revised pst books for marine

7/31/2019 Revised PST Books for Marine

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SCHOOL OF SEMANSHIP & NAUTICAL TECHNOLOGY

STCW COURSES

PERSONAL SURVIVAL TECHNIQUES

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Personal Survival TechniquesCourse Outline

Duration 2.5 days

S.No Descriptions/ Topics HoursLectu

reDemo

1. Chapter 1 - Introduction safety andsurvival- Safety Guidance

- Principles of Survival at Sea- Definitions, Survival craft andappliances

0.75

2. Chapter 2 - Emergency situations- Types of Emergencies- Precautions- Fire Provisions- Foundering- Crew expertise and InitialFamiliarization

- Muster List and Emergency Signals- Crew and Emergency Instructions- Extra Equipments and Survival- Abandon ship- Complications 1.5

3. Chapter 3 - Evacuation- Abandoning Ship- Last resort- Personal preparation for abandoningship- Need to prevent panic- Crew Duties to Passengers

- Crews duties- Launching Survivalcraft- Master's orders to abandon ship- Means of survival 0.75

4. Chapter 4 - Survival Craft and RescueBoat- Life Boats- Life Rafts- Rescue Boats 2.25

5. Chapter 5 - Personal Life SavingAppliances

- Lifebuoys- Lifejackets

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- Immersion suits / Anti- exposuresuits

- Thermal Protective Aids 0.756. Chapter 6 - Personal Life SavingAppliances(Demonstrations)- Life Buoys- Life Jackets- Inflatable Life Jackets-Immersion Suits / Anti-exposure suits- Thermal Protective Aids- Personal survival without a lifejacket- Boarding Survival Craft 3.75

7. Chapter 7 - Survival At seaDangers to SurvivorsBest use of Survival craft facilities 0.75

8. Chapter 8 - Emergency RadioEquipment (Lecture &Demonstrations)- Portable Radio Apparatus forsurvival craft- Emergency Position-indicating Radio

Beacons (EPIRB)-Search and Rescue Transponders(SART)

1.0 1.0

9. Chapter 9 - Helicopter Assistance- Communicating with Helicopter- Evacuation from Ship and Survivalcraft- Helicopter Pick upCorrect Use of Helicopter Harness 1.0 0.5

10. Review & Final assessments 1.0

Sub Total 9.75 5.25Total 15.0

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BASIC DETAILS OF THE COURSE AND OBJECTIVESAims:

This course aims to meet the mandatory minimum requirements forseafarers for familiarization, basic safety training and instruction inaccordance with Section A-VIII of STCW Code.

Objectives:

After successful completion of this course the trainees would be ableto:Don a lifejacketDon and use an immersion suitSafely jump from a height into the water

Right an inverted life raft while wearing a lifejacketSwim while wearing a lifejacketKeep afloat without a lifejacketBoard a survival craft from ship and in water while wearing a lifejacketTake initial actions on boarding survival craft to enhance chance ofsurvival Stream a drogue or sea-anchorOperate survival craft equipmentOperate location devices including radio equipment

CHAPTER 1 - INTRODUCTION SAFETY AND SURVIVAL

Safety GuidanceThis course details/guides the safest ways and prepares to deal withany emergencythat can occur on board. This course does not replace the ship'sspecific guidelines which are adhered to onboard a particular ship .Thiswill only give the general procedures for conduct onboard.Principles of Survival at Sea

A. Principles of survival include:

Need to be ready for dealing with any emergency Action to betaken when called to survival craft stations Actions to betaken when required to abandon ship Action to be taken whilein water

Action to be taken when aboard survival craft

Main dangers to survivors when in the water Value of training and drills

Personal protective clothing and equipment

B. Basic concepts of Survival:To control fear

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The will to surviveKnowledge of the equipments on the ship and the lifeboats Courage byway of up keeping the self morale

Survival is more likely if the survival crafts stay together which willenhance moral support and back up anti also enable sharing eachothers equipment and expertise of personnel. They should beconnected by painters and the occupants evenly distributed amongstthe Survival Craft which will assist in attaining a uniform rate of driftand easy location by the rescue party.

Definitions Survival craft and appliances (SOLAS Ch.III, Reg. 3)

Anti-Exposure suit is a protective suit designed for use by rescue boatcrews and marine evacuation system parties.

Embarkation ladder is the ladder provided at survival craft embarkationstations to permit safe access to survival craft after launching.

Float- free launching is that method of launching a survival craftwhereby the craft is automatically released from a sinking ship and isready for use.

Free-fall launching is that method of launching a survival craft wherebythe craft with itsComplement of persons and equipment on board is released andallowed to fall into the sea without any restraining apparatus

Immersion suit is a protective suit which reduces the body heat loss ofa person wearing it in cold water.

Survival craft is a craft capable of sustaining the lives of persons indistress from the time of abandoning the ship.

Rescue boat is a boat designed to rescue persons in distress and tomarshal survival craftThermal protective aid is a bag or suit made of waterproof materialwith low thermal conductance.

Launching appliance or arrangement is a means of transferring asurvival craft or rescue boat from its stowed position safely to thewater.

Inflatable appliance is an appliance which depends upon non-rigid gasfilled chambers for buoyancy and which is normally kept un-inflated

until ready for use.

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Inflated appliance is an appliance which depends upon non-rigid, gasfilled chambers for buoyancy and which is kept inflated and ready foruse at all times.

International Life -Saving appliance (LSA) Code means, LSA Codeadopted by the Maritime Safety Committee.

Marine evacuation system is an appliance for the rapid transfer ofpersons/items to the embarkation deck of a ship to a floating survivalcraft.

SOLAS Training Manual (SOLAS Ch III, Regulation -35)

A SOLAS training manual complying with the above regulation is to be

kept in each crew mess room and recreation room or in each crewcabin. This training manual shall contain instructions and information ineasily understood terms illustrated wherever possible, on the lifesavingappliances provided in the ship and on the best methods of survival.This includes many points for survival included in this course'Objective' will be explained in detail as per above SOLAS regulation.SAFETY SYMBOLSRoutes to the muster stations, directions to the location of life boatsand life rafts, emergency escape routes, location of life buoys, SARTs,EPIRBs , fire fighting equipments and all emergency items on board arerequired to be identified by safety symbols. These symbols are pastedon the bulkheads and for the purpose of emergencies, pasted at thebottom of the bulkheads at a height of less than a foot from the floor sothat in case of fire they can still be clearly seen due to their inherentnature of luminescence. Other than these mandatory safety symbols,many more symbols are available for the purpose of educating staffonboard including for all jobs where safety is of paramount importance.For example-near oxygen and acetylene cylinders, near weldingtransformers, near paint and chemical stores etc.

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CHAPTER 2 - EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

Types of emergencies

Emergency may happen at any time. All personnel should be preparedat all times to meet any contingencies through their own initiative andskill. Some of the types of emergencies which may occur on boardare :- fire, explosion, flooding, collision, grounding, foundering, enginefailure, steering gear failure, man overboard, cargo/cargo operationrelated accident-shifting of cargo, pollution, emergency assistance toother ships, abandon ship--search and rescue, piracy. Proper and

timely action taken, backed by excellent training and experience willprevent emergencies from going out of control.

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Precautions

Most of the emergencies can be prevented if crew members are alert

and observe all safety precautions as laid down on board vessels invarious safety manuals which comply with regulations promulgated byIMO Flag state. For example, Fire precaution - means shall be providedto detect al1d give alarms at an early stage in case of fire. Protectionagainst flooding will be in the form of high audible alarms, remotemonitoring devices such as bilge level alarms etc. To prevent pollution,ODMCS, Oily bilge-water separator 15 ppm monitor and associatedalarms cut off devices for pumps. Like wise, various precautionarymeasures are incorporated from the time of construction of a vessel toprevent emergencies. Courses and additional trainings areincorporated at every stage to update crew. On board drills are

conducted to comply with ISM code of Safe practices which caters forprecautions to be taken for various emergencies in the form of Checklists/reports for various contingencies. By observing these safepractices, accidents/ emergencies can be prevented. Precautions arealso taken to prevent Oil spills; against Pirate attacks and to sailthrough adverse weather conditions. In stormy weather, Engine Roomis alerted, as a precaution, to man machinery which is likely to tripduring heavy rolling / pitching of the vessel. Doubling up of lookouts,additional watch keepers are closed, up on the bridge in congestedwaters as a precautionary measure to avoid collision and consequentialdisasters.

Fire Provisions

Fire Control Plans - General arrangement plans shall be permanentlyexhibited for the guidance of Ship's Crew, showing clearly for eachDeck the control stations, various fire sections/class divisions togetherwith the particulars of the fire detection and fire alarm systems, thesprinkler installation, types of fire extinguishers, fire extinguishingappliances, means of access to different compartments etc.. This FF Aplan is approved by the Administration and displayed in all

accommodation deck. Alternately, at the discretion of theAdministration, the above mentioned details may be set out in abooklet, a copy of which shall be supplied to each officer, and one copyshall be, at all times be available on board in an accessible position.A duplicate set of Fire Control Plans or a booklet containing such plansshall be permanently stored in a prominently marked weather tightenclosure outside the deck house for the assistance of shore side firefighting personnel.A training manual shall be provided in each crew mess room andrecreation rooms or in each crew cabin. The training manual shallexplain the following in detail:

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- General fire safety practice and precautions related to the dangers ofsmoking, electrical hazards, flammable liquids, and similar commonshipboard hazards.- General instructions on fire fighting activities and fire fighting

procedures for notification of a fire and use of Manually Operated CallPoints.- Meaning of ship's alarms.- Operation and use of fire fighting systems and appliances- Operation and use of fire doors.- Operation and use of fire and smoke dampers.- escape systems and appliances

Foundering

This means sinking of vessel due to loss of stability due to some

incident or accident - say collision and flooding of the ship. The termalso necessitates the use of all life saving appliances so as to save thelives of every individual. Loss of stability due to cargo shift coupledwith high seas could be another reason for foundering. Engine failure invery rough seas with certain cargoes like steel coils/pellets or even inballast due to material fatigue could founder a vessel.

Crew expertise and initial familiarization.

Every crew member with assigned emergency duties shall be familiarwith safety installations and practice musters.

When a crew member reports on board, he is to familiarize himself withthe vessel as per ISM check list. It is first priority is to familiarizehimself with his Muster station/ alternate station, duties as per Musterlist. He is to physically sight the escape routes .He is to familiarize withthe arrangement of the ship as well as the location and operation ofany fire fighting systems and appliances that may be called upon touse. All crew members shall receive instructions on safety and theirassigned duties.Expertise is achieved only by on board training and drills.

Performance of the crew members are periodically evaluated byconducting on-board training and drills to identify the areas in need ofimprovement, to ensure competency in field of assigned duties withrespect to various drills and contingency plans as per ship'scontingency plans. Regular training of all personnel in life boat and liferaft drills and its equipment's will prepare them for any emergency. LifeBoat drills and life raft drills, should be carried out in a professionalmanner so as to ensure that everyone on board gains experience in thelaunching and. handling of lifeboats. Each lifeboat should be launchedwith its assigned crew aboard and maneuvered in the water at leastonce every three months thereby making every one familiar with the

procedure.

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On joining the ship at the earliest, every person must locate hislifejacket in his cabin and read the Emergency Station Muster List. Hehas to ascertain the locations of the Muster Station, Alternate musterstation. Also he should read his duties and ascertain the location of the

necessary equipments he has to bring if any allotted for him.On-board training in the use of the ship's life-saving appliances,including survival craft equipment, and in the use of the ship's fire-extinguishing appliances shall be given as soon as possible but notlater than two weeks after a crew member joins the ship as per SOLAS.An officer responsible or a person designated by the Master shouldfamiliarize the items required to the new joiners and log down thesame in appropriate familiarization checklists and in the appropriatebook.On a ship engaged in a voyage where passengers are scheduled to beon board for more than 24 hrs., musters of the passengers shall take

place within 24 hrs after their embarkation.Every Crew Member shall participate in at least one abandon ship drilland one fire drill every month. The drills of the crew shall take placewithin 24 hrs of the ship leaving a Port if more than 25 % of the crewhave not participated in abandon ship and fire drills on board thatparticular ship in the previous month.

Muster list and emergency signals

1. Clear instructions to be followed in then event of an emergency shallbe provided for every person on board. Muster list and emergencyinstructions complying with the SOLAS requirements shall be exhibitedin conspicuous places throughout the ship including the NavigationBridge, engine room and crew accommodation spaces.Illustrations and instructions in appropriate languages shall be pastedin passenger cabins and be conspicuously displayed at Muster Stationsand other passenger spaces to inform1, their Muster stations2. the essential action they must take in an emergency3. the method of donning life jackets.

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The emergency station Muster List shall be prepared by the Master orthe vessel before the ship proceeds to sea. After the Muster list hasbeen prepared, if any changes takes place in the Crew whichnecessitates an alteration in the Muster List. the Master shall eitherrevise the list or prepare a new list.The Muster List shall specify details of the General Emergency Alarmsand Public address system and also action to be taken by the Crew and

Passengers when this Alarm is sounded. The Muster list shall alsospecify how the order to abandon ship will be given.Each passenger ship shall have procedures in place for locating andrescuing passengers trapped in their staterooms.

The Emergency Station Muster List shall show all the duties assigned todifferent crew members including:

a. Closing of water tight doors, fire doors, valves, scuppers, vent pipes,side scuttles, sky lights, port holes, cowls and other similar opening.b. Equipping of survival craft (such as extra food, biscuits, sugar cubes,

tinned milk, tinned fruits, fresh fruits and milk products, extra water,extra fuel, and blankets etc.) and other life saving appliancesc. Preparation and launching of Survival Craft.d. General preparation of other life saving appliances.e. Muster of passengers.f. Use of Communication equipmentg. Manning of fire parties assigned to deal with firesh. Special duties assigned in respect to the use of fire-fightingequipment and installations.

The Muster List shall specify which officers are assigned to ensure thatlife-saving and fire appliances are maintained in good condition and areready for immediate use.

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The Muster List shall specify substitutes for key persons who maybecome disabled, taking into account that different emergencies maycall for different actions.

THERE IS ONLY ONE ALARM FOR ALL EMERGENCIES WHICH ISSEVEN OR MORE SHORT BLASTS FOLLOWED BY A LONG BLASTWHICH IS REPEATED ON SHIP'S WHISTLE OR SIREN.IN CASE OF FIRE, THERE MAYBE AN AUTOGENERATED FIREALARM WHICH MAY BE DIFFERENT FROM THIS.

There will also be auto generated fire alarm onboard the ship.

Crew and emergency instructions

On board training in the use of ship's life saving appliances, includingsurvival craft equipments and in the use of ship's fire extinguishingappliances shall be given as soon as possible but not later than twoweeks after a crew member joins the ship.

Instructions in the use of the ship's fire fighting appliances and lifesaving appliances and in survival at Sea shall be given at the sameinterval as the drills.Every crew member shall be given instructions which shall include, butnot necessarily limited to:a) Operation and use of the ship's inflatable life raftsb) Problems of hypothermia, first aid treatment for hypothermia andother appropriate first-aid proceduresc) Special instructions necessary for use of the ship's life savingappliances in severe weather and severe sea conditiond) Operation and use of fire-extinguishing appliances

Drills are, as far practicable, to be conducted as if there were an actualemergency.

Extra equipment and survival

Rocket Line-Throwing Appliances and Landing Signals

Line Throwing Appliances

To be carried aboard both passenger and cargo ships engaged in longinternational voyages. The apparatus is a completely self containedunit and the set of four units normally carried by ships, to the places at

strategic positions in the vessel.

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Each unit can be fired independently as required. The unit consists of aplastic body launching, incorporating the handle trigger assembly, andcontaining the rocket, igniter and 275 m of ready flaked line. The unitis weather proof, being sealed at both ends by transparent polythene

caps. This enables the date of manufacture of the rocket and theigniter to be checked without removal of cap. Full pictorial instructionsare printed on both sides of the plastic body and can be readily used byeither right or left handed users. When firing a rocket, for tanker orvessel with inflammable spirit. It may be extremely dangerous to fire arocket across such vessel due to the liability of flammable cargo of thetanker and fire a rocket only when it has been ascertained that it issafe to do so. When such a risk of ignition exists, the distressed tankershould fire rocket line to the rescuing vesseland hoists code flag 'B' at the mast at day time and use a red light inthe same position by night in poor visibility by sounding the

international code group 'au' on the following signaling apparatus

Signal affirmative- Green star signal or the vertical motion of a whiteflag of the arms or a white light at night etc. Means rocket line held.

To mean- Negative, slack away, a vast hauling, or rocket line is notheld etc. Signal: A red star signal or the horizontal motion of a flag orwhite light at night, or the arms extended horizontally.

When possible, the coast guard will fire a rocket across the ship with aline attached, such as a 8 mm hemp line. If the crew of a ship fires arocket ashore first, the coast guard will get hold of this rocket line andattach a strong line to it. When their signal is affirmative, crew shouldpull their rocket line in order to haul together this stronger line onboard. As soon as either the stronger line or the shore rocket line isheld, signal affirmative and then wait for a similar signal from ashore.As soon as it is seen, heave it on the line, and a tailed block with anendless line reeve through, will be heaved on board. This is called thewhip and may be 12mm fiber rope, jackstay about 24mm dia manilarope to be secured to the beckets of the tailed block which may be230m long rope. Often with another 135m rope which can be secured

using a special sleeve which the traveler can pass over. As soon as allgear is on board, , Make the tailed block fast at a convenient position,to a stronger point, as far away from the breaking sea as possible witha clear working area around it making sure that the whip does notchafe on any part of the ship. Cast off the rocket line and give signalaffirmative. As soon as this is seen, the shore party will set the jackstaytight and haul off the breeches buoy to the ship by means of a travelerpulley. The out haul of the whip is called the weather whip and the inhaul being known as the lee whip. While this is being done, the officerin charge should instruct all hands in the procedure for using the buoy.The weight of the body should be taken partly by the elbows on the

buoy itself, the person should normally face ashore and be prepared tobear off with his feel if crossing reefs or finally surmounting cliffs.

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If a tally board is not sent out the ship with the tailed block or buoy, theofficer in-charge must make sure that each person leaving ship iscorrectly tallied so that he does not finally leave a ship with people stillaboard.

The person in the buoy should sit well down and grasp the steadyingline. When he is secure, signal affirmative, and the coast guard willhaul him shore and then return the buoy in the ship. With regard toinjured persons, the way in which they are handled will depend on thestate of their injuries and in such cases Neil Robertson stretches maybe used.

How to use the Line Throwing Apparatus1. Remove the front cap, attach the free end of a line to a strong

point in the ship and attach second end which is fire proof end to beattached with projectile loop.

2. Hold handle horizontally top era, allowing unit to naturallyassume to correct firing angle.

3. Remove safety split pin and squeeze trigger lever. Whenrocket fires, hold container until line is paid out, and then pass thejackstay geara. Attached messenger line 8mm dia, Tail traveler, Breeches buoy.b. Endless line 12mm dia.c. And a jackstay about 24mm dia manila rope. .

4. Rocket fired igniters should be replaced every three years, andapparatus after nine years in service on a ship.

5. The length of the container is 330mm in diameter 19Umm andweight 4.6kgs. The line is a diameter of 5mm and the force which gives1 kg and acceleration of one meter per second.

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Under the safety convention rules life saving stations will reply to avessel's distress signal as followed.Landing Signal

a) By day with an orange smoke signal or three thunder lights fired atminute intervals or by night with three white stars, fired at minute

intervals. These signals indicate that the vessel has been seen and thatassistance will be given as soon as possible.b) In many countries the following signals are l1sed when small boatsare landing survivors of wrecked vessels.By day: A vertical motion of a while flag or the anus, andBy night: The vertical motion of white light.To mean: This is the best place to land.A second white light may indicate a direction of landing or alternativelya green star or 'K' in Morse.e) By day, the horizontal motion of a white flag of the arms extended

horizontally.By night, the horizontal motion of a white light T0 mean landing here ishighly dangerous. Alternatively the letter 'S' may be used in Morse or ared star rocket.d) To mean landing here is highly dangerous.- A more favorable placelies in the direction indicated.By day: A white flag is moved horizontally and is then affixed in theground. A second white flag is then carried in a certain direction.By night: A similar procedure is carried out with White Lights.Alternatively a White star rocket in a certain direction of 'S' in Morsefollowed by 'L' or 'R' to mean alter course left or right.

Man Overboard Smoke and Light Marker

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It is a combined day and night marker, safe to use on oil or petrolcovered water. It is designed to be attached to a lifebuoy by means ofa lanyard about 3.5 meter in length and when released from its

position in the water, it produces dense orange smoke for a period of15 minutes and two all round activated light at candle power for aperiod of2 hours. It is kept on both sides of the navigating bridge in thewooden casing and released by pulling toggle or it can also beconnected to a bulk -head mounted lifebuoy and released manually, ifany person falls, overboard. The weight of the lifebuoy should not beless than 4 kgs.

The light marker lifebuoy has also a similar attachment of a separatelight installed and mounted on brackets, and released manually. Itproduces a light of2 candle power for a period of2 hours. It is used ifany person falls overboard especially at night, close to ship side.

The man over board smoke and light marker is carried in all merchantships and is mounted, in such a position that it can be released from itsstowage to fall unobstructed into the sea, or can be easily cast into thesea to give a sea mark by day or night for a man overboard casualty.The markers are situated on both bridge wings and on both sides in theafter part of the ship. Large ships carry additional markers amidships

Breeches Buoy

It is a Life buoy fitted with canvass beeches on inner circumference andused with a rocket apparatus for hauling ashore people from a vesselwreaked near the shore.Whenever any vessel runs aground near a coast or vessel on fire andlifeboats and life raft cannot be lowered to abandon the ship due tohigh coast, cliffs or rocky shore, breeches buoy is rigged in suchcircumstances, to rescue the people from the vessel. This is a difficultoperation requiring practical training and experience.

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Abandon ship - complications

The abandon ship signal will be verbal command by the Master.

Before giving abandonment order, fire fighting / damage control party,wheel house, engine room and radio room personnel must be called offand mustered at their respective Life boat stations and final reportmade by each lifeboat in-charge to the bridge. Then, the Master of thevessel will givethe order to man the boats and Abandon ship. After the Life Boattouches the water, clear the ship side and danger areas to a saferdistance immediately. When abandon ship order is given by theMaster, never jump overboard in Panic. Public address system shouldbe fully utilized.

Abandoning

Ship should be done in an orderly and disciplined manner. The lastperson to abandon the vessel will be the Master along with those whowere engaged in controlling the fire/ damage control party. ChiefEngineer should ensure that machinery is stopped and water tightdoors and hatches tightly closed.When ordered to man the Life boats and life rafts, they should belowered with as many people aboard as possible and try to lower all lifeboats and life rafts and should quickly clear the ship side and lie offready to embark the remaining complement from the water if any. Thiswill avoid a dangerous waiting period alongside the vessel.Except in rough weather, the life boats and life rafts should be securedtogether and towed well clear of the wreck area by a motor lifeboatand rescue boat should go round the wreck area to pick up anysurvivors, if any, in the water. Swimmers should group themselvestogether and support each other till the rescue boat comes to pick up.Swimmers must move away from the ship as quickly as possible toavoid caught in the suction when a ship founders.

REMEMBER - NO SHIP CAN BE ABANDONED EXCEPT BY THE

VERBAL ORDER OF THE MASTER.

CHAPTER 3 EVACUATION

Abandoning ship -last resortWhen all our efforts to save the stricken vessel prove to be

unsuccessful, the ship will be abandoned. But never leave your vessel

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until she leaves you. Your ship is the safest lifeboat. Never jump inpanic.Abandoning the ship should be the last resort as food, communication,exposure to weather, comfort are going to be difficult. Destination,

location and chances of survival are unclear. There will be everypossibility of survival. Rescue will be resorted to immediately once yourdistress message is received by ships & shore stations. If weatherconditions are not conducive for rescue, it could take several hours.

This is where the training and drills onboard come into picture. Welltrained crew will be able to handle the situation better when itbecomes clear that the ship has to be abandoned. The objectives andaims of the training and drills onboard are to ensure that the panic isavoided by repeated mock up situations so that persons who are

involved are aware of what actions to take in an emergency. Only aperson who is well trained can cope up to the demanding circumstanceand act accordingly to the requirement When all trainings fail to savethe ship, then the last resort is to abandon 'the ship. Thereafter, yourtraining in Survival techniques comes into play for survival at Sea.There have been instances wherein ships have remained afloat forhours/days after she was abandoned. Every effort is to be made tosave the vessel from foundering. Abandoning the vessel should bethought of only if the Master is for sure that the vessel has founderedand there is no chance to keep her afloat till help arrives. Hence,abandoning ship should be the last resort.

Personal preparation for abandoning ship

Every Crew member shall participate in at least one Abandon ship drillevery month. When the emergency alarm is sounded,

Every person should assemble at the Muster station for aheadcount.

Every individual should rush to his respective life boat/life raft

with his lifejacket donned correctly and await the instructionsof the leader of the boat.

Once the duties of the individual and lifejacket and otherthings as per SOLAS are checked, the boats will be manned asper the station list. Items are checked and the sequences ofthe boat duties are followed with the persons assuming theindividual duties as per the list.

Points to Bear in Mind before jumping overboard:

If there is no survival craft available it may be preferable to abandonship from the bow or weather side in order to get clear of the ship sidewith more certainty.1. Have your lifejacket well secured and hold it down by crossing thearms over the chest blocking off the nose with one hand.

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2. Make sure that every thing clear in the water, such as any floatingobject etc.3. Draw attention of the lifeboat or life raft if any nearby with whistle.4. Never dive, keep your feet together, look straight ahead and cross

legs while jumping.5. Swim on your back stroke. Try to board the lifeboat pr life raft assoon as possible.6. Never swim for longer periods.7. Never jump more than 4.5 to 6 meters height.8. As far as possible, avoid jumping into water. Try to board survivalcraft without getting into the water by ladders, lifeline, water hose andscramble nets or available means.

Need to prevent panic

In case of any emergency and in case of actual abandonment of theship, the biggest tragedies that can occur will loss of life due to panicsituation of the staff. However, the survival chance is enhancedprovided if all things move as per the order of sequence in a calmmanner. The chance of making any mistake does not exist if things aredearly defined and followed. If panic is avoided, all can survive andchances of survival is increased many folds.Crew Duties to Passengers

- During abandon ship, crew and passengers are summoned to Musterstations after sounding necessary alarm and announcement on thepublic address system or other communication system and ensure thatthey are made aware of the order to abandon ship.- Crew and passengers report to muster stations and prepare for dutiesas described in the muster list.- Check that passengers are suitably dressed.- Check that life jackets are correctly dawned.- prepare passengers to board life boat and help them in doing so.- Crew should avoid congestion which may develop during anabandonment due to normal movement of passengers and crew along

escape routes., including the possibility that the crew may need tomove along these routes in a direction opposite to that of thepassengers.- Escape routes should be clear of any obstructions- Recheck all passenger accommodation spaces to ensure physicallythat all passengers have proceeded to their life boat stations andnobody is left behind and a completion of search is reported to theMaster.Crew duties -launching survival craft

l. Remove the guard rail.2. Two persons will go inside the lifeboat and remove the boat

cover etc.

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3. Pass the toggle painter forward from inner side of the sling andreport plug-shipped, Lifeline clear, falls clear, rudder shipped (someboats have two plugs one forward and one aft and some boats haveonly one plug). Some ships always keep the toggle painter fastened at

all times.

4. Have all the crew and passengers Emergency Station MusterListed and lifejackets checked.

5. Check all lifeboat equipment to ensure that they are properlysecured and ready for use.

6. Test the engine both ahead and astern for a period of not lessthan 3 minutes.

7. Remove the harbor pin if it is still in place. (Normally harborpin is put only in the ports and not at sea)

8. Report to the bridge when ready to lower the Life Boat. If

permission is granted, let go the gripes and lower the boat toembarkation deck.

9. Prior lowering the life boat to abandon ship, it may benecessary to have some extra items put in the boat such as VHF,EPRIB, SART, blankets, tinned food, biscuits, notebooks, pencils, extratorches, waterproof watch, batteries (cell) and bulbs, palm andneedles, ship's pyrotechnics, extra water, extra fuel, boat-charts etc.

10. Once the permission is granted to lower the boat to theembarkation deck, the boat should be brought to the embarkationdeck. Then the boat is brought alongside the ship with bow sing intackle. The tricing pendant is released after making fast the tackle.

11. The embarkation of the crew begins. Once all the Passengersand crew (other than ones for lowering) are in the boat, the loweringof the boat to the water level can be resumed and the descentcontinued up to the water.

12. Once the boat is waterborne, the staffs that are still onboardfor lowering the boat can get down using the embarkation ladder.

13. The boat is now released and cleared from the ship.

Note: Never jump without lifejacket.

1. Always try to keep dry and board the lifeboat or life raft.2. Do not try to swim unnecessarily, it uses vital energy and

assist hypothermia to set in.3. If you are in the water try to board your lifeboat or life raft.4. Wet clothes are better than no clothing,5. Wring out top layer of wet clothing and put it on again as

quickly as possible.

Master's orders to abandon ship

When all efforts to save the ship fail, the Master takes a decision to

abandon the ship. Master's order to abandon the ship will be takenafter considering all the facts including the survival sustainability in the

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life boats. Master's order will be verbal command for abandoning theship. Only Master can give orders to abandon the ship. As per theInternational Law, nobody else is authorized to give the order toabandon the ship.

Means of survival

Availability of Life Saving AppliancesThe Law governing the provision of life boats, life rafts and buoyantapparatus and its arrangements on board ships is specified in ChapterIII of SOLAS. They shall be approved by the Administration must bekept ready at all times. Survival craft and rescue boats, one more lifeboats as stipulated by the administration, complying with therequirements of such aggregate capacity on each side of the ship aswill accommodate the total number of persons on board will have to be

provided.. Lifeboats may be open, totally enclosed self rightinglifeboats or partially enclosed self righting lifeboats, or free-fall lifeboats In addition, inflatable or rigid life rafts are to be provided as perregulation of SOLAS.

One or two Rescue boats complying with the regulation of the codeshall be carried on board the ships. A life boat may be accepted as arescue boat provided it also complies with the requirements for arescue boat.

Life buoys: - Life buoys complying with the requirements of the Codeshall be so distributed as to be readily available on both sides of theship as far as practicable, on all open decks extending to the ship'sside; at least one shall be placed in the vicinity of the stem and sostowed as to be capable of being rapidly cast loose, and notpermanently secured in any way. In addition life buoys with buoyantlife line smoke signal and light are to be provided. Not less than onehalf of the total no. of life buoys shall be provided with life buoy selfigniting lights. Each life buoy shall be marked in block letters withname and port of registry of the ship.

Life jackets: - A life jacket complying with the requirements of the codeshall be provided for every person on board the ship. In addition, anumber of life jackets suitable for children (equal to 10 % of the no. ofpassengers) are also to be provided. They should be readily accessible.

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Immersion suits and anti-exposure suits: - An immersion suit shall beproviding for every person assigned to the crew of a Rescue boat orassigned to the Marine evacuation system party.

Maintenance1. All life saving appliances and their components which are

subject to excessive wear and tear with time and use need to bereplaced regularly or whenever required.

2. Weekly Inspection: All survival craft, rescue boats andlaunching appliances should be physically and visually inspected toensure that they are ready for use.

3. Lifeboat's and rescue boat's engine shall be run ahead andastern for a total period of not less than 3 minutes.

4. The general emergency alarm system should be tested from

all strategic points weekly.Before testing the emergency alarm, crew must be informed

about testing the system.5. Monthly Inspection: Inspection of the life saving appliances includinglifeboat equipment shall be carried out using the check lisi and ensurethat they are complete and in good working order. A report of theinspection shall be entered in the logbook. The same shall be asPlanned Maintenance System which is approved.

Wire falls of launching appliances:a. At 30 months wire falls of lifeboats to be turned end to end.b. At 5years, wire falls to be renewed, unless this is required earlier bytheir condition.c. Stainless steel wire falls may be kept for a longer period, providedthey are in goodcondition.d. If the falls of a lifeboat are worn out of up to 11% of thecircumference or 7 to 11 wires of a single strand is damaged or brokenthen whole wire falls is required to be renewed without any delay.Administration may accept, in lieu of 'end for ending' change then afterperiodical verification as required, the falls can be renewed in 4 years,

or earlier in case of deterioration.

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Periodical Survey:

Life rafts, inflatable life jackets, hydrostatic release unit (HRU) must besent for yearly (12 months) intervals survey by the administration to a

proper and approved service station for inspection and maintenance.As per the latest rules, EPIRB should be tested annually by anapproved company for its performance and the results of its print outto be kept on board as a record.It is an offence for the life saving appliances on any ship to be indefective condition, and under the powers contained in MerchantShipping Act 1958; a ship may be detained until such defects havebeen rectified. Additionally, in some cases proceedings may be takenagainst the owner or company and master if such appliances are notkept at all times fit and ready for use.Official Log Book Entries

1. Upon each occasion, whenever according to the training program, anEmergency Station Muster List, drill of any nature is taking place onboard, details of content and type of drills or training given includingthe occasion when survival crafts are lowered, hoisted or launched.2. Monthly inspection of LSA equipment.3. All inspection involved, which include any change / damage faultyequipment/or repairs carried out / replacement made of any equipmentwhich involve safety.

CHAPTER 4 - SURVIVAL CRAFT AND RESCUE BOATS

Life Boats

In official terminology, it is a boat which sustains the life of people fromthe time of Abandon Ship until the rescue comes.Properly constructed and shall be of such form and proportions thatthey have ample stability in a sea way and sufficient free board whenloaded with their full complement of persons and equipment. Alllifeboats shall have rigid hulls and shall be capable of maintaining

positive stability when in an upright position in calm water and loadedwith their full complement of persons and equipment.

Type of Life Boat

All ships carry lifeboats and life rafts for the purpose of safety ofpersonnel out at sea until help arrives. On abandoning ship, boatsshould be pulled or driven clear off the stricken vessel. There are boatsof special design and construction. Some of these boats are:1. Open lifeboats2. Partially enclosed lifeboats

3. Self righting partially enclosed lifeboats.4. Self righting totally enclosed lifeboats

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5. Self righting totally enclosed free fall lifeboats6. Self righting totally enclosed, self lowering, with air support andsprinkler system, fire protected lifeboats.7. Rescue boats

Open lifeboats Partially enclosed lifeboats

Self righting totally enclosed lifeboat

Free Fall Lifeboat

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Rescue Boat

Classification of Life Boats1 Between the floor surfaces and interior of the boat shall not be lessthan 1.3 m for a lifeboat permitted to accommodate 21 persons or lessand 1.7m for 24 persons and more.

2. No lifeboat shall be approved to accommodate more than 150persons having an average mass If 75 kg and all wearing lifejacketsthat can be seated in a normal position without interfering with themeans of propulsion or the operation of any of the life boat'sequipment.

Life Boat Engine

The engine, if fitted, must be:l. Kept ready for use at all times and can be started in all weatherconditions2. Have fuel for 24 hours continuous running at a speed of at least sixknots, when the lifeboat is fully loaded when carried by passengerships, oil tankers, LPG carrier and oil platform etc., and at least fourknots if carried in by cargo ships.3. Must be protected adequately from the weather4. Engine casing must be fire resisting.5. Should be air cooling or water cooling system.6. Shall be provided with either a manual starting system or powerstarting system, with two independent re-chargeable energy sources ofpower for radio and search light:7. Shall start at an ambient temperature of I 5 degree Celsius or atdifferent temperature capable of operating for not less than 5 minutesafter starting from cold upon the lifeboat out of water.8. The speed of lifeboat when loaded with its full complement andequipment shall be at least 6 knots when towing a 25 persons life raftloaded with its full complement of persons and equipment's.

Life boat equipments/operating instructions/additional equipments

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List of standard equipments which are required to be fitted in alifeboat, operating instructions and list of additional equipments whichare required to be fitted in a lifeboat are given below:

STANDARD LIFE BOAT EQUIPMENT

1. Sufficient buoyant oars to make head way in calm seas. The holepins, crutches or equivalent arrangement shall be provided for eachoar. Pulling oars are normally between 3.05 and 4.26m in length(lO.l4ft.) they are generally made of ash or elm wood and stowed withtheir blades facing forward on both outer side in the boat. A steering

oar, which is no longer specified, if carried, is usually approximately (12inches) O.3m longer than the pulling oars. Their blade faces aft and isusually coated in a distinctive color. It is used extensively to provideadditional leverage in order to steady the boat's head when used inconjunction with the sea anchor.

2. Two boat hooks, to be left unlashed and ready for use in fendingaway from the ship side.

3. A buoyant bailer and two buckets. These are secured by lanyards tothe structure of the boat. Buckets are usually of a 2 gallon size andmanufactured in galvanized iron stowed either end of the boat.

4. A survival manual

5. Two axes (hatchet) stowed one at each end of the boat. It iscommon practice to cover the metal head of the axe with a canvasprotective cover to prevent the metal from pitting and corrosion.

6. A Jack knife to be kept attached to the boat by a lanyard. The bladenormally incorporates a tin opener and screw driver, and a small hand

spike is usually attached.

7. Two buoyant rescue quoits, attached to not less than 30 meters ofbuoyant line. They are normally stowed in the small gear locker.

8. Six doses of anti sea sickness medicine and one sea sickness bag foreach person boat is permitted to accommodate. The medicine isnormally in tablet form.

9. A manual pump usually fixed to the structure of the boat. It is fittedwith an easily removable cover to allow cleaning and the suction end

contains a gauze filter to avoid blockage of the system.

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10. A sea anchor of adequate size having a shock resistant hawsewhich is 3 times the length of the boat, and tripping line. Tripping linewhich provides a firm hand grip when wet. The strength of the hawserand the tripping line shall be adequate for all sea conditions. Tripping

line is 3.5m longer than the hawser.

11. Four rocket parachute flares (red is color while burning) visibility10- 30 m depending weather condition

12. Six hand flares (red is color while burning).

13. Two buoyant smoke floats (Orange color smoke) ranges 5 to 7miles burning period of 3 min.

14. One waterproof electric torch suitable for Morse signaling, together

with one spare set of batteries and one spare bulb in a waterproofcontainer.

15. One whistle or equivalent sound signal. Normally of plasticconstruction this will allow its use in cold weather without discomfort tothe user.16. One daylight signaling mirror with instructions for its use forsignaling to ships and aircraft, range 5 miles.

17. An efficient radar reflector, range 4.5 miles.

18. One copy of the life saving signals table, on a waterproof card or ina waterproof container.

19. Two efficient painters of a length equal to not less than twice thedistance from the stowage position of the lifeboat to the waterline inthe lightest sea going condition and 20 degree list either side or 15m,whichever is the greater. One painter attached to the release device,placed at the forward end of the lifeboat must be capable of beingreleased when under. tension. The other painter shall be firmly secured

at or near the bow of the lifeboat ready for use.

20. A binnacle containing an efficient magnetic compass which isluminous or provided with suitable means of illuminations. In a totallyenclosed boat the binnacle shall be permanently fitted at the steeringposition and any other lifeboat, it shall be provided with suitablemounting arrangements. When setting up a boat's compass, themariner should bear in mind that it must be visible to the coxswain anda fore and aft line may have to be set up between the stem and stemto provide reference for means of aligning the boat's head to thelubber line. The lamp provided with colza oil continuous burning for

12hours.

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21. Sufficient tools to allow minor adjustment to the engine and itsaccessories.

22. Portable fire extinguishing equipment suitable for extinguishing oil

fires.

23. A search light capable of effectively illuminating a light coloredobject at night having a width of 18m at a distance of 180m for totalperiod of 6 hours and of working continuously for not less than a 3hours period.

24. Thermal protective aids which comply with the regulations, insufficient number of 10% of the total number of persons that the boatand life raft permitted to carry.

25. A water tight receptacle containing total of 3 liters of fresh waterfor each person the lifeboat is permitted to accommodate I liter of thisamount may be replaced by a desalting apparatus capable ofproducing an equal amount of fresh water in two days. The water is 1/3liter per person per day. Water is issued in morning, mid-day and at thetime of sunset.

26. A rust proof dipper with a lanyard, used for extracting fresh waterfrom the containers. The lanyard should be long enough to reach thebottom of any water trunk.

27. Rustproof graduated drinking vessel.

28. Tin openers.

29. Set of fishing tackle, for passing time.

30. A food ration totaling not less than 10,000 kj for each person thelifeboat is permitted to accommodate. These rations shall be kept in airtight packaging and be stowed in a water tight container.

31. A first aid outfit in a water proof casing capable of being closedtightly after use should be renewed after 3 years.

All items of equipment of the life boat with the exception of the twoboat hooks, should be secured by lashing or kept in storage lockers, orsecured by brackets or other similar mounting arrangements.Considerable changes in standard equipment have taken place with the1983 amendment to the SOLAS convention.

Ship's Boat Chart

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These ocean charts gives us simple indication of winds currents ice andmagnetic variation. On the reverse side appear notes on charts usingwinds, weather, currents and management of boats.

They may be installed in ships lifeboats for use in the event of marinersfinding themselves in the position of having to navigate such boatsacross oceans stretches. The charts are printed on strong papers andmay be supplied in a water proof wallet as a set for oceans.

Desalting Apparatus

Contents of the desalting kit 1 storage bag of rubberized fabric withsecuring cord.1 storage bag of rubberized fabric with filter pad, drinking tube, plugand lanyard, chemical charges each contains 4 cubes.

Using of Desalting Kit

After removing the contents of the pack, a metal plug is inserted in thepurifier bag outlet 1 liter. The bag is then filled with sea water to thelevel indicated and one chemical charge of 4 cubes 1 is added. Thecontents are kneaded for 5 minutes and then shaken occasionallyduring a period of30 minutes. The reaction between the chemical charge and thedissolved salts in the water is then complete and clear drinking watercan be squeezed through the outer tube into mouth or into a container.Residual solids and salts are retained by the filter pad in the purifierbag: these deposits are rinsed from the bag before the next desaltingoperation. Full instructions are printed on the storage bag.

OPERATION OF LIFE BOAT ENGINE

To Manually Start a Motor: Life Boat Engine: (pre Start Checks)

l. Check that there is sufficient fuel in the full tank or pre check the oillevel and there should not be water in the fuel, if water is there open

the bottom of screw plug and drain out the water from the fuel tank.When oil starts flowing down then screw down the plug.2. Connect or open the fuel supply by opening the fuel supply levercheck the dip stick lubricating oil level at two points i.e. engine and thegear box.3. Prime the full system if necessary.4. Check that the gear lever is in neutral position.5. Turn throttle control level to almost vertical on fast position.6. Move the decompression lever towards the flywheel and fits startinghandle.7. Now turn handle slowly from 3 to 20 turns to prime combustion

chamber and lubricating system.

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8. Crank the engine really fast and when speed is obtained return thedecompression lever to the compressing position, but continue to crankuntil the engine fires.9. Must remove starting handle and reduce engine speed as required.

10. Or push in the choke gradually until the engine is running smoothly.11. If the engine is running smoothly and cooling water discharge issteady, put the helm over in the required direction and engage thegear lever Ahead or Astern. Adjust speed with the throttle control.12. In case of rescue boat outboard engine, never run outboard engineout of water. The reason is that the impeller is a tight fit and will rip inseconds if operated dry.13. After starting check the engine, check oil pressure gauge to checkthe flow of oil.

Stopping the Engine

1. To stop the engine, turn throttle counter anti-clock wise and hold ituntil the engine stops or if fitted, pull the remote stopping control.

2. Close the fuel supply lever.Note: To ensure a fuel supply free of sedi!"!1ent and continuousrunning in an emergency, lifeboat and rescue boat fuel tanks should bethoroughly cleaned out annually.

If the Engine Does Not Start1. Check the fuel in the tank, if the fuel level is satisfactory, but

fear of water in the tank then open the tank , plug for few seconds or2. Check the fuel levers opened or3. Check that the fuel line is not obstructed or chinked; depress

the ball bearing in end of fuel line and pump fuel by hand or bysqueezing the bulb, in order to check for blockage.

4. Engine may be choked or water in the fuel. Correct this bydisconnecting the fuel line at the engine and hand cranking untilclear flow of oil, or

5. Check that sparkplugs are not wet, carbonate or loose or oiled.Spark can be checked by earthen the plug on the engine casing. Do not

touch the plug when this is being done.6. Check that the fuel pump filter is clean.

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ADDITIONAL FITTINGS OF LIFE BOAT

(In accordance with the 1983 amendments of the SOLAS 1974convention)

1. Every lifeboat shall be provided with at least one drain valve fittednear the lowest point in the hull, which shall be automatically open todrain water from the hull when the life boat is not waterborne and shallautomatically close to prevent entry of water when the lifeboat iswaterborne. Each valve shall be provided with a cap or plug to closethe valve, which shall be attached to the lifeboat by a lanyard or chainor other suitable means. Drain valves shall be readily accessible frominside the lifeboat and their position shall be clearly indicated ormarked with white paint arrow towards the drain plug.2. All lifeboats shall be provided with a rudder and tiller. When a wheelor other remote steering mechanism is provided, the tiller shall becapable of controlling the rudder in case of failure of the steeringmechanism. The rudder shall be permanently attached to the lifeboat.The tiller shall be permanently installed on or linked to the rudderstock, however, if the lifeboat has a remote steering mechanism, thetiller may be removable and securely stowed near the rudder stock.The rudder and tiller shall be so arranged such that it shall not bedamaged by operation of the release mechanism or the propeller.

3. Except in the vicinity of the rudder and propeller, a buoyant lifelineshall be bucketed around the outside of the lifeboat.

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4. Lifeboats which are not self righting when capsized shall havesuitable hand, holds on the underside of the hull to enable persons tocling to the lifeboat. The hand holds shall be fastened to the life boat insuch a way that when subjected to impact sufficient to cause them to

break away from the lifeboat, they break away without damage to thelifeboat.5. All life boats shall be fitted with sufficient watertight lockers orcompartments to provide for storage of the small items of equipments,water and provisions required by the regulations. Means shall also beprovided for the storage of collected rain water.6. Every life boat shall be provided with a permanently installed earthconnection and arrangements for adequately sitting and securing inthe operation position the antenna provided with the portable radioapparatus required by the regulations.7. All life boats intended for launching down the side of a ship shall

have skates and fenders as necessary to facilitate launching andprevent damage to the lifeboat.8. A manually controlled lamp visible on a dark night with a clearatmosphere at a distance of at least 2 miles for a period of not lessthan 12 hours shall be fitted to the top of the cover or enclosure. If thelight is a flashing light, it shall initially flash at a rate of not jess than 50flashes per minute over the first 2 hours period of operation of therequired 12 hours operating period.9. A lamp of source of light shall be fitted inside the lifeboat to provideillumination for not less than 12 hours to enable reading of the survivaland equipment instructions; however oil lamps shall not be permittedfor this purpose.10. Unless expressly provided otherwise, every lifeboat shall beprovided with effective means of bailing or be automatically selfbailing. Adequate viewing, forward, after and to both sides of thelifeboat must be provided, from the control position to allow safelaunching and maneuvering.11. Each seating position in the boat should be clearly indicated.

Life rafts

Life raft is a survival craft which is constructed to withstand exposurefor 30 days afloat in all sea conditions. This shall be so constructed towithstand a drop test of at least 18m height. This shall also withstandrepeated jumps from a height of 4.5m for the persons to jump into thelife raft. It shall have a canopy to protect the occupants from exposureand shall be constructed to be towed at a speed of 3 knots in calmwater. It shall provide insulation against heat and cold. Its interior shallbe of a color that does not cause discomfort to the occupants. It shouldhave at least one viewing port. It shall be provided with means forcollecting rainwater. Forward life raft can have a carrying capacity ofless than 6 persons and its mass shall not be more than 185 kg.

Lifelines shall be securely becketed around the inside and the outsideof it. It shall be fitted with a painter not less than 15m plus distance

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from the lightest sea going condition where it is stowed whichever isgreater. The painter is connected to a weak link which in turn isconnected to the strongpoint of the ship. The weak link will breakautomatically once under the water and releases the life raft when the

ship sinks. Or the painter can be manually released before abandoningfor boarding. Most of the equipments are common to the lifeboatexcept for boathooks, tholepins/ crutches etc. Life raft is kept in acontainer which is installed normally by a single person. It is inflated bya non-toxic gas. This container shall be marked outside by the serialno., SOLAS pack, manufacturer's details, date of servicing, length ofpainter, launching instructions and no. of persons it is certified to carry.The launching is so simple. Throw the liferaft in the water and pull thepainter. The liferaft will be inflated automatically and in case if it doesnot happen, give a jerk onto the painter it will inflate.

Life Raft Inflatable Below fig. Float freeArrangement

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Rescue Boats

Rescue boat is a boat designed to rescue persons in distress and tomarshal survival craft.A lifeboat may be accepted as a rescue boat provided it also complieswith the requirements to the rescue boat.

Survival craft in Formation

CHAPTER 5 - PERSONAL LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES

Lifebuoys

Lifebuoys Shall have an outer diameter of not more than 800mm andan inner diameter of not less than 400mm. It shall be constructed withan inherently buoyant material and not dependent upon corks or otherloose materials for buoyancy.It is capable of supporting a mass of not less 14.5 kg of iron in freshwater for a period of not less than 24 hours. Its mass shall not be lessthan 2.5 kg. It shall not sustain burning or continue melting after beingtotally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 seconds. It shall withstand adrop test of at least 30m or from a height in the lightest sea goingcondition where it will be stowed whichever is greater. It shall be fittedwith a grab line of 5mm dia at least and fitted around its circumference

at four equidistant places so as to form a loop for survivors to hold on.

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As per SOLAS requirements half of the lifebuoys Oil board should haveself igniting lights. Out of these two shall be fitted with self activatingsmoke signals kept on the navigating bridge for quick release for 'manoverboard' purposes on both the sides of the bridge. Two of the

lifebuoys shall be with buoyant heaving line of at least 30m in lengthkept one at each side. All the lifebuoys shall be marked in romancapitals with the name of the ship and the port of the registry on which

they are carried.

Lifejackets

Every lifejacket must have a proper workmanship (orange in color) andhighly visible in color. A lifejacket is made of non-inflammable materialand so designed that:a) It can be worn or donned within a period of 1 minute without anyhelp or assistance after demonstration.

b) From 1st July 1986 should be worn one way only but old types of lifejacket which is still carried on board ship's are being worn inside out orboth ways and cannot donned incorrectly.c) Capable of turning the wearer to safe floating position in still waterwithin 5 seconds and support the head so that the mouth shall not beless than 120mm (6 inches) above the water.d) Unaffected by oil or oil products and it will not sustain burning orcontinue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a period of 2seconde) Be fitted with a strong loop to facilitate towing or rescue a man.f) Be fitted with an approved plastic whistle attached by a lanyard.g) Allow the wearer to jump from a height of at least 4.5 m into thewater.h) It turn the body of an unconscious man around over his back to anangle of 20 degree from vertical and keeps his face 120mm clear ofwateri) It shall allow the person wearing it to swim and board a survival craft.j) Be fitted with a light of 0.75 candela powder for 8 hrs of 50 flashedper minutes and can be connected or disconnected.k) A lifejacket which depends on inflation for buoyancy shall have notless than 2 separate compartments

l) It shall inflate automatically on immersion or be capable of beinginflated by mouth.

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m) It shall be marked with its serial number its trade marks: M.O.T. orD.O.T stamp and the FRONT is to be printed on both sides of thelifejacket. A child lifejacket which support up to 32kgs of weight ismarked as child, and 32 kgs and upward which support the weight is

markedadult. Children lifejacket should be marked child.n) 5% extra carried on passenger ships and cargo ships should bestored on deck near embarkation deck or at Emergency Station MusterList stationso) Every ship must carry an approved type of lifejacket for everyperson on board. Unless these can be adapted by children a ship mustalso carry a sufficient number of lifejackets which are suitable forchildren.p) Be fitted with Retro-reflective tapes.Note: It is important to understand that lifejackets are issued to every

individual person on board the ship which support him in water untilrescued.Immersion suits/anti-exposure suits

Constructed with water proof materials. It will not sustain burning orcontinue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for 2 secondsperiod.It will cover the whole body with exception of the face. Hands shall alsobe covered if permanently attached gloves are provided.

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It is provided with arrangements to minimize or reduce free air in thelegs of the suit. An immersion suit which also complies with therequirements for a lifejacket may be classified lifejacket. An immersionsuit shall permit the person wearing it and also wearing a life jacket, if

the immersion suit is to be worn with a lifejacket, then the personshould be able to climb up and down a vertical ladder at least 5m(16.25ft) in length. Perform normal duties during abandonment. Jumpfrom a height of not less than 4.5 (14.9ft) into the water withoutdamaging or dislodging the immersion suit, or being injured and Swimshort distance through the water and board a survival craft.An immersion suits which has buoyancy and is designed to be wornwithout lifejacket shall be fitted with a light and a whistle. If theimmersion suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket thelifejacket shall be worn over the immersion suit. A person wearing suchan immersion shall be able to don lifejacket without assistance.

HELP Posture

Thermal Performance Requirements for Immersion Suits

An immersion suit made of material which has no inherent insulationshall bei) Marked with instructions that it must be worn in conjunction withwarm clothing.ii) So constructed that when worn in conjunction with warm clothing,and lifejacket, if the immersion suit is to be worn with a lifejacket.

The immersion suit continues to provide sufficient thermal protectionfollowing on jump by the wearer into the water from a height of 4.5m

iii) Thermal Performance: The wearer body temperature should not fallbelow 2 degree C when immersed in a sea water temperature of 5degree C for the period of 1 hour.Thermal Protective Aids are made of water proof low convective,insulating material. These will be required for all persons in openlifeboats who have not been equipped with immersion suits. These arelight weight strong plastic bags or suits with arms which cover thewhole of the body with the exception of the face. They are highly

visible in color and easily donned. Their function is to reduce bothconvective and evaporative heat loss from the wearer's body. They can

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be removed in the water in 2 minutes, if the wear finds it difficult toswim. They provide thermal insulation to the body in temperatureranging from 20 degree to - 30 degree Celsius.

Thermal Protective Aids

A thermal protective aid shall be made of waterproof material having athermal conductance of not more than 7800Wand shall be constructedthat, when used to enclose a person, it shall reduce both theconvective and evaporative heat loss from the wearer's body. Thethermal protective aid shall1. Cover the whole body of persons wearing a lifejacket with theexception of the face. Hands shall also be covered unless permanentlyattached gloves are provided.2. be capable of being unpacked and easily donned without assistance

in a survival craft or rescue boat; and3. Permit the wearer to remove it in the water in not more than 2minutes, if it impairs ability to swim.The thermal protective aid shall function properly' throughout an airtemperature range -30C to + 20C.

These thermal protective aid shall be carried onboard every ship for allthe persons who are not provided with the immersion suits sub};~ctonly to the Administrative dispensation. if any.

CHAPTER 6 - PERSONAL LIFE SAVING APPLIANCES(DEMONSTRATION)

Lifebuoys, Lifejackets, Inflatable lifejackets, Immersion suits or anti-exposure suit, Thermal protective aids, Personal survival without alifejacket and Boarding survival craftDEMONSTRATION TO BE GIVEN TO THE TRAINEES.

CHAPTER 7 - SURVIVAL AT SEA

Dangers to survivorsSearch and Rescue to SurvivalSearch and rescue (SAR) is a featured subject in safety of life at seaand at any moment, become a matter of vital concern to any mariner.A disaster at sea can result in your being cast away either in a lifeboator life raft with your survival dependent on outside assistance. Theeffectiveness and efficiency of the search and rescue services are wellknown.However to meet the short term needs of the survivor, the life boats

and life rafts are equipped with the requirement for few days, such aswater, food, first aid kit, signaling equipment and even survival

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instructions are in the life boats or life rafts, but the range of possiblesurvival situation is infinite. The odds in your favor will be vastlyimproved if you acquire survival information and techniques before anyemergency arises. The highest priority in any emergency situation is to

help injured and disabled survivors.The next most pressing need will most likely be to look for thesurvivors in the water if any and followed by protection from coldconditions, save food, water and to conserve body fluid and determinelocation. Covering head is important. About 30% to 40% of body heatcan be lost via neck and head. Open life boat must erect any shelteravailable to protect the survivors against cold, rain, wind, heat, snowand frost bite etc. Never forget that cold is most dangerous than heat.In the event of hot climate shelter will be needed from the sun to avoidover heating of the body, dehydration, sunburn etc.Your first step is to protect and preserve the water already in your

body. The basic methods of achieving this include,1. Using any shade available to reduce dehydration from directsunlight.2. Covering any exposed skin from the sun to avoid dehydration ofbody fluids.3. Avoiding unnecessary movement to prevent loss of the heat of thebody.4. Chewing any suitable small twig or button to help to keep awaythirst.5. Breathing through the nose to minimize saliva evaporation.6. Talking only when necessary.7. Water drinking in the cool of the morning mid day and evening insmall sips.8. Using sea water at day time to wet clothes to reduce heating wetcloth should dry before sunset as nights are very cold.9. Never swim unnecessarily.10. Use your signaling devices whenever required but carefully andreasonably. Remember in location signaling, you may never have asecond chance to make good first impression. Your survival depends onsuccessful search and rescue.

Best use of survival craft facilities

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Survival after Ship wreck

1. Search for survivors and rescue them as soon as possible by way ofmaneuvering the life boat or rescue boat. In the case of life raft, throwa rubber ring or rescue quoits.2. Never try to swim far off distance, bring the lifeboat, rescue boat orlife raft close to the survivors.3. Never try to swim in the sea in case of feeling warm or hot, only justtake a dip with rescue ring, as life boat or life raft is very prone to wind

and they may drift away from you.4. Stream the sea anchor to avoid leeway or drifting your boat or liferaft.Use sea anchor and/ or paddles for maneuvering the life raft away fromthe wreck. Heave up to the sea anchor, there is a spare sea anchor inthe life raft emergency pack.5. Check for any leakage, if any, repair the raft. Repair kit is supplied inthe emergency pack and after repair, top up the raft with bellows. Leakstoppers are provided for temporary repair. Patch damage as detailedon emergency repair kit.6. Join other life raft and lifeboats together with the longest line

possible to prevent snatching, minimum 10 meters.

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7. Bailout raft and mop up with sponge, salt free sponge for collectingup dew or condensation, it should be collected before sun rise.8. Wring out all wet clothing and keep as dry as possible. It is better tohave wet clothing on the body than no clothing on it.

9. Adjust entrances as per the weather conditions.10. Inflate floor with bellow to insulate you from the cold sea and viceversa. Do not over inflate as floor has no outlet escaping of air.11. Issue sea sickness tablets to every one and sea sickness bag. It is aremedy to prevent a person from dehydration and seasickness.12. Treat injured, make them comfortable and as warm as you can withclothing or hugging them or cuddling them.13. Read the instructions in the first aid kit before treating them.14. No water or food for the first 24 hours to anyone except, sickpersons or injured. Water and food can be given to them as required orthe person who have had lot of bleeding or dehydration by way of

vomiting.15. Put trustworthy person as in-charge of food and water.16. Try to stay put nearer the position of the wreck. This will helprescuers looking for survivors.17. Arrange duties or watches as a lookout inside and outside thelifeboat and life raft. In cold only 2 an hour and normal weather 2 hoursduty. Protect the lookout against exposure to hot or cold weather.18. One or two men can right up the capsized raft by standing on thegas cylinder and heaving back on the righting strap facing windwardand two or three men can right up the open, capsized lifeboat byholding the keel grab line.19. Top up the raft with bellows as the gas contracts at night when it iscolder. But during the day the gas will expand and probably blow offthrough the escape valve. Do not worry about this as these valves aresafety valves.20 Keep a log for recording every day happening.21. Water: There are three liters off fresh water in lifeboat and one anda half litres in life raft for each person, half liter per day per person. Nowater during the first 24 hours as your body is already full of water,and if water is issued on the first day it will go as waste in the form ofsweat and urine. Water should be given at sunrise, mid-day and sunset.

Do not cut down this ration. If you do, you will weaken yourself. Onlywhen you are down to the last cans, should you save for the followingday.22. A food ration totaling net less than 10,000 (kj) Kilojoules kept in airtight and water tight tinfoil packing. The ration shall be readily divisibleinto four one day proportion per person. Food ration should be given atmorning and evening only. Do not cut down this ration. It should beonly when you are on the last day then save one cube for the followingday.23. In case of tropical area deflate the floor to help cooling during theday time but inflate it again at night as tropical nights can be cold.

Keep your clothes or canopy wet during day. Rinse them out beforesunset and get the raft as dry as possible before sunset. Avoid sunburn

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for direct exposure to the sun. Do not swim and do not leave your raft,it may drift away fast.24. Distribute crews evenly and bunch together for warmth in case ofcold and be at ease incase of warm climate..

25. Rig emergency transmitter aboard, and switch on E.P.I.R.B andSART. Once they are switched on they should not be switched off.26. Watch for frost bite and hypothermia.27. Collect useful flotsam and some time, we have to look for EPIRB,SAR or emergency radio also, in case if we are not able to carry themin the lifeboat.28. Take charge of weapons or any sharp objects.29. Take charge of all pyrotechnics.30. In case of very cold, the clothes are wet, then close both theentrance of the life raft. People wearing wet clothing will soon find thatair becomes saturated and no further cooling of their bodies occurs.

Heat balance is achieved after 20 to 25 minutes time.31. Take any unoccupied survival craft in tow and use them for store,sleeping accommodation and as back up craft for use, in futureemergency.32. Do not massage frost bite, keep feet dry, as possible, keep movingfingers and toes, move ankles and knees, clench fingers and stretchlimbs, wrinkle face and nose, ear with hands. This keeps the bloodcirculating. Put feet up for at least 5 minutes in every hour, keepweather cover closed except for small opening to ensure ventilation.33. You have survived so far. Do not panic and help each other by wayof high morale. Have confidence in yourself and have ability to stayalive and have will power to stay alive. You I must make yourself fit inall climatic condition, whether you are in lifeboat or life raft. Try to findout ways and means to survival, by way of your leadership qualities.

Source of waterA. Rain waterB. Dew or condensationC. SnowD. Desalting apparatusDo Not

1. Do not drink urine2. Do not drink sea water3. Do not dilute fresh water with sea water.4. Do not drink alcohol5. Do not smoke6. Do not chew or suck ice, first melt it and then drink it.7. Try and increase your water ration by way of collection of rain water.Drink as much as you can and save the cans of water. Drink rain waterfirst as it will not be fresh for long.8. If no water at all, keep a button in the mouth, it will keep your mouthmoist.

9. Take slow and long breath through nose.

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CHAPTER 8 - EMERGENCY RADIO EQUIPMENT(LECTURE AND DEMONSTRATIONS)

Portable radio apparatus for survival craft

Every vessel is provided with at least 3 two-way VHF radio telephoneapparatus (walkie talkies) as per SOLAS. They shall also be providedwith spare batteries with charger one for each. These radio telephonesare meant for the purpose of the emergency stations of the ship whenthe ship is abandoned. These should not be used for normalcommunications except for testing. These have various frequenciesincluding channel 16.

Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRBs)

These are 406 MHz beacons designed for COSPAS-SARSA T satellite topick-up signals so that the positions of the vessels in distress can betracked.When a ship in distress is abandoned, either person carrier or leavethis EPIRB on board (which is float free) then it starts transmittingautomatically. It can be manually activated also. Signals to theSatellites will alert the Search and Rescue center.

Search And Rescue Transponders (SARTs)

Search And Rescue Transponders are radar transponders for detectingvessels/survival craft which are in distress. These are operating in 9GHz frequency band and when triggered by a radar, send out a 12 blipcodes/dots (response signals) in the line of direction of the abandonedvessel/life boat away from the target or outward from the SART'sposition along its line of bearing displayed in the PPI (Plan PositionIndicator). This is a signal for a vessel in distress and assistance can beprovided. When the vessel starts proceeding towards this SART and ata distance of 1 mile then it gives a circular band signal (wider arc

becoming a circle)Means-- it is time for slowing down maneuvering.

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The SART also gives an audible and visual warning when it isinterrogated by Radar so the survivors are also aware that somebody isnearby.It operates in a temperature range of -20C to +55C.

Every ship has to carry one onboard and kept in such a location so thatit can be readily placed in survival craft in an emergency.It is kept in the survival craft at a distance of 1 m above the sea level(when abandoned) so that at the distance of 5 miles it can be detectedby radar. A well mounted SART in moderate conditions of weather iscapable of giving a detection range of over 10 nautical miles.

CHAPTER 9- HELICOPTER ASSISTANCE

Communicating with the helicopter

It is a standard requirement that aircraft engaged in marine operationsare fitted with a VHF radio with channel 16 and at least two otherworking frequencies. This becomes the normal method ofcommunications between stations involved. The deck landing officershould ideally be equipped with a portable transceiver with noiseexcluding headset and boom microphone. The ships bridge beingsimilarly equipped with a marine VHF radio under GMDSS regulations.Direct contact between both ship and aircraft should commence withpositive identification followed by the confirmation by the ship's Masteras to the nature of the operation. General particulars relating to theships current position, course and speed should be passed to thehelicopter. Additional information, on closing the rendezvous, mayinclude any or all of the following: weather conditions at the surface,wind direction and force, sea state, state of visibility, barometricpressure, ship's name, call sign, description of ship, type of ship andany other operational details regarding the readiness of the ship. Thearea should be well lit in case of darkness and should be free of anyobstructions. Operation of a helicopter depends on circumstances ofthe bad weather conditions and visibility. The master of the vessel indistress must have efficient communication between all parties, is

essential so that rescue operation can be carried out in an efficientmanner to the distressed victims.

Evacuation from ship and survival craft

It is often the case with rescue operations that injured parties arepresent and that the level of injuries will dictate the method ofevacuation or rescue. The use of the single strop is well practiced;provided the survivor can be airlifted in this manner .Then it is anormal practice to adopt this method.The use of the strop about a physically fit and able person should not

cause too much discomfort, but may not fit the body too well if theindividual is wearing a lifejacket. Where a person is injured a stretcher

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may be employed, of which there are several types in current use.When an injured party is to be hoisted by a stretcher, he or she shouldstill be strapped into a lifejacket if the case permits.

The lifeboat should be maintained at maximum speed with the windapproximately 20 - 30 on the port bow. All aerials should be struckand loose objects secured inside the boat. With the exception of oneman outside (enclosed craft) all other personnel should be seatedinside the boat with lap straps secured. Enclosed craft should have allaccess points and hatches closed and secure.

Upon receiving emergency or distress signals

Any ship, which receives a distress call, needs to proceed with all speedtowards the distress ship for saving of life. When such signal is received,

plot the position of the ship and ascertain the distance and the courseto steam towards it so that the master can make a decision quickly.The decision to proceed for assistance is taken by the Master however;he may sometimes decide not to go towards distressed ship because:

1 The ship has already received or is about to receive the assistance required and he has been so informed, or

2 He is relieved of this duty by the SAR authorities

3 The condition of his own ship is such that, it is practically impossible for him to proceed for assistance owing to own limitations, regarding

amount of fuel remaining on board or other restricting factors such asdraft.

Whether the ship proceeds to assist or not the following shall be carriedout and logged:

1a. Acknowledge the call and note down the position and whateverinformation you have rece

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