NTSB Safety Alert
The NTSB has issued a Safety Alert regarding ways to improve your chances of survival when abandoning ship. Good preparation and proper use of safety equipement is key to survival.
The NTSB recently investigated an accident that required the crew to abandon aweather-damaged liftboat in near-hurricane-force conditions. Several problemsleading up to and during the vessel abandonment negatively impacted the10 crewmembers’ probability of survival once they were in the water, and four ofthem died as a result:
- The company hurricane plan did not account for rapidly and locally developinglow pressure weather systems. This reduced the crewmembers’ ability toproperly plan for the developing storm and to make an early decision to leavethe vessel through routine means before the onset of the storm.
- The vessel had recently been equipped with two new inflatable throw-over-typeliferafts. However, the liferafts were inflated on deck instead of in the water whenthe crew prepared to abandon the vessel. This led to the liferafts blowing awayfrom the vessel and vanishing in the high winds and seas. The crewmembersended up clinging to a lifefloat, which, unlike the liferafts, did not provideout-of-water flotation, shelter from the elements, and nonperishable food anddrinking water.
- Although the crewmembers had gathered additional food, drinking water, andother supplies while preparing to evacuate, they failed to take these with them.
The vessel was equipped with an emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB), which if activated would have quickly alerted authorities and narrowedthe search area. However, the crewmembers did not take the EPIRB with them when they abandoned the vessel. As a result, they spent 3 days in the waterbefore search and rescue assets were able to locate them.
What can mariners do?
- Develop and execute a thorough weather preparedness plan. Ensure thatyour plan takes into account surface low pressure systems, nontropical storms,and other weather systems that may form rapidly and locally. (For example, notall hurricanes approach from the east.)
- Ensure you know how to use safety equipment. Don’t wait until a realemergency to find out whether you know how to properly use lifesavingequipment. Instead, include in your regular weekly or monthly drills a thoroughstep-by-step assessment of all such equipment, especially liferafts, which can’tactually be deployed during drills.
- Plan before evacuating. Before an emergency, ensure you know your assignedduties and responsibilities-such as who’s bringing what supplies-and ensurethe responsible person is aware of the location of those items.
- Drill as if it is a real emergency. Conducting realistic drills gets the attention ofcrewmembers, builds their confidence and proficiency in emergency responseprocedures, and reinforces a strong safety culture. Review drill performance withcrew to identify areas for improvement.
- Even in coastal waters, plan for the worst. Despite being close to shore and/orin a normally high-traffic waterway, don’t assume that others will be able to cometo your immediate aid, especially if your location changes. Be physically andmentally prepared for the possibility of a prolonged exposure situation.
- Follow your plan. In emergency situations involving high stress and exhaustion,ensure all aspects are covered by running through step-by-step emergencyprocedures in accordance with established checklists. Use shoreside supportresources to assist you with this.
- Don’t forget the EPIRB. The EPIRB is a vital piece of equipment that cansignificantly shorten the time necessary to locate and rescue you. Take it withyou! In addition, carry a personal locator beacon (PLB); it is an inexpensive andeffective device.
- Stay together in the water. Search and rescue personnel will more easily spot agroup of people in the water than dispersed swimmers.
Source: NTSB
