| This is a common-sense yachtsman’s checklist, with items accumulated from many sources including the demands of offshore racing, that you can adapt for your own use. Even though some of these questions might not apply exactly to your boat or situation, each of them should be considered at least once by every SCC member. 1. Do you have an instantly available map of the locations of the thru-hull fittings on your boat? 2. Do you have a plan of action for sudden flooding of your boat that is understood by the captain and at least one other crew member? 3. Do you have a map of the locations of fire extinguishers on your boat? 4. Do you have a written plan of action in the event of fire aboard? Do you know what to do if smoke starts to appear from your engine compartment? 5. Do you have a CO monitor and alarm on your boat? 6. Can you recognize the approach of rapidly changing and/or severe weather? 7. Do you listen to available weather information before leaving harbor? 8. Do you carry paper charts for the waters in which you plan to sail? 9. Do you have a deviation chart for your compass? Do you know how to use it? 10. Do you have a backup compass? 11. Is a backup GPS system readily available? 12. Do you have a life raft aboard that can hold the number of people on your boat? Have you ever inflated it? 13. Has your life raft been examined and repacked according to the manufacturer’s recommendations? 14. Do you have a life raft deployment plan? 15. Do you know how to right a capsized life raft? 16. Do you have dry suits on board? Have you ever donned one? 17. Do you have an abandon ship bag appropriate for the waters in which you sail? 18. Do you have an EPIRB on board? 19. Is your EPIRB registered with the coast guard? 20. Has your EPIRB battery been replaced according to the manufacturer’s recommendations? 21. Do you have class 1 life preservers for each person on board? 22. Do you have jacklines that can be used when offshore? 23. Do you have tethering points for harness attachment in you cockpit that allows the crew member to be fixed to the boat before exiting the cabin? 24. Do you have life sling or similar device on your boat? 25. Do you have a MOB 8 or 9 on your boat? 26. Have you ever deployed your life sling? 27. Do you have a clearly understood plan for man overboard recovery? Have you practiced man-overboard recovery? 28. Do you have an alternative steering mechanism available should your wheel system fail? Have you ever tested it? 29. Have you or anyone on board had any first aid training? 30. Do you keep a current supply of Epipen available? Do you know how to use it? 31. Do you have tools adequate to cut your standing rigging in case of rig failure? 32. Can your sailing partner or crew manage your boat if you are disabled? 33. Do you have a VHF on board? 34. Is your VHF equipped with DSC? 35. Do you have a backup VHF on the boat? 36. Do you have functioning radar on board? 37. Are you familiar with your radar’s limitations? 38. Are your navigation lights visible when your boat is healed? 39. Do you have a fog horn and a ship’s bell? 40. Do you have an alternative communications device (SAT phone, SSB) for use when you are out of VHF range? Do you know how to use it? 41. Do you have SOLAS level flares on board? Have you ever set off a flare? 42. Have you ever put out a fire with a fire extinguisher? 43. Do you know where your fuel shut off valves are? 44. Do you know the basics of CPR? 45. Do you know how to treat hypothermia? 46. In calling for help on the VHF, do you understand the difference between “PAN-PAN” and “Mayday?” 47. Do you understand the common distress signals including smoke, flashlight, horns, flares and code flags? 48. Do you have on board a copy of the Inland and International Rules of the Road? 49. Do you understand the various whistles that are sounded when meeting and crossing in international and inland waters? 50. Are you familiar with the rules that apply to white and colored lights carried and shown on vessels? Charles Hodge, MD Safety Officer (2008) |
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Seamanship
| Here is a list of established risk factors for accidents and deaths while boating: 1. Alcohol use 2. Open motor boats 3. Lack of training 4. Older age 5. Failure to use life jackets Considering this list, here’s what we can do as a Club to protect ourselves and our fellow members: 1. Recognize that the most dangerous thing we do individually and as a club is alcohol use combined with use of small open dinghies at night while not wearing life vests. 2. Use this recognition for a little behavioral modification. When we drink, as we surely will, there should be some sort of monitor to identify those who would be unsafe running a dinghy at night. I propose that the host couple of the party take on this role. 3. Provide alternative ride home by a designated boating driver. 4. Wear life vests when in the dinghy. 5. Get appropriate safety training. We do have the ability to get this kind of hands-on training as a club. But the response, so far, has been dismal. This reminds me of the kids and driving, thinking they are invincible or that bad things cannot happen to them. Not True. Statistically, our club is relatively high risk because of our behavior. It is time for us to pay attention to these serious risks and change wrong behavior. Charles Hodge, MD Safety Officer (2008) |
| Winter Course Offerings |
| Drinking and Driving Boats and Dinghies - Mistake Number One for SCC Members |
| Yachtsman's Safety Checklist |
| BoatU.S., the nation’s largest recreational boating association, has a spring commissioning checklist. Whether you have a power or sailboat, inboard or outboard, following this checklist is an easy way to get ready for the season. Click <HERE> for a check list you can print out & use |
| Spring Commissioning Checklist |
| 2010 Courses announced by Landfall Navigation Check out upcoming courses at Landfall <CLICK HERE> As Landfall's course offerings are updated from time to time, you should also check their web site for up to date information at <www.marinetrainingcenter.com> |