Emergency Preparedness

[Gary Wyngarden]

Based on the current quiz results to date, most of us (85% at the time of this writing) have not yet experienced a major emergency while on the water. "Yet" is probably the operative word in this sentence.This raises the issue of how well prepared we are for the possibility of the big problems. Some equipment (PFD's, flares, throw cushions, etc.) are mandatory with requirements generally increasing with boat size. But what do we do to prepare?How often do you run MOB drills? Do you do them on sunny days with light winds or when the wind and seas are both big which is when the real thing is likely to occur? Have you ever practiced shooting off a flare? Do you have tapered plugs for emergencies with through hulls? Have you ever tried them out? How about your medical kit? Is it in good shape? Are you trained on how to use it? What do you think is important for emergency preparedness?Gary WyngardenS/V Shibumi H335

 

[Steve Dion]

We practice MOB drills about once a month.

We are always trying to recover a hat or something that goes overboard. We have lost several victims to Davey Jones Locker. Hopefully if they were oxygen consumming victims we would try harder and even drop the sails.As far as the rest our preparation, you will only really know when it happens.

 

[Debra Blatnik]

What kind of flares do people have?

We are required to have the hand-held variety. Does anyone have the 12 gauge launcher, or other flares?

 

[Jon Bastien]

Flares (for Debra)

About the flares, We keep both the hand-held and the 12-guage variety aboard. I find it a little more comforting to have the option between short- and medium- range signalling ability.  I also think it depends a bit on the area where you plan to use the boat. I considered SOLAS grade, and the hand-held meteor shooters, but for the type of sailing I do and the area I do it in (near shore and heavily travelled), I think the combination of hand-helds and the 12-guage flares should be enough to alert other boaters (or the Coast Guard) to my distress. If I were going offshore, or into a lightly travelled area, I'd consider something more powerful than what I have.YMMV,--Jon BastienH25 'Adagio'

 

[lnranch]

MOB Drill

We practice man overboard drills every time my hat blows off. Probably once every two months. The problem is we have saved only one. They do not swim well.