Mondays 04/2010 Question and boating safety tip.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Mon May 03, 2010 7:21 am

Safety Tip:
With Everyone launching their boats this spring, Alan (alanhod) mentioned this would make a good question and safety tip! I know Alan your comment was going down a slightly different path but I thought I'd start with this! LOL!

Today's safety tip may seem to be a small one but it can mean the difference between an ordeal and an adventure!
We were way North in Canada in Queens Reach. Our plan was to stay for a week and enjoy the grandeur of Chatterbox Falls and Jervis inlet. We enjoyed the pertroglyphs, many waterfalls and even the spectacular record setting temperatures! Life was indeed grand! After an afternoon of kayaking I was a bit sunburned so my bride was kind enough to get the lotion out to sooth the pain. With the lotion applied my bride was reading the expiration date and started laughing! OMG! This stuff expired three years ago! Time flies and that safety kit goes completely ignored! We check the oil, flares, tranny fluid, water, food supply, and all the usual stuff on a boat but we never thought to check the contents of our emergency kit! After closer examination, our nice new safety kit was over 4 years old and everything in it that had an expiration date had indeed expired! My how time flies!In our minds it was still brand new! This year add to your checklist to open the safety kit and check the dates of the aspirin, lotions, and any other items you have aboard that expire! Batteries, Flares, CO2 sensors, and more should all get annual checks!

Question:

I will describe a list of safety equipment aboard a fictitious boat. If you are boarded by the Coast Guard, local Sherriff, or any other law enforcement you will indeed get a ticket. Please explain why.

The boat is a Chrysler 22 Sloop in good working order. She is well maintained and is being operated properly for the waters she is in. There are no issues with the boat itself or her operations. The operator has all the proper credentials, is old enough, etc etc. There are two adult passengers. No one is drinking or otherwise under the influence.

The following items are aboard the boat and stored properly in the port side lazerette unless otherwise noted. All items are easily accessible and in excellent to like new condition.

1) One Type B-1 fire extinguisher that is Coast Guard approved and has a recent and valid inspection tag.
2) Three hand held daytime/nighttime flares with current and valid dates stored in an easy to find and properly marked box. Also in the box are three hand held daytime/nighttime flares that are out of date however they have been saved as backups.
3) A 6 inch ships bell mounted just inside the companion way within easy reach of the cockpit.
4) Four Coast Guard approved class five auto inflatable life jackets with built in harnesses. All cartridges are valid, within spec and with current dates. Each life vest does have the required manual release and the ability to be filled manually. Spare cartridges are also aboard.
5) 1 round throw able flotation device with 50' of polypropylene line properly secured to it.
6) Emergency kit including various bandages, medical supplies, emergency tools including a mirror, scissors, and water proof matches. All items properly labeled and current dates.

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Mon May 03, 2010 10:00 am

I have a sneaky feeling you are trying to mis-direct my attention

but I'm going with #3 anyway.

Banshi · Post by **Banshi** » Mon May 03, 2010 10:09 am

I'll go with 2, with the reasoning that an old out of date flare could malfunction and cause a fire, with 5 other flares nearby it could be a bad day for the home team

Capt. Bondo · Post by **Capt. Bondo** » Mon May 03, 2010 11:41 am

I'll say #5, the throw able flotation device should not be stowed but available for use on short notice.

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Mon May 03, 2010 12:13 pm

Banshi, that's a good point, plus you might reach for a dud instead of a working one.

I should elaborate on my choice of #3.

The ship's bell is a nice touch, but what about an air horn as well ? I was thinking Capt Scott was mentioning an audible device but leaving out the required one. Hard to sound a sustained blast with a bell...

EDIT EDIT - wait I did get warned by Wildlife and Fisheries about having MY extinguisher in the lazarette near the gas tank. They pointed out to me it would be hard to put out the fire with the fire extinguisher in the middle of the fire..

My head hurts.

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Mon May 03, 2010 12:38 pm

Banshi · Post by **Banshi** » Mon May 03, 2010 1:07 pm

The chance you might grab a dud is even better because you may not get a second chance..........

Bhacurly · Post by **Bhacurly** » Mon May 03, 2010 2:19 pm

I like Alan's points so I'm bein lazy and agreeing with him....

Also makes me think I need to get better organized, as I have yet to be inspected and don't think it would go as smoothly as his did!

Thanks!

J. Austin · Post by **J. Austin** » Mon May 03, 2010 6:35 pm

I'm gonna go with # 1
Because I think we need 2 b-1's or one b-2.
just a guess.

The life jackets bother me though, think they have to be more accessable.

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Tue May 04, 2010 6:23 am

Inflatable PFD's ONLY count if they are being worn. If not worn you must have conventional PFD's available for all hands. At least that's my understanding of the rules.

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Tue May 04, 2010 7:12 am

On the subject of USCG regs... Does an outboard powered 26 require an oil placard? Some sources I find say yes, but others specify "with enclosed engine compartment".

If we need them, where is a good place to put them?

Paul · Post by **Paul** » Tue May 04, 2010 4:09 pm

I don't like the idea that the audible warning device (the bell) is located inside. Nice to have but hard to hear.

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Wed May 05, 2010 5:36 am

Studying up a bit (which I'm sure is Capt Scott's intent as well as us all kicking ideas around) but still muddled on this one.

Type 5 PFD should be worn not stored if I read right, TGentry brought that up already.

Also the flares should be in a waterproof box as well as marked, but Scott did say all were "stored properly".

A bell does seem to be okay as a sound device.

Leaves me with the fire extinguisher in the lazarette, it should be in a visible location, in addition to easily reachable, and away from the possible fire source based on the warning I got.

So...I'll stand down at #1 the location of the extinguisher and #4 the pfd's and await my education...

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Wed May 05, 2010 6:17 am

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Wed May 05, 2010 7:37 am

Thanks, Scott. The C-26 is indeed 26' long, a bit longer counting the outboard.

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Thu May 06, 2010 7:09 am

ANSWER:

First of all I must say I was just smiling away with suprise as the answers came in. I actually listed two problems. One questionable and one blatent. The blatent one I figured would get called out quickly and I figured I'd have to explain the obscure one. To my suprise the obscure one was listed quickly and the blatent one took a while! Since there are so many excellent thoughts here I 'll go through each item as listed and state whats up with it if anything. That way we are all clear.

Here is each item as originally stated plus my comment:
1) One Type B-1 fire extinguisher that is Coast Guard approved and has a recent and valid inspection tag.
This one is good. Even stored in the lazerett. There are no real stipulations saying where the fire extinguisher must be stored other than easily accessible. However you should store the fire extinguisher as already stated such that you can get to it if there is a fire. If you have a midship galley it is prudent to have an extinguisher on each side of the galley so you never have to go through a fire to get the extinguisher. Also note if you fire extinguisher is inside a cabinet you need to label the cabinet.

2) Three hand held daytime/nighttime flares with current and valid dates stored in an easy to find and properly marked box. Also in the box are three hand held daytime/nighttime flares that are out of date however they have been saved as backups.
This one is questionable and will get you a warning but not likely a ticket. You can keep old flares as spares however you can not store them in the same container unless they are somehow physically spearated and VERY CLEARLY labeled. You really need to keep old flares in a separate container and clearly marked as EXPIRED. If you or your spouse have never set off a flare or flare gun, check your local Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary. A lot of times they have sanctioned days to allow you to shoot of your expired gear! It is very cool and extremely eye opening to ignite a hand held flare or to shoot your flare gun! Please look into it! Especially for the ladies. In my experience all guys love it and most ladies are afraid of it. When they/you have the experience and know how in an emergency they/you will not likely hesitate out of fear. NEVER fire a flare or flare gun unless it is an emergency or you are at a sanctioned and supervised event. NEVER on the Fourth of July. They are NOT fireworks.

3) A 6 inch ships bell mounted just inside the companion way within easy reach of the cockpit.
This is good. Believe it or not any noise making device is adequate if it is loud enough. Keep in mind a bell and a whistle are both specifically listed as acceptible. Your voice, clapping or other un aided noises are NOT acceptible. Destiny's bell is mounted inside above the nav station. I make a point every year to take time polishing it while at anchor or in guest moorage on vacation. It is actually very relaxing to sip a glass of wine and lightly polish away. It also a conversation starter because everyone is amazed at how easy it is and how beautiful it looks when done.

4) Four Coast Guard approved class five auto inflatable life jackets with built in harnesses. All cartridges are valid, within spec and with current dates. Each life vest does have the required manual release and the ability to be filled manually. Spare cartridges are also aboard.
This is BAD!! You will get a ticket! Class five auto inflatable life jackets are not considered life jackets unless properly worn! They MUST BE COAST GUARD APPROVED however they also must be properly worn! IF you have them stowed, sitting on the deck next to you or even hanging on your neck and not properly snapped you will get a ticket!

5) 1 round throw able flotation device with 50' of polypropylene line properly secured to it.
This one is good.

6) Emergency kit including various bandages, medical supplies, emergency tools including a mirror, scissors, and water proof matches. All items properly labeled and current dates.
This one is good.

Scott

tgentry · Post by **tgentry** » Thu May 06, 2010 7:57 am

I didn't know about the expired flare labeling but it seems like common sense.

I knew about the inflatable PFD's because we have them. We also keep a full compliment of regular PFD's for those times when we might be caught not wearing them.

Thanks, Scott. This was a really good one.

EmergencyExit · Post by **EmergencyExit** » Thu May 06, 2010 8:26 am

Excellent ! Thanks Capt Scott !

CaptainScott · Post by **CaptainScott** » Thu May 06, 2010 8:31 am

My pleasure!
We also use inflatable PFD's however I also carry a compliment of standard PFDs and about 6 Class 1 PFD's.

I was very suprised that the inflatable PFD's were not immediately called out as a problem. My assumption was that this was general knowledge. That may not be the case. I also assumed no one would call out the flare issue! Not only did it get called out, the proper reason was even listed. A person may grab an expired flare instead of a good flare and that may the the only chance they get!

For everyone,
If you have ideas or subjects that you would like me to quiz on here I will happily take them in as suggestions! The idea here is to keep everyone learning and keep the conversations going about boating.
Just shoot me a PM with the suggestion and I will do my best to challenge you on the subject matter!

Captain Scott ( AKA 69Shark )
OUPV 100 Ton
Masters 50 Ton
Sailing Endorcement
Towing Endorcement

( I always feal weird signing as Captain! LOL! )

Capt. Bondo · Post by **Capt. Bondo** » Thu May 06, 2010 9:40 am

Thanks for all the pointers.
I signed up for a courtesy safety check at the boat show last winter, this will help me get a leg up on it.

Bhacurly · Post by **Bhacurly** » Thu May 06, 2010 11:31 am

Thanks Scott!

You Rock Buddy!

Alanhod · Post by **Alanhod** » Thu May 06, 2010 4:21 pm

First rate as always Captain Scott! I missed the Inflatable portion of this one. But I will endeavor to do better next time.

Thanks
Alan