preventing and handling emergencies 291
“Your Call, Skipper”
You’re the skipper or most knowledgeable crewmember in each
of the following situations. What actions would you take?- What four ways could you use absorbent pads, rags, or cotton
diapers before, during, and after fueling? - You are finished using the propane stove and ready to secure (shut
everything down). Before shutting off the main tank valve, how can
you ensure that no gas flows from the stovetop? - You are sailing along the New England coast. You’ve invited a friend
along, but he’s new to sailing. Which overboard emergency recovery
method would be best for him to use if you fell overboard? - How can you use shoring to brace a patch on a hole or crack in
the hull? - What is the first sign of mild hypothermia in your crew? How do
you treat it? What is the first sign of medium hypothermia? How do
you treat it?
Answers - Use these items to cover scuppers and drains downhill of the fi ll. Use
them to line the fuel fi ll hole or wrap the fuel nozzle. Place them under fuel
vents to catch overfl ow. And use them to clean up fuel spills in the water. - Turn off the oven. Turn off all burners except one. Leave a low
flame burning. Then, shut off the solenoid switch at the stove. Watch
the flame burn out, and then shut off the burner. Double-check that
all burners and the stove are off. Shut off the main tank valve. - Show your friend how to heave-to. Also, show him how to start,
shift, throttle, idle, and stop the engine. - Make a strongback with a cushion, life jacket, hatchboard, book, or
full sailbag. Place the strongback over the damaged area. Brace it in
place with an oar, a paddle, a spinnaker pole, or a boathook. Jam one end
into the strongback and the other into a bulkhead or the overhead. - The fi rst sign for mild hypothermia is shivering. Have them warm up
for a few minutes down below. Have them drink warm water or juice (no
alcohol or caffeine). After recovery, get them into coats or foul-weather
gear and have them wear caps. In medium hypothermia, the shivering
stops. Get a victim of medium hypothermia below right away. Wrap him
or her in a blanket or sleeping bag and treat for shock. You might use
the body-to-body warming method.