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Chapter 8
Emergency Procedures – Boat and Fire Drills
For a ship to operate safely, the owners, operators, and crew must embrace
a safety culture and create an environment where precautions and safety
are primary concerns. Smart operators make decisions with the safety of
their passengers, crew and vessel a priority.
The safe operation of any vessel requires a keen knowledge of its handling
characteristics and limitations. It also requires knowledge of the waters
where the vessel is operating, including local weather conditions; water
levels; low, slack, and high tides; currents, rapids, and white water;
direction of water flow and other water conditions; overhead and underwater
obstacles (bridges and underwater cable).
Boat and fire drills should be practiced regularly. Practicing responses
to a variety of emergency situations will teach crewmembers how to quickly
and properly react to any situation. Operators should think about emergency
situations and be able to answer "What would I do if" type questions
so they can respond decisively if the question becomes, "What do
I do now?"
To help avoid an actual emergency, it is good procedure to run through
a safety checklist before departure (see Pre-departure Checklist
below). It is better to invest a few minutes at the dock making sure your
vessel, engine, and equipment are in working order than spend hours stranded
offshore in a potentially dangerous situation.
Pre-departure Safety Checklist
- What is the weather forecast? Do conditions match the forecast?
- Any local hazards or boating restrictions on route?
- Do you have updated charts of the operating area? Is the navigational
equipment working?
- Have you given a responsible person a Sail Plan?
- Are there enough life jackets of appropriate size for everyone on
board, including children?
- Is all safety equipment in good working order?
- Is your VHF radio or other communication equipment working properly?
- Are navigation lights working properly?
- Are the first aid kit, basic tools and spare parts onboard?
- Is your drainage plug in place?
- Is your bilge pump free of debris and working?
- Check the battery’s charge and its fluid levels.
- Did you check for oil and water leaks?
- Did you check fuel lube oil and coolant levels, hoses and belts?
While at sea, on receiving a signal from any source that a ship or aircraft
or survival craft is in distress, you should proceed to the assistance
of the persons in distress, informing them if possible that you are on
your way. If it is impossible or unnecessary for you to respond, you are
required to enter in the official log-book the reason for failing to proceed
to the assistance of those persons.
MORE INFORMATION ^
Contact your Transport Canada Centre to find out about the laws and regulations
that apply to your particular vessel and situation.
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