SEARCH AND RESCUE (SAR)

Commanding Officers are to inform the Captain Coral Harbour of requests received before they become involved in major rescue operations. Short tours or the rescue of personnel are to be acted upon immediately.

Commanding Officers are not to hazard their vessel in the effort to salvage craft or material effects. They are, however, to take all immediate measures justifiable to save lives.

PRESAILING PRECAUTIONS

*Ensure that there are sufficient personal floatation devices (PFDs) for all persons embarked, and that they are familiar with the use of such devices

*At least one working radio set is on board. Periodic checks should be made with other boats, Bahamas Air Sea Rescue (BASRA) or the Defence Force to confirm that the radio is operational.

*Good, fully-charged batteries for engines onboard.

*Extra fuel and water are embarked.

*Emergency medical kit, foul weather gear, blankets and towels should be onboard.

*Emergency flares, flashlights and other utility gears are carried.

*A tool kit is onboard and that at least one passenger has at least some rudimentary knowledge of engine operation and maintenance.

*Engines should be properly maintained and proven fully operational prior to commencing trip.

*Bilge pump is operational and bilge is pumped.

*Weight (passengers and cargo) is evenly distributed throughout the boat.

*Ship's compass is in good working condition (always chech compass on a known reference point prior to sailing).

*In small open boats, children and non-swimmers should don PDF's prior to embarking and they should be worn for the duration of the trip.

*Obtain a current meterological report and heed forecasts of bad weather. Keep aware of the tidal state as this could be crucial in anchoring.

*Make sure there is a good anchor with sufficient cable (rope or chain) onboard, and that there is a spare.

*All movable equipment/items are stowed away properly and lashed down should the weather deteriorates.

*Give details of trip i.e., destination, duration and purpose, to a relative or responsible adult.

PRECAUTIONS DURING TRIP

*If weather deteriorates rapidly, don PDF's and return to port. Never tempt fate and try to hold out as long as you can against the elements. More often than not, when these daredevils do attempt to seek shelter, they find the conditions to be more than they bargained for.

*If engine fails, anchor craft and send a distress signal, giving approximate location if possible.

*Do not use radios for recreational purposes as this depletes the batteries. Switch on and off at intervals as necessary.

*Do not allow embarked persons to move around in the boat while it is being manoeuvered.

*If overdue and search and rescue operations are in progress, signal spotter aircraft/boat with flares, mirror, etc. Do not jump up and down in the boat.

*Be prudent and look out for other seamen. Someday you may need them to return the favour.

*DO NOT DRIVE A BOAT UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL.

*If craft overturns, attempt to right it. If this is impossible, remain with the capsized boat. NEVER ABANDON A BOAT THAT IS IN NO IMMEDIATE DANGER OF SINKING