Sailing is a relatively safe activity but how hard do you try to prevent possible accidents? Do you and/or your crew always wear lifejackets? What about an MOB pole, horseshoe buouy, jacklines, harnesses, Lifesling and EPIRB or liferaft? Do you carry a ditch bag? Have you ever practiced using these items or used them in an actual emergency? Tell us about your safety efforts then vote in this week's Quick Quiz at the bottom of the home page. (Discussion topic and quiz by Trevor MacLachlan)
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We are concerned
We carry all the normal coastal-sailing safety equipment on DreamBoat; VHF radio, life jackets, safety harnesses, lifelines, GPS unit, current charts, cell phone, throwable life ring, etc. We recently purchased a self-inflating PFD for the captain to wear when leaving the cockpit during rough weather. That said, we don't do much sailing in rough weather. If it looks bad, or the forecast is bad, we just don't go out. If we are away from the dock and bad weather comes up, we find a convenient anchorage and wait it out. We rarely leave the bay, intercoastal waterway, or sound, and if we do, it's only for a day sail into the Gulf. I'm not afraid of heavy weather, I feel that my boat and crew can handle it if necessary, but why put yourself through that stress if you don't have to?
We carry all the normal coastal-sailing safety equipment on DreamBoat; VHF radio, life jackets, safety harnesses, lifelines, GPS unit, current charts, cell phone, throwable life ring, etc. We recently purchased a self-inflating PFD for the captain to wear when leaving the cockpit during rough weather. That said, we don't do much sailing in rough weather. If it looks bad, or the forecast is bad, we just don't go out. If we are away from the dock and bad weather comes up, we find a convenient anchorage and wait it out. We rarely leave the bay, intercoastal waterway, or sound, and if we do, it's only for a day sail into the Gulf. I'm not afraid of heavy weather, I feel that my boat and crew can handle it if necessary, but why put yourself through that stress if you don't have to?
Always wear PFD's
Inflatables, they're comfortable enough that I can't see a reason not to wear them. I figure if I go overboard there's probably a reason like the old ticker stopped and at least they won't have to wait for me to wash up on shore.
Inflatables, they're comfortable enough that I can't see a reason not to wear them. I figure if I go overboard there's probably a reason like the old ticker stopped and at least they won't have to wait for me to wash up on shore.
Safety
Every year we have people in our area who drown/disappear in moderate or calm conditions. Can't remember the last time I heard of someone who fell overboard wearing a PFD and did not survive. This personal observation is supported by recent statistics. According to the Coast Guard eighty-seven (87) percent of the victims who drowned were not wearing their personal flotation device (PFD or lifejacket). Go to this link for supporting data: http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/Boating_Statistics_2005.pdf We have a throw bag and have practiced deploying the Lifesling. These tests were done in calm conditions and although we have a open stern, getting the MOB aboard still would be difficult. Hope we never have to use it because the odds are against survival in our cold waters. I like the self-inflatable PFD. Since a deceased MOB sinks so quickly, the bright yellow color makes it easier to recover the body.
Every year we have people in our area who drown/disappear in moderate or calm conditions. Can't remember the last time I heard of someone who fell overboard wearing a PFD and did not survive. This personal observation is supported by recent statistics. According to the Coast Guard eighty-seven (87) percent of the victims who drowned were not wearing their personal flotation device (PFD or lifejacket). Go to this link for supporting data: http://www.uscgboating.org/statistics/Boating_Statistics_2005.pdf We have a throw bag and have practiced deploying the Lifesling. These tests were done in calm conditions and although we have a open stern, getting the MOB aboard still would be difficult. Hope we never have to use it because the odds are against survival in our cold waters. I like the self-inflatable PFD. Since a deceased MOB sinks so quickly, the bright yellow color makes it easier to recover the body.
It's a priority!
Safety is probably the one most practised task on board STARGAZER. From the spring Coast Guard Safety inspection, to man-over-board-drills, to carrying all necessary equipment - both electronic and manual - I wouldn't feel as comfortable with my boat or my passengers if I didn't take full precautions. After all - the captain IS the responsible party!
Safety is probably the one most practised task on board STARGAZER. From the spring Coast Guard Safety inspection, to man-over-board-drills, to carrying all necessary equipment - both electronic and manual - I wouldn't feel as comfortable with my boat or my passengers if I didn't take full precautions. After all - the captain IS the responsible party!
We have an M.O.B. pole and
of course, PFDs but we do not routinely wear them. The rule on our boat is that if you go forward from the cockpit while under way (even for anchoring), you are tethered. You are also tethered in the cockpit whenever sailing at night or in rough weather. Uh, I don't recall ever practicing mob drills.
of course, PFDs but we do not routinely wear them. The rule on our boat is that if you go forward from the cockpit while under way (even for anchoring), you are tethered. You are also tethered in the cockpit whenever sailing at night or in rough weather. Uh, I don't recall ever practicing mob drills.
PFD
A drowning was reported on towndock.net, the Oriental NC website, last week. The investigating officer, I think NC Wildlife although it could have been CG, made the comment that they'd never recovered a drowning victim wearing a PFD. Fairly simple straighforward statement that says a whole lot.
A drowning was reported on towndock.net, the Oriental NC website, last week. The investigating officer, I think NC Wildlife although it could have been CG, made the comment that they'd never recovered a drowning victim wearing a PFD. Fairly simple straighforward statement that says a whole lot.
Safety is no accident
Safety is no accident. More accidents happen when You are ill-prepared. The better prepared You are the more likely your accidents will be experiences. On our boat we have the normal flares and spares, horns, bell, fire extinguishers below and in a cockpit lazerette, automatic fire extinguisher in the engine compartment. We have self-inflating vests for a crew of 7 as well as other standard pfd's. All are equipped with a whistle and a waterproof light. If you dont have your own, we will provide you with one. If you dont want to wear it, you can stay on the dock. We have MOB pole and horseshoe with strobe. Lifesling and MOB practice with the regular crew. New folks get instructions on where it all is and how to deploy it. For offshore we have a liferaft, jacklines and harnesses. There is a VHF below at the chart table and a separate VHF at the helm as well as a handheld VHF for the ditch bag or going ashore. We keep current paper charts as well as 2 gps and electronic charts. Overkill?? Nope - You have a boat burn out from under you while at sea and if you survive - see how prepared you are next time! The sea won't let you 'get away' with anything. The better prepared you are the more likely you are to survive. Don't worry about having a problem, but be prepared to deal with one when it comes along.
Safety is no accident. More accidents happen when You are ill-prepared. The better prepared You are the more likely your accidents will be experiences. On our boat we have the normal flares and spares, horns, bell, fire extinguishers below and in a cockpit lazerette, automatic fire extinguisher in the engine compartment. We have self-inflating vests for a crew of 7 as well as other standard pfd's. All are equipped with a whistle and a waterproof light. If you dont have your own, we will provide you with one. If you dont want to wear it, you can stay on the dock. We have MOB pole and horseshoe with strobe. Lifesling and MOB practice with the regular crew. New folks get instructions on where it all is and how to deploy it. For offshore we have a liferaft, jacklines and harnesses. There is a VHF below at the chart table and a separate VHF at the helm as well as a handheld VHF for the ditch bag or going ashore. We keep current paper charts as well as 2 gps and electronic charts. Overkill?? Nope - You have a boat burn out from under you while at sea and if you survive - see how prepared you are next time! The sea won't let you 'get away' with anything. The better prepared you are the more likely you are to survive. Don't worry about having a problem, but be prepared to deal with one when it comes along.
Tethered for anchoring *o
Methinks you are overboard and I don't mean in the physical sense. If tethering makes you comfortable. GOD BLESS. Let the conditions and your comfort dictate what you do, but don't be so anal you think everyone, everytime should tether for routine tasks. If you are that afraid of being on a boat and feel comfort in doing it. GOD BLESS. But NEVER infer others need t have that level of belts and suspenders for ordinary boating tasks. Maybe we should never leave our house because we MIGHT get hit by a bus.
Methinks you are overboard and I don't mean in the physical sense. If tethering makes you comfortable. GOD BLESS. Let the conditions and your comfort dictate what you do, but don't be so anal you think everyone, everytime should tether for routine tasks. If you are that afraid of being on a boat and feel comfort in doing it. GOD BLESS. But NEVER infer others need t have that level of belts and suspenders for ordinary boating tasks. Maybe we should never leave our house because we MIGHT get hit by a bus.
PS Georges' link shows that only 6 people *o
have died/drown on Auxilary Sailboats in all on 2005 (7 but 1 is not defined). YES thats 7 too many people, but you all make it seem like its an epidemic !!!! Lets put in in perspective. More people have died in Miss. in one car accident than all Aux Sailboat accidents in the whole US in all the states in 1 year !!!! Put some perspective on this thing, these stupid polls make people think like this is a terrible trend happening. WHATS WORSE is foolish people have KNEE JERK reactions to think we need to have government action to save ourselves from ourselves. ENOUGH ALREADY !!!! *grr
have died/drown on Auxilary Sailboats in all on 2005 (7 but 1 is not defined). YES thats 7 too many people, but you all make it seem like its an epidemic !!!! Lets put in in perspective. More people have died in Miss. in one car accident than all Aux Sailboat accidents in the whole US in all the states in 1 year !!!! Put some perspective on this thing, these stupid polls make people think like this is a terrible trend happening. WHATS WORSE is foolish people have KNEE JERK reactions to think we need to have government action to save ourselves from ourselves. ENOUGH ALREADY !!!! *grr
Is safety an acident?
Here is one man's experience alongside the pier in November 2006. At just about dark I was stepping over the lifelines of a docked 3 year old Hunter 306. I had a firm grip on the Bimini frame, but in the dim light couldn't see that I was stepping on a 35 degree slanted deck instead of a flat area. My feet went out from under me and I was left hanging over the side, holding onto the Bimini frame w/o the upper body strength to pull myself up onto the deck (I'm 77 yrs old). No one else on board, nor in the vicinity. My son not due for an hour. No sweat! I'll just let myself into the cold water and pull my body around to the stern where I can let down the swim ladder and climb back on board. The problem with that scheme was immediatly evident to me as I tried to do just that. The helm seat had been left down over the swim ladder, (we store it that way), and in that position it prevented me from rotating the swim ladder outboard and extending the ladder. I couldn't raise the helm seat while rotating the swim ladder because I had just two hands, and nothing to stand on for leverage. But I was determined not to become another casualty figure in the local newspaper. So after 15 minutes of superhuman (I thought) effort, I did manage to deploy the swim ladder and I climbed aboard, cold, wet and scared. Lessons; Never forget that most MOB's occur alongside the pier. When you are no longer 30, (or 50 yrs old), have somebody else at the boat with you, every time. If a helm seat stored down prevents ready deployment of your swim ladder, always, always store it in the up position when alongside!
Here is one man's experience alongside the pier in November 2006. At just about dark I was stepping over the lifelines of a docked 3 year old Hunter 306. I had a firm grip on the Bimini frame, but in the dim light couldn't see that I was stepping on a 35 degree slanted deck instead of a flat area. My feet went out from under me and I was left hanging over the side, holding onto the Bimini frame w/o the upper body strength to pull myself up onto the deck (I'm 77 yrs old). No one else on board, nor in the vicinity. My son not due for an hour. No sweat! I'll just let myself into the cold water and pull my body around to the stern where I can let down the swim ladder and climb back on board. The problem with that scheme was immediatly evident to me as I tried to do just that. The helm seat had been left down over the swim ladder, (we store it that way), and in that position it prevented me from rotating the swim ladder outboard and extending the ladder. I couldn't raise the helm seat while rotating the swim ladder because I had just two hands, and nothing to stand on for leverage. But I was determined not to become another casualty figure in the local newspaper. So after 15 minutes of superhuman (I thought) effort, I did manage to deploy the swim ladder and I climbed aboard, cold, wet and scared. Lessons; Never forget that most MOB's occur alongside the pier. When you are no longer 30, (or 50 yrs old), have somebody else at the boat with you, every time. If a helm seat stored down prevents ready deployment of your swim ladder, always, always store it in the up position when alongside!
Well said OldSalt
I couldn't agree more. I am 69 years old, and I often get up on the deck when single handing offshore, without a tether. I have a self inflating vest, with a built in harness, and a tether. I keep two off shore jackets tied to the dodger frame at all times. But when the weather is nice, I don't put either of these on. I don't clip into the boat just because I am single handing, and maybe could go over the side. I prefer the freedom, over the feeling of security. But I can assure you that when the weather turns snotty, I am trussed up tight. I can remember an instance several years ago, coming into a really nasty inlet, when I had on an inflatable with a harness, clipped into the cockpit, an offshore jacket on over the inflatable, and was sitting on the other offshore jacket.
I couldn't agree more. I am 69 years old, and I often get up on the deck when single handing offshore, without a tether. I have a self inflating vest, with a built in harness, and a tether. I keep two off shore jackets tied to the dodger frame at all times. But when the weather is nice, I don't put either of these on. I don't clip into the boat just because I am single handing, and maybe could go over the side. I prefer the freedom, over the feeling of security. But I can assure you that when the weather turns snotty, I am trussed up tight. I can remember an instance several years ago, coming into a really nasty inlet, when I had on an inflatable with a harness, clipped into the cockpit, an offshore jacket on over the inflatable, and was sitting on the other offshore jacket.
Happened only once!
Only once and that is enough. A person who always wore a cruiser suit (not this time) slipped and fell overboard while we were doing 1.3 knots. The transmission was immediately shifted into neutral and horseshoe thrown within seconds. It landed within 5 feet of them and they were recovered quickly, but hypothermia had already started to set in. This ordeal made me far more aware of safety even though the vessel was well equiped with the requirements. The horseshoe was closer than the lifering and it did the job this time. After that experience, I added a second lifering as I relaized I would like to be able to go to either side of the vessel for a lifering. It is much easier to throw the ring from the high side when healed over than to go under the boom and have no height to throw the ring. Man overboard drills are common on board for anyone who is new or old to the sport, firstly to train them, secondly, to ease their fears of being left behind so that they do not panic and thirdy, just to keep me and them up to par on what to do. On board is GPS with one button MOB positioning, automatic pilot with MOB button, but it is much slower than manual steering, a 200 foot line to a raceing ring and all the flares and others needed. Anyone who cannot swim wears a flotation device and in heavy weather, the gear comes out for everyone. This may be overkill, but I am not willing to put another person through the nightmares that this person suffered for the following two to three years. Some individuals take an experience like MOB in stride and others have drastic reactions. I have only one chance to do it right. I make sure that all safety equipment is working properly before every trip and each person on board knows what I will do if they do go overboard. Preparation of the MOB is just as important as knowing what to do as captain. Two other MOBs from other vessels that I have been involved with became recoveries as the individuals were not prepared for such an event. Overkill - No! Just basic boating skills learned through one bad experience.
Only once and that is enough. A person who always wore a cruiser suit (not this time) slipped and fell overboard while we were doing 1.3 knots. The transmission was immediately shifted into neutral and horseshoe thrown within seconds. It landed within 5 feet of them and they were recovered quickly, but hypothermia had already started to set in. This ordeal made me far more aware of safety even though the vessel was well equiped with the requirements. The horseshoe was closer than the lifering and it did the job this time. After that experience, I added a second lifering as I relaized I would like to be able to go to either side of the vessel for a lifering. It is much easier to throw the ring from the high side when healed over than to go under the boom and have no height to throw the ring. Man overboard drills are common on board for anyone who is new or old to the sport, firstly to train them, secondly, to ease their fears of being left behind so that they do not panic and thirdy, just to keep me and them up to par on what to do. On board is GPS with one button MOB positioning, automatic pilot with MOB button, but it is much slower than manual steering, a 200 foot line to a raceing ring and all the flares and others needed. Anyone who cannot swim wears a flotation device and in heavy weather, the gear comes out for everyone. This may be overkill, but I am not willing to put another person through the nightmares that this person suffered for the following two to three years. Some individuals take an experience like MOB in stride and others have drastic reactions. I have only one chance to do it right. I make sure that all safety equipment is working properly before every trip and each person on board knows what I will do if they do go overboard. Preparation of the MOB is just as important as knowing what to do as captain. Two other MOBs from other vessels that I have been involved with became recoveries as the individuals were not prepared for such an event. Overkill - No! Just basic boating skills learned through one bad experience.
My rules
1. Always wear a PFD - everyone. 2. Everyone gets a briefing how to start / stop engine, lower sails, what to do if you or someone else goes overboard, locations of safety equipment. 3. We have an EPIRB, a registered DSC radio with GPS interface, more flares and such than required by CG, prominent yellow ditch bag, lifesling, MOB pole and orange lifering. 4. The boat is well maintained - at least as important as everything else on the list. 5. I always check the weather before leaving the dock, and plan for the worst thing that can happen when approaching other boats, obstacles or shore. 6. We have done MOB drills with our kids since they were small. On our 25' boat in August we let them "fall" off the stern in a protected bay and recovered them. The water was warm and they gained a lot of confidence, overcoming the fear of the unknown. 7. Use a chartplotter even in familiar waters, and never travel anywhere without paper charts as a backup. Safety is not an accident.
1. Always wear a PFD - everyone. 2. Everyone gets a briefing how to start / stop engine, lower sails, what to do if you or someone else goes overboard, locations of safety equipment. 3. We have an EPIRB, a registered DSC radio with GPS interface, more flares and such than required by CG, prominent yellow ditch bag, lifesling, MOB pole and orange lifering. 4. The boat is well maintained - at least as important as everything else on the list. 5. I always check the weather before leaving the dock, and plan for the worst thing that can happen when approaching other boats, obstacles or shore. 6. We have done MOB drills with our kids since they were small. On our 25' boat in August we let them "fall" off the stern in a protected bay and recovered them. The water was warm and they gained a lot of confidence, overcoming the fear of the unknown. 7. Use a chartplotter even in familiar waters, and never travel anywhere without paper charts as a backup. Safety is not an accident.
Sailors Safer?
In our state about 80 percent of registered boats are shorter than 20 feet, so you would expect the numbers of drownings in this category of boat to be greater. Also, a relatively small portion of the registered boats are sailboats. As a result, you would expect that the drownings of sailors would be lower. Another factor is that as a group Sailors are probably better trained and safety conscious. That said, it still appears anybody who enters the water still has a relatively small chance of surviving. Your best chance of beating the odds improve greatly wearing a PFD.
In our state about 80 percent of registered boats are shorter than 20 feet, so you would expect the numbers of drownings in this category of boat to be greater. Also, a relatively small portion of the registered boats are sailboats. As a result, you would expect that the drownings of sailors would be lower. Another factor is that as a group Sailors are probably better trained and safety conscious. That said, it still appears anybody who enters the water still has a relatively small chance of surviving. Your best chance of beating the odds improve greatly wearing a PFD.
Alert Lookout
I also sail on a tall ship -- a 300 ton, 3 masted barkentine. We have done MOB drills at sea, and you would be surprised how far away the "dummy" gets within a minute at 9 kts., and usually not visible at all, only the pole can be seen. We have done survival training in an indoor pool, giving the crew a chance to see what it is like to be in the water in your clothes/foul weather gear. I learned how to inflate my jacket for buoyancy, in the event you end up in the water without a PFD. We also practiced boarding an inflated life raft -- not as easy as it looks, and that's in warm, comfortable water. The best lesson at all from that class was this: one of the instructors had been on the crew of Pride of Baltimore when she capsized. Her sinking went unnoticed, and the survivors spent several days in a very crowded life raft. They had used up all their flares, and were down to just a flashlight. He was asked the question, "How were you saved?" He began by explaining how it was night, and they saw a passing ship, then tried signaling with the flashlight, and when it went out, they removed the batteries, rubbed them and then put them back in. Then he stopped, and shortened his answer to: "We were saved by an alert lookout." It really didn't matter whether they had a flashlight with fresh batteries or near-dead ones, unless there are alert lookouts, they will never be seen. Food for thought when we are on open water and it seems nothing is going on. There just might be someone trying to signal you.
I also sail on a tall ship -- a 300 ton, 3 masted barkentine. We have done MOB drills at sea, and you would be surprised how far away the "dummy" gets within a minute at 9 kts., and usually not visible at all, only the pole can be seen. We have done survival training in an indoor pool, giving the crew a chance to see what it is like to be in the water in your clothes/foul weather gear. I learned how to inflate my jacket for buoyancy, in the event you end up in the water without a PFD. We also practiced boarding an inflated life raft -- not as easy as it looks, and that's in warm, comfortable water. The best lesson at all from that class was this: one of the instructors had been on the crew of Pride of Baltimore when she capsized. Her sinking went unnoticed, and the survivors spent several days in a very crowded life raft. They had used up all their flares, and were down to just a flashlight. He was asked the question, "How were you saved?" He began by explaining how it was night, and they saw a passing ship, then tried signaling with the flashlight, and when it went out, they removed the batteries, rubbed them and then put them back in. Then he stopped, and shortened his answer to: "We were saved by an alert lookout." It really didn't matter whether they had a flashlight with fresh batteries or near-dead ones, unless there are alert lookouts, they will never be seen. Food for thought when we are on open water and it seems nothing is going on. There just might be someone trying to signal you.
Safety is a mindset
Safety is definately not an accident. As a commercial pilot I can see a parallel between flying and going to sea in a small boat. Both can be very unforgiving when things get ugly (and they do). Aviation safety is accomplished by rigorous emergency training and strict adherence to stringent safety precautions. Safety at sea is much the same - being prepared (both you and your boat), staying competent, and knowing your limits go a long way towards preventing accidents.
Safety is definately not an accident. As a commercial pilot I can see a parallel between flying and going to sea in a small boat. Both can be very unforgiving when things get ugly (and they do). Aviation safety is accomplished by rigorous emergency training and strict adherence to stringent safety precautions. Safety at sea is much the same - being prepared (both you and your boat), staying competent, and knowing your limits go a long way towards preventing accidents.
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