How to abandon ship with the RapidDitch grab bag
November 26, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Boating Safety And Marine Finance
The last thing you need on your mind
is”where’s my ditch bag”. Hopefully this will never happen. But the folks at West Marine operate on the “what if” scenario. They have along with ACR provided an innovative solution to this question.
Besides other features in the ACR RapidDitch range, the video hi lights what you need to prepare in order to safely abandon ship.
Let’s run through some fundamentals
- Use the velcro strips provided in the feature bag to attach your grab bag to the bulkhead in an accessible place
- Ensure all crew know about the bag
- Instruct crew in the use of EPIRB, VHF, flares etc, in case you are unable to use them
- Buy all the necessary safety equipment and keep checks on battery life and expiry dates
- Keep the life raft in a location that is quick to access
Abandon ship!
If you need to abandon ship, then your grab bag will be ready for you on the bulkhead were you set it! Full of all the safety equipment and resources you will need to make sure your rescue is fast.
Investing in your crew safety
By purchasing the RapidDitch grab bag, you are investing in the safety of your crew. Further information on this imperative product is available when you click through to the West Marine sales page below:
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Life Sling
June 13, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Boating Safety And Marine Finance
Imagine
there is a man overboard. Fortunately they are wearing a life jacket, with a whistle. Time to use the life sling to safely bring them on board.
Nowadays the danger from the man or woman being bashed into the hull or coming into contact with the propeller can be avoided.
It's all down to the hybrid design of the life sling. Crossed between the horse shoe flotation device and a helicopter rescue sling. The difference being increased ability to get into the sling safely and securely for the person in the water.
Drill
So the boat has dropped sails and the engine is on. Return towards the sound of the whistle. The casualty is spotted and waves to you. Alert the helm, asking them to steer towards them.
As the boat passes by the casualty, simply sling the life sling to them. The retrieval line can be paid out to avoid snagging on the propeller.
Beam
Bring them in to the beam rather than the stern to avoid the propeller. Allow enough slack to man oeuvre themselves into the device comfortably so the upper body is out of the water.
You can now use a winch to hoist the crew member back on board.
Packaged up and ready to go
These are some details you need about Life Slings:
- United States Coast Guard approved
- 125' of retrieval line
- Hi visibility yellow sling
- Instructions for use graphics on storage bag
Here are some advantages:
- Your crew member won't come near the propeller
- They can brought along side the beam in a controlled fashion
- The retrieval line won't foul the propeller
- Quick recovery means crew member won't panic
Here is a video presentation to further your understanding:
Want more for your money? West Marine are giving away 10% on orders over £100!
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Boat First Aid Kit
June 13, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Boating Safety And Marine Finance
Take pride in your boat first aid kit! Being prepared counts for a lot. With emergency services hours away by helicopter, your medical needs have to be managed in all situations.
Your crew depend on this forward planning each time they sail. What an awful feeling it would be not to have the necessary response.
Emergencies fall in to five categories.
- CPR
- Fractures & Sprains
- Burns
- Bleeding
- Wounds
Why not have all five responses in one place?
Remember if you need to treat someone who is injured, you must be able to attend to them until help arrives.
If you are a small - medium sized sailboat then your boat first aid kit must reflect that:
- Are you a weekend sailor?
- Do you stay mainly inshore?
- How many crew do you usually sail with?
Stabalizing a wound or injury is what is required
Here is a durable solution to your medical emergency
The Marine 1000 Series contains enough medical supplies for ten people for ten days. Of course you cannot predicate injuries, better to have a larger kit than not have enough to go round.
Each of the six modules is contained in a clearly marked wrap. The sixth one contains medications. The contents are in re seal able bags.
Each complete kit has three hundred and thirty pieces.
- The box itself is very strong
- It is highly visible
- and has a non slip surface
Want more for your money? West Marine are giving away 10% on orders over £100!
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Life lines
June 13, 2009 by Chris Wethered
Filed under Boat Engines And Sailboat Hardware, Boating Safety And Marine Finance
Do you grab onto the sea rail/life lines whilst on board? Mostly boaters grab them in a moment of instability. Glad they are there? I expect so!
The twisted strands of stainless steel act as support when moving around the boat. You can also clip onto them in rougher seas.
They certainly offer support when you most need it! But it's a tough role.
This list shows why:
- UV damage
- Salt Abrasion
- Being Grabbed
- Hiking Out
Actually the first two cause most damage. The times your away from the boat, spray and sunshine corrode. You could have someone wash them down daily with soapy water.
Or solve the issues by investing in nylon covers which are:
- Durable
- UV Resistant
- Offer Comfort When Hiking
The two main causes of wear can be avoided. You can check wear using a piece of cotton wool. Simply run the wool around the sea rail, looking for cotton teased from the ball. Where the cotton snags, is where you have weakness.
Always there when you most need
Replace that life line!
Better that than being the subject of a man overboard drill
So you've got your nylon covers, now, what about protecting them? After all they wont maintain their color in the sunshine and salt air either!
Your nylons need canvas upholstery care!
Here is what you can rely on from that care:
- Water Repellent
- Prevents leaks
- Provides a barrier against soiling and stains - even oil based!
- Combats mildew
- Protects against UV damage
It's easy to apply - simply spray over all your canvas and allow to dry. Leaving you peace of mind and longer lasting canvas and nylon covers!
Did you know about the 10% discount at West Marine right now?
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