Safety Procedures and Equipment for Maritime Survival
Safety in the Sea: Beacons, Principles, and Maintenance
Radio Beacons
A radio beacon is a floating, waterproof, orange radio transmitter installed on the vessel. It can be deployed manually or automatically (hydrostatic release) and should be readily accessible for manual release or transfer to a survival craft. Hydrostatic release units and the beacon itself require inspection every two years. The beacon transmits a worldwide frequency of 406 MHz and comes in two types: A) transmitting the MMSI, and B) transmitting the MMSI and position (latitude and longitude) via integrated GPS.
Towing in Bad Weather
Towing a boat in open water during bad weather requires increased safety and precautionary measures. These include:
- Securing tow lines at multiple points (bollards and cleats) to distribute pressure and reduce strain.
- Deploying a significant length of tow line (around 200 meters) to create a catenary, allowing the boats to ride waves more effectively.
- Adding weight near the towed boat to prevent collisions.
- Using a canvas bag filled with oil-soaked tow to create a calming oil slick in front of the towed boat.
Pyrotechnics in Liferafts
Avoid using flares or smoke signals unless certain of being sighted by a potential rescue vessel. If using smoke signals, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. When using flares, extend your arms outside the raft to prevent burns and ensure adequate clearance. Use signaling equipment judiciously.
Life Raft Organization and Survival
Post-Shipwreck
Assuming survivors reach the liferaft fed and hydrated, food and water should be conserved for the first 24 hours. After that, the skipper or designated person should ration supplies based on potential time at sea. Consult the survival manual located inside the liferaft. Distribute passengers and equipment evenly to maintain balance and stability. Avoid excessive use of smoke signals unless a vessel or aircraft is visually confirmed nearby. Collect dew or rainwater using sponges to supplement existing water reserves, as dehydration is a primary concern. The skipper should maintain morale with positive and hopeful messages, instilling confidence in a swift rescue.
Helicopter Rescue
Wearing your lifejacket, signal the helicopter with clear rescue gestures, waving your arms crossed above your head. The helicopter may lower a basket for entry or a rescue strop. Place the strop under your left armpit, maintaining a vertical position relative to the helicopter. Follow the operator’s instructions and do not release the strop until instructed.
Safety Equipment for Navigation Area 2 (FOM/1144/2003)
- Liferaft (SOLAS or ISO)
- Life jackets (SOLAS approved), one per person and 100% for children, equipped with lights and a single lanyard ring.
- 6 rocket parachute flares
- 6 hand flares
- 2 buoyant smoke signals
Survival in the Water Without a Life Raft
Staying Together and Conserving Heat
Survivors should huddle together in a circle, placing the weakest individuals in the center. Maintain a tight circle to minimize heat loss. Limit movement to conserve energy and body heat. Adopting a fetal position can further reduce heat loss. Hypothermia is the biggest threat to survival in cold water.
Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs)
A PLB is a floating, waterproof, orange radio transmitter. It can be manually activated or automatically deployed via a hydrostatic release. It should be easily accessible for manual release or transfer to a survival craft. Hydrostatic release units and the beacon require inspection every two years. The beacon transmits a worldwide frequency of 406 MHz and comes in two types: A) transmitting the MMSI, and B) transmitting the MMSI and position (latitude and longitude) via integrated GPS.
Pyrotechnics Onboard (Navigation Area 2)
Required pyrotechnics for Navigation Area 2 include:
- 6 rocket parachute flares
- 6 hand flares
- 2 buoyant smoke signals
Sea Anchor
A sea anchor is a cone-shaped canvas or similar material drogue that creates drag, slowing the drift of a boat or raft and helping to maintain position in the vicinity of the incident.
Rescue Equipment for Navigation Area 2 (FOM/1144/2003)
- Liferaft (SOLAS or ISO)
- Life jackets (SOLAS approved), one per person and 100% for children, equipped with lights and a single lanyard ring.
- 6 rocket parachute flares
- 6 hand flares
- 2 buoyant smoke signals
Man Overboard Maneuvers
Various maneuvers exist, including the Boutakov method and returning to the MOD (Man Overboard Datum) or last known position. If the person is not located, initiate search patterns:
Expanding Square Search
Navigate outward from the DATUM, creating increasingly larger concentric squares. This method is accurate but requires precise navigation (e.g., datum, 4 miles north, 4 miles east, 8 miles south, 8 miles west, 12 miles north, 12 miles east, 16 miles south, etc.).
Sector Search
Divide the search area into sectors radiating from the DATUM. This is effective when the target’s location is relatively known and covers less area than the expanding square search. Sail from the DATUM for a predetermined distance (e.g., two miles) on a specific course. Turn 120 degrees and sail the same distance. Turn 120 degrees again and sail the same distance, returning to the DATUM. Repeat this process, covering a total of 9 sectors (360 degrees) around the DATUM.
Parallel Track Search
This method requires two or more vessels. Ships sail parallel to each other, covering a designated search area.
Life Raft Equipment
- 1 or 2 floating bailers
- 1 survival guide
- 2 drogues
- 1 puncture repair kit
- 1 food ration pack per person (6 person capacity)
- 1 water ration pack
- 1 box of parachute flares
- 4 hand flares
- 6 smoke signals
- 1 lantern with spare batteries and bulb
- 1 signaling mirror
- 1 whistle
- 1 first aid kit
- 1 seasickness medication pack (for 6 people)
- 1 blunt pocket knife with floating lanyard
- 3 floating lanyard rings
- 1 thermal blanket per person
- 2 sponges
- 1 pump and 1 sponge for collecting dew
- 2 50-meter floating lines