Sailing Safely, Equipment and Tips for Crew Overboard
5th August 2009 by Boating Laws No CommentsOut in the distance, there are no clouds as day fades to night. For a sailor in his Wayfarer, an ominous feeling cannot be shaken. A voice breaks the persistent silence between the rushing of water against the sailboat, “Crew Overboard!” It is not something anyone wants to hear while sailing, but these few simple tips about rescuing crew members is invaluable:
1)First it is important to note the position of the overboard crewmember and mark the time. If there is a current, the crewmember could drift over the course of time.
2)Throw as many flotation devices to the overboard crewmember as possible, as it will help the person overboard, and also create a localized area enclosing the person.
3)Have at least one person on the crew spot the overboard crewmember while rescue is underway so that he or she is always being monitored.
4)If the size of the crew is minimal, one of the crew may have to let go of the jib and maneuver with the main sail alone.
5)Use either the Quick Stop Method or Figure 8 (Quick Turn) Method to bring the crewmember back on board the sailboat.
One clear advantage of the Quick Stop Method is that when it is preformed correctly it is very fast to do. It is easier to spot the crewmember with this method, as the boat can remain close to the overboard crewmember. However this method is disadvantageous since a gybe maneuver must be performed which can be difficult in high winds or especially when the crew is minimal. If on a run, the quick stop method cannot be done.
The Figure 8 (Quick Turn) Method is advantageous as it can be preformed from any point of sail, and because a gybe is not required. However trading in for these advantages leaves the consequence of being farther away from the overboard crewmember and possibly lose sight of him or her.
Successfully rescuing the crewmember is also dependent on safety equipment, or flotation devices. It will also help if the crewmember is wearing a life jacket. While most regulations require life jackets, ideally the life jacket should have the boat’s name, and be fitted with reflective material and a whistle. It is significantly harder to blow the whistles that have the small balls in them, especially when filled with water. The life jacket should also contain a flare so that in the event of poor visibility, the overboard crewmember could light it to signal his or her location in the water.
There should definitely be a liferaft aboard the boat in the instance something goes wrong. The liferaft should be stowed in a location that allows its retrieval in 15 seconds or less. If the liferaft is heavy, greater than 90 pounds in weight, it should not be stowed below deck. Make sure to verify that the liferaft is kept up to date and inflated every so often so that in a critical moment, it operates as expected. There should be meal rations and water in an emergency ditch bag in an easily reachable location in the event of its need.
Only if proper safety rules are not followed can sailing be dangerous. The crew is definitely capable of having a fantastic day out on the water, as long as the crew is calm and vigilant of the actions around them.
