for your next offshore adventure. The embedded check lists are only a start for compiling your own specifics relevant to your boat, your crew, and your voyage. Check the information at ussailing.org frequently for updates. The more you think through your possible situations before you leave, the more likely you are to reach your destination safely, with enthusiasm for your next voyage, and with new knowledge to share with others. Sally Lindsay Honey December 2015 2 Table of Contents Acknowledgements .................................................................................................................................. 2 Introduction, Sally Lindsay Honey ............................................................................................................ 5 Seamanship Check List, John Neal............................................................................................................... 7 Chapter 1—Care and Maintenance of Safety Equipment, Sheila McCurdy ................................................ 9 Items Requiring Periodic Maintenance, Chuck Hawley ............................................................................. 15 Chapter 2 – Communications Equipment, Chuck Hawley & Stan Honey ................................................. 16 Marine Communication Options: ............................................................................................................. 17 Chapter 3—Lifejackets, Harnesses, and Tethers, Bruce Brown ............................................................. 25 Low Speed Chase use of inadequate flotation, Sally Lindsay Honey ......................................................... 33 Chapter 4—Weather Forecasting, Stan Honey & Ken Campbell ............................................................. 34 Beaufort Scale ........................................................................................................................................... 45 Wave Development, Jim Corenman, Jim Antrim & Sally Lindsay Honey ................................................... 46 Case Study: Low Speed Chase ................................................................................................................... 51 Chapter 5—Heavy Weather Sailing, Dawn Riley ..................................................................................... 53 Reefing Techniques ................................................................................................................................... 60 Thoughts from John Jourdane: Remember, Heavy Weather is Relative ................................................... 65 Chapter 6—Storm Sails and Storm Tactics, Carol Hasse and John Neal ................................................... 66 Storm Tactics, John Neal ........................................................................................................................... 71 Chapter 7—Damage Control and Repair, Dave Endean ........................................................................ 78 Damage Control Summary, Bruce Brown.................................................................................................. 85 Sparky’s Dismasting, 668 miles from Hawaii ............................................................................................ 89 Chapter 8—Giving Assistance to Other Craft, Chuck Hawley & Paul Miller............................................. 92 Safety Laws and Regulations for Giving Assistance .................................................................................. 93 3 John Jourdane’s Sydney-Hobart Rescue Report ........................................................................................ 96 Chapter 9—Crew Overboard Prevention & Recovery, Peter Isler ...................................................... 97 Crew Overboard Prevention, Michael Jacobs and Chuck Hawley ........................................................... 105 Crew Overboard Procedure Summary, Chuck Hawley ............................................................................ 106 Chapter 10— Search & Rescue Organization and Methods, Michael Jacobs and Chuck Hawley ....... 110 Two possible evacuation scenarios ......................................................................................................... 112 Pilot’s Eye View, Chris Branning, USCG rescue helicopter pilot ............................................................... 117 Chapter 11 – Submersion & Hypothermia, Kent Benedict .............................................................. 121 Documentation of a Medical Event ......................................................................................................... 127 Seasickness—Prevention and Treatment, John Neal .............................................................................. 128 Chapter 12 – Fire Precautions and Fire Fighting, Michael Jacobs and Chuck Hawley ............................ 131 PlayStation Fire, Ben Wright ................................................................................................................... 139 Chapter 13—Life Rafts: Choice and Use, Bruce Brown .......................................................................... 141 4 Introduction, Sally Lindsay Honey The philosophy of “Safety at sea” is intended to enhance the joy of blue water voyages by reducing the risk of serious injury and loss. We go to sea for shared adventure, for the accomplishment of overcoming physical and mental challenge, and for the satisfaction of gaining new skills and experience. The greater our preparation and understanding, the more likely we will overcome challenges. This handbook presents an overview of best safety practices to minimize the chance of misfortune offshore. Accidents at sea are more threatening than those on shore due to isolation from sources of help. A vessel and its crew must be prepared to handle any eventuality, from a broken finger to a torn sail to sinking. ISAF World Sailing Offshore Safety Requirements (OSRs) and US Sailing Safety- at-Sea training programs follow a prescribed set of training topics that describe practices and equipment known to reduce the chance of offshore emergency incidents. This handbook observes the OSR required curriculum and cites the particular prescriptions addressed in the format OSR x.xx. The following chapters have been contributed by experienced offshore sailors eager to share their knowledge of passage-making. Each chapter reflects the particular knowledge of the author. But classrooms and books are only a start to proper seamanship. Sailing with experienced sailors is the best way to become competent in the mechanics of sailing and seamanship. Go sailing, respect the sea, enjoy the challenge, and share your knowledge. US Sailing Safety-At-Sea Seminars and ISAF Offshore Safety Regulations Responsibilities of Person in Charge (OSR 1.02) Voyaging across open seas allows complete freedom of the course taken, but not without risk. If done irresponsibly, there is danger involved. As a boat owner, captain, or person in charge, you must remember that the entire crew relies on you for their safety and for the responsible management of the vessel and its gear. These are the words of the ISAF Fundamental definition of the responsibilities involved: “The safety of a yacht and her crew is the sole and inescapable responsibility of the person in charge who must do his best to ensure that the yacht is fully found, thoroughly seaworthy and manned by an experienced crew who have undergone appropriate training and are physically fit to face bad weather. He must be satisfied as to the soundness of hull, spars, rigging, sails and all gear. He must ensure that all safety equipment is properly maintained and stowed and that the crew know where it is kept and how it is to be used. He shall also nominate a person to take over the responsibilities of the Person in Charge in the event of his incapacitation.” 5 Not only must you fit out the vessel properly, you must ensure