Sailing Safely, Equipment and Tips for Crew Overboard

Posted: September 4th, 2009 | Author: | Filed under: Recreation | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | No Comments »

As afternoon fades into evening, scarce clouds hover on the horizon. 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. Over the course of time, if there is a current, the crewmember will move.

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.

The Quick Stop Method, when done correctly, is a fast technique. The boat can remain close to the overboard crewmember in this method and thus allow a greater ease in spotting the crewmember. When the crew is minimal, it is difficult to perform the gybe manuever, therefore making this method disadvangateous compared to others in certain circumstances. If the boat is on a run, the quick stop method cannot be preformed.

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.


Rescuing the crewmember is dependent on other aspects as well, such as using flotation devices. It will also help if the crewmember is wearing a boat 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. Try not to get the whistles with small balls in them, as when they are filled with water they are very hard to blow. 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.

It is essential to have a liferaft in the occurence of a serious problem with the boat. 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 boat liferaft is kept up to date and inflated every so often so that in a critical moment, it operates as expected. A ditch bag, which contains emergency meal rations and water, should be kept in a location that is easy to reach if need be.

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.

 

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