Sea Scout Ship SouthWinds 100 Apprentice 5 Safety Apprentice 5a, 5b, 5c, and 5d

Safety – Apprentice Apprentice rank requirements: Life jackets Marine distress signals Distress Communications Form Safety rules

Safety – Life Jackets Requirement: Apprentice 5a. Explain the uses, advantages & disadvantages of the various types of Coast Guard approved life jackets. Demonstrate the proper use & care of life jackets used by your ship. Discuss your state’s boating laws as they relate to life jacket wear.

Life Jackets – Type I Offshore life jacket designed to provide protection & flotation for extended periods of time. Includes a flotation collar around the neck & head to float a person in an upright, slightly backward position to keep face out of the water. 22 lb. minimum buoyancy. BSA acceptable to wear.

Life Jackets – Type II Near shore “buoyant vests” useful on lakes & bays. Includes a flotation collar around the neck & head to float a person in an upright, slightly backward position to keep face out of the water. 15-1/2 lb. minimum buoyancy. BSA acceptable to wear.

Life Jackets – Type III Vest-like flotation aids with no neck support. Some have a “trimmed down” back & chest. 15-1/2 lb. minimum buoyancy. BSA acceptable to wear.

Life Jackets – Type III / V Some Type III & special-use Type V life jackets are inflatable – either automatic or manually inflated. While inflatables are much more comfortable to wear, they must be worn to count toward the number of life jackets on board. 22 lb. minimum buoyancy.

Life Jackets – Type IV Throwable device or cushion. Required to be carried aboard any vessel 16 feet in length or longer.

Life Jackets – Proper Use A life jacket is useless if it’s not properly used. Always Wear a properly fitted life jacket. Completely zip, buckle, and/or tie all fasteners. Adjust to fit snugly. 1 2 3 1 2 3

Life Jackets – Care Hang dry before stowing. Use mild soap & water to wash away dirt or mildew. Report any rips, tears, or other problems. Only wear according to the intended use.

Life Jackets – GA Laws USCG approved. Propulsion Length Class (Feet) Jackets Type I, II, III, or V Throw-able Type IV No Motor <16 (Class A)  Power- Driven 16 to <26 (Class 1) 26 to <40 (Class 2) 40 to <65 (Class 3) Sail- USCG approved. Children <13 years must wear when underway. One wearable life jacket (Type I, II , III, or V) for each person on board & of the appropriate size stowed in a readily accessible manner. A Type IV throwable device or cushion stowed in an immediately available location.

Safety – Visual Distress Signals Requirement: Apprentice 5b. Identify visual day & night marine distress signals & know their location & the proper use for your ship’s vessels.

Visual Distress Signals – Daytime Only Wave Arms (Up & Down) Signal Mirror (Flash SOS ••• ­­- - - •••) Orange Distress Flag – Black Square & Ball Day

Visual Distress Signals – Daytime Only Shapes – Ball Over/Under Square Code Flags – November Over Charlie Dye Marker (Any Color) Day

Visual Distress Signals – Daytime Only Type D Flares Buoyant Orange Smoke Handheld Orange Smoke Day

Visual Distress Signals – Day or Night Type A Flares Parachute Rocket Type B Flares Multistar Rocket Type C Flares Handheld Red Flare Day or Night

Visual Distress Signals – Night Only Flashlight or Lantern (Flash SOS ••• ­­- - - •••) Night

Sound Distress Signals Horn (Mouth or Air Operated) Bell Whistle (Backup Device) Continuous (6-sec.) Continuous (1-min.)

Safety – Distress Communications Form Requirement: Apprentice 5c. Use the Distress Communications Form to demonstrate the procedure to send the following VHF emergency messages: Mayday, Pan Pan & Security.

VHF Radio Channel 16 – Distress Communications International distress, safety & calling. Widely monitored by USCG stations & vessels, & by commercial & non- commercial vessels.

VHF Radio Channel 16 – Emergency Messages Mayday Pan Pan (pronounced pahn) Security (pronounced say-curitay) Distress Call Urgent Call Safety Message Loss of life, serious illness or injury, or loss of the vessel is possible. Safety of the vessel or person is in jeopardy. Loss of life or property is not likely, but help is needed. Used to report hazard to navigation, buoy off station, extreme weather, etc.

Marine Distress Communications Form Slowly, calmly & clearly say “MAYDAY-MAYDAY-MAYDAY.” Say “THIS IS S/V _______ - _______- _______” (your boat’s name 3 times). Say “MAYDAY _______” (your boat’s name). Report your location (describe nearby navigational aids or landmarks). State the nature of your distress. List number of persons on board & condition of any injured. Estimate present seaworthiness of your boat. Briefly describe your boat. For example: “WE ARA 22-FOOT SAILBOAT WITH SINGLE MAST, WHITE HULL & DECK.” Say “I WILL BE LISTENING ON CHANNEL 16.” End message by saying “THIS IS _______ (your boat’s name). OVER.” If no response, then repeat.

Safety – Rules Requirement: Apprentice 5d. Know the safety rules that apply to vessels & equipment used by your ship, & safety standards in the use of: Power tools, Machinery, Lifting heavy objects & Other safety devices used by your ship.

Safety – General Vessel File a Float Plan. Have sufficient fuel, water, food, etc. Stow everything. Wear life jackets. Stay free of winches. Watch for other vessels & people. Keep a lookout. Be courteous. Know your destination. Watch the weather. Follow Leave No Trace.

Age Restrictions – GA Persons under 12 years of age – May not legally operate a PWC or any vessel 16 feet in length or longer. May legally operate a boat less than 16 feet in length & powered by a motor or 30 HP or less only if they are accompanied by a competent adult. Persons 12 to 15 years of age – May not legally operate any vessel 16 feet in length or longer. May legally operate a PWC or vessel less than 16 feet in length if they: Have passed a DNR approved boating education course or Are accompanied by a competent adult. Persons 16 years of age or older may legally operate any boat or PWC on Georgia state waters if they have proper identification on board.

Negligent Operation Operating in restricted areas. Jumping the wake of another boat within 100 feet of that boat. Operating a boat or PWC at greater than “idle wake speed” within 100 feet of a boat, dock, pier, person, etc. Causing damage from the wake of your boat or PWC. Failure to regulate speed. Operating while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

Obstructing Navigation It’s illegal to: Anchor in a channel. Tie up to a buoy or other aid to navigation. Tamper with, deface or move any aid to navigation. Obstruct a pier, wharf or boat ramp.

Homeland Security Stay clear of U.S. Naval vessels. Be aware of security zones. No anchoring under bridges. Help with America’s Waterway Watch.

Power Tools Wear safety glasses & other protective equipment. Inspect tools. Use shields as appropriate. Work in a safe & well-lit work area. Don’t wear loose clothing. Use the right tool for the job. Be properly trained. Disconnect when not in use or for changing blades / bits or during cleaning. Avoid fatigue.

Heavy Lifting Plan before you lift. Use appropriate equipment if a load is too heavy. Lift with your legs.

Questions?