Safe at Sea: Addressing emergencies on the water
Admittedly, safety equipment for your boat is not the most exciting part of outfitting your vessel. In fact, many boaters assume that if they have got the correct number of PFDs on board, then that work is done.
Of course, if they have had a free Vessel Safety Check completed by the America’s Boating Club, the skipper will have a complete understanding of the required safety equipment which needs to be on board his/her boat.
Recently, the America’s Boating Club District 22 — which comprises the Gulf Coast in the southern half of the state — held its Spring Conference in Port Charlotte. One of the speakers, District Commander Cliff Schmidt, conducted a seminar entitled “Emergencies on the Water.” Drawing on his years of experience in marine rescue, EMT training and such, he addressed all aspects of safety equipment, from first aid kits and PFDs — “The very best life jacket is the one you will wear” — to advice he has acquired over his years in marine investigations.
The following information stuck with several members in the audience:
– At the very least, semi-annually take a close look at the contents of your first aid kit, checking for the effects of our climate on adhesives, packaging and such. Schmidt had a few interesting additions in his kit that we will be adding to ours: quick stop bleeding powder; vinegar for sting ray burns; Duct tape to support mere bandages, if necessary; and a tourniquet, which was once thought to be harmful but is no longer the case.
– In his discussion of PFDs, he addressed the self-inflating vests. Regularly remove the cartridge and then place it back in.
– Regardless in what device it will be used, always always purchase the very best batteries. That is true for flashlights, beacons, everything. Be diligent about checking they are charged and, thus, operable.
– A significant chunk of Schmidt’s presentation discussed what he believes are two essential boating items: an Emergency Response Indicating Radio Beacon, or EPIRB, and a Personal Locator Beacon. The 406 EPIRB provides worldwide coverage, a position location accuracy, reliable transmitted signal, an encoded message that identifies the distressed vessel and, as a result, a faster response/rescue time. Placing a Personal Locator Beacon — a smaller cousin of the EPIRB — inside your PFD provides additional locator abilities when in the water. Both items are costly, however, your life is worth it.
At the close of his talk, Schmidt discussed his personal Rule of 3’s:
– First is training. Take courses and learn as much as you can about how safety to operate your vessel. n Always know the weather forecast. Beware small craft advisories.
– The “unknown.” Be prepared for the unexpected.
According to Schmidt, a good boater will be able to handle any of the above two. However, when hit with all three, most likely disaster will result. Remember, stay Safe at Sea.
Pat Schmidt is a member of America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva. For more about the chapter and its boating education courses, visit www.sancapboating.club or contact education@sanibelcaptivasps.org or 612-987-2125. To schedule a free Vessel Safety Check with the club, email vsc@sanibelcaptivasps.org.