BASIC TRAINING

COMPASS Training Center Inc.

Luna Orosa Bldg
1913 Taft Ave cor Remedios Street,
Malate, Manila, 1004
www.compass.ph
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Personal Safety & Social

Responsibilities

1 Observe safe working practices

Contribute to effective human relationship on
board ship – Interpersonal relationship
Understand orders & be understood in relation
to shipboard duties
Infectious diseases, personal health and
hygiene
Comply with emergency procedures
Take precautions to prevent pollution of the
marine environment
Contribute to effective human relationships on
board ship – social responsibilities
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OBSERVE SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

Importance of the Course

Working onboard ship is a hazardous occupation. In fact, exposure to hazards on ships starts on the very
moment that the crew starts to steps onboard.

There is a necessity in understanding the hazards onboard

Equipments and procedures are provided to avoid these hazards

Ship Familiarization
When the crew embarks on a vessel, it is necessary that a familiarization takes place concerning safety
aspect of the ship’s operations as well as the ship’s different parts and locations. One of the aspect
regarding safety is the identification of the different hazards associated to the operation and the parts of the
ship which includes the following lists:
Gangway and safety nets
Main deck
Holds and hatches
Forecastle and poop deck
Windlass, anchors and winches.

NATURE OF SHIPBOARD HAZARDS

List of shipboard hazards
1. There are instances, in remote areas or even on deck, due to poor or no lighting at all or just
because of no warning signs, personnel are at risk of falling through open manholes.
2. On cargo ships, un-fenced tween-decks can cause a person to fall.
3. Loose or missing grating can trip personnel or worse, can cause him to fall.
4. Grinding wheels, winch drums, gears and flywheels can cause injuries to personnel should such
moving or rotating equipments or parts caught personnel’s fingers or even loose clothing.
5. Hot steam pipes, hot machineries or even welding sparks may cause burn to the skin upon contact
even if personnel are wearing PPE. It is a good practice that PPE must correspond to the type of
work and nature of environment to where the personnel will work.
6. Chipping, welding and chemicals can cause injury to the eye.
7. Injuries, sliding or fall can be attributed to unsecured equipments due to ships movement in rough
weather.
8. Extreme weather can cause damage to loose cargoes, can cause structural damage to sheering,
bending and twisting forces.
9. Lack of oxygen in confined spaces can cause suffocation to personnel should such spaces is
entered without proper survey and continuous ventilations.
10. Hydrocarbon gas can cause explosion while toxic gases can cause death if inhaled.
11. Chemicals used onboard can cause burns, eye injuries, irritation of the skin and if such chemical
produces toxic gases, it can cause internal injuries or death.
12. Fire as we all know is attributed to several factors, but fire in itself a hazards since the smoke or
combustion products it produces can transfer heat to other areas of the ship causing fire on this
areas. And also, the smoke can suffocate personnel thereby hampering their escape. To fire
fighters, it causes difficulty in movement due to restriction in visibility.
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13. Collision/ grounding/ flooding and sinking are caused by poor judgment, lack of vigilance or
ineffective bridge team. But aside from this factors, other reasons for these disasters are
unseaworthiness of the ship, improper cargo distributions, etc.
14. Pirates and stowaways can cause delays, fines or even detention of the ship.

EQUIPMENTS ONBOARD TO COUNTER HAZARDS

Personal protective equipment

Personal protective equipments are worn by personnel as a personal protection against the different
hazards onboard that may cause harm while working on machineries, on deck and on other areas of the
ship.
Helmets
Goggles
Gloves
Safety shoes
Dust mask and respirators
Protective clothing
Self-contained breathing apparatus

Life-Saving Appliances
Lives saving appliances are designed to protect personnel from drowning, from hypothermia, to facilitate
rescue and to be able to be located in the earliest possible time during abandonment of the vessel.
Lifejackets
Lifebuoys
Life rafts
Lifeboats
Line-throwing apparatus
EPIRBs and SARTs
TPAs and immersion suits

Fire-Fighting Appliances
Fire-fighting appliances are used to facilitate fire fighting in the event of fire. The purpose is to save lives
and to save the ship so as not to resort to abandonment and therefore prevention of lost of life.
Fire hose, nozzle, hydrants and fire mains
Portable fire extinguisher
Fire axe
Fire-detecting system
Fire extinguishing system

Medical Equipments
Medical equipments onboard are used and designed to administer first aid to individuals so as to prevent
further injuries and control diseases.
Resuscitator
Stretcher
Medicines
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Medical equipment

OIL SPILL EQUIPMENTS

Oil spill equipments are used for two purposes; first is containment and the second one is clean-up. The
purpose of this equipment is to be able to prevent the introduction of oil into the sea. Should oil is
introduced into the sea chemical dispersant can be introduced provided that such introduction of these
chemicals are with the approval of local authorities.
Absorbent pads
Absorbent rolls
Chemical dispersant
Sawdust, brooms, dust pans, shovels and barrels

Hazardous Operations Onboard

1. Loading and unloading cargoes
2. Mooring Operation
3. Handling of chemicals
4. Engine room watchkeeping and maintenance
5. Lifting loads (manually or mechanically)
6. Entry into enclosed spaces
7. Hot work
8. Anti-piracy and stow away operations

OIL SPILL EQUIPMENTS

Oil spill equipments are used for two purposes; first is containment and the second one is clean-up. The
purpose of this equipment is to be able to prevent the introduction of oil into the sea. Should oil is
introduced into the sea chemical dispersant can be introduced provided that such introduction of these
chemicals are with the approval of local authorities.
Absorbent pads
Absorbent rolls
Chemical dispersant
Sawdust, brooms, dust pans, shovels and barrels

LOADING & UNLOADING CARGOES

Ro-Ro ships and car carriers have several decks connected by ramps. Cargo is driven on and off the
vessel and up to the various decks via the ramps. Cargoes are driven at high speeds, any person standing
in the way is likely to be run over.

In tankers, chemical carriers and gas carriers, cargo is in the liquid state and is pumped into and out from
the ship through the pipelines. The main hazards on this types of ships is from the gas which could be
flammable, toxic or could displace air in a compartment making the space oxygen deficient. Personnel
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working in these types of ships must have special knowledge of the hazards involved and working
procedures which is covered in the tanker familiarization training course.
Passenger ships, in some instances and design, may also carry cars or other cargoes. These include
ferries. In these vessels, in addition to deck and engine room staffs, there maybe a large number of cooks,
waiters, housekeeping staffs, shop and other service assistants, entertainment, medical and religious
attendants and others. Personnel working on these ships must have knowledge of crowd control especially
in emergency situations.

MOORING & UNMOORING

Mooring is defined as the tying up of the ship to a jetty, berth or pier. The lines used by the ship for this
purpose are known as mooring lines or mooring wires.

Mooring lines are extremely heavy synthetic lines around 100mm diameter or more and wires too are
heavy around 50mm, depending on the size of the ship.

Mooring equipments like ropes, wires, heaving lines, stoppers, shackles, winches and windlass must be
checked to be in good order before the operation.

HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS
The ship is brought alongside by passing one or more lines ashore and heaving these lines using windlass
and mooring winches.

These ropes and wires are risky to handle and can be extremely dangerous to those in the vicinity,
especially when under stress.

When the ropes or wires parts under stress, they can cause a whiplash that can kill or dismember a person.
Persons engaged in mooring operations must be extremely careful and aware of the risks and stay well
clear of a rope or wire under tension.
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This operation is more risky during strong winds, heavy seas or swells or rain or by the need for speed.
Because of these, persons should never stand in the bight of a rope or wire.
Person heaving the rope on the drum must hold it loosely and be ready to slacken it, should it slip under
tension.

After the mooring operation there should be a continuous check on the mooring lines and adjust as
necessary to keep it tight at all times. In this regard, special attention must be paid when loading or
unloading at high rate, if there is a large tidal range in the port or strong current and when there are strong
winds or when the berth is exposed to sea.

ENCLOSED SPACES
An enclosed space is a space which does not have
natural ventilation system. In addition, it is a space
which because it has been closed for a long period
of time, it contains insufficient oxygen to support life
and therefore entry (in a general sense) is prohibited.

There are times, depending on the nature of the

space or its intended purpose, hydrocarbon gases
and other toxic gases maybe present aside from
having lack of oxygen.

Examples of these spaces are ballast tanks,

cofferdams, cargo tanks, duct keel, forepeak tanks,
aft peak tank, chain lockers and bunker or fuel tanks.
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Careless entry into such spaces has resulted into accidents, sometimes fatal, if the person is overcome by
a lack of breathable atmosphere or is injured and not rescued in time.

There are two types of hazards commonly present in an enclosed spaces; namely: Atmospheric hazards
and physical hazards.

Atmospheric hazards could result from:

- presence of hydrocarbon gases
- presence of toxic gases
- deficiency in oxygen

Due to the presence of hydrocarbon gases, a toxicity and flammability hazard arises. Hydrocarbon vapors
may be present due to petroleum leakages, retention of petroleum sludge/clingages on tank
structures and in pipelines and disturbance of sludge and scales.

Other types of toxic gases that may be present in an enclosed space are the following:
− Nitrogen Oxide
− Nitrogen Dioxide
− Sulphur Dioxide
− Carbon Monoxide
− Benzene
− Hydrogen Sulphide and others
These gases can evolve from cargo, ship’s stores or ship’s operations.

Toxic hazards are hazards that can cause harm to humans due to its poisonous nature and characteristics.
Toxicity of a material can be defined by its Threshold Limit Value or TLV.

Threshold Limit Value (TLV) – is the maximum concentration of toxic gases in air measured in parts per
million where a person can be exposed in an 8 hour period in a day or 40 hour period in a week without
causing adverse health effect.

For gases and vapours, TLV is stated as parts per million (ppm) of surrounding air and for fumes, mists and
dusts as milligrams per cubic meter (mg/m³).

TLV are classified in three ways namely:

TLV-TWA - time weighted average concentration for a normal 8-hour workday or 40-hour
workweek.
TLV-STEL - short term exposure limit, or maximum concentration of a substance
(a) for a continuous 15-minute exposure period,
(b) for maximum of 4 such periods per day,
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(c) with at least one 60-minute exposure-free period between two exposure periods, and
(d) provided the daily
TLV-TWA is met.
TLV-C - ceiling exposure limit or maximum exposure concentration that should not be
exceeded under any circumstance, while meeting the daily TLV-TWA.

Toxic gases should not be present in concentration more than their TLVs to ensure that there is no adverse
health effect to any person exposed to it.

OXYGEN DEFICIENCY HAZARDS

Atmosphere may be rendered deficient in oxygen due to the following:
Ingress of inert gas
Rusting
Paint drying
Presence of hydrocarbon gases
Electrical cleaning fluids
Solvents/emulsifier
Refrigerant
Burning
Flooding with CO2 (during firefighting)
Welding and gas cutting (without proper ventilation)
Running an internal combustion engine in a confined space
Decay of organic matter (e.g. vegetables, grains, fruits, etc.)

Effect Oxygen Deficiency

Anoxia – a condition characterized by an absence of oxygen supply to an organ or a
tissue.
Symptoms of Anoxia
Giddiness, breathlessness and unconsciousness and progress into brain damage causing
memory loss, mental instability, paralysis, coma or death.

Physical Hazards are hazards that could cause a person to be physically or even fatally injured.

Physical hazards include:

− Darkness
− Unsecured ladders
− Slippery surfaces
− Obstructions
− Unguarded openings
− Unsecured objects left from previous visit
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− Flooding
− Getting trapped accidentally

PRECAUTIONS WHEN ENTERING ENCLOSED SPACES

An entry permit system must be strictly followed
The space must be thoroughly ventilated and confirmed by testing of the atmosphere.
There must be:
Sufficient oxygen to support life (21% by Vol.)
None or insufficient flammable gas for that purpose
Toxic gas must be less than its TLV (Threshold Limit Value)

Proper protective equipments like coveralls, hard hat, safety shoes, gloves, approved torch lights, non-
sparking tools and others must be used.

Vigilance and alertness must be exercised, the atmosphere must be monitored and all precautions
observed while the job is underway.

Personnel must be cautioned against over-confidence and negligence.

Protective clothing and the workplace is to be cleaned up after the job is done and things left neat and tidy.

ENCLOSED SPACE ENTRY PERMIT

A permit issued for the approval of entry in a particular enclosed space after all safety precautions
and checks contained therein has been satisfied.
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The lists of checks & precaution include:

Potential hazards have been identified in the assessment & as far as possible isolated or made
safe
The space has been thoroughly ventilated by natural or mechanical means to remove any toxic or
flammable gases & to ensure an adequate level of oxygen throughout the space

The atmosphere of the space has been tested as appropriate with properly calibrated instruments to
ascertain acceptable levels of oxygen and acceptable levels of flammable or toxic vapors.

The space has been secured for entry and properly illuminated.

A suitable system of communication between all parties for use during entry has been agreed and tested.

an attendant has been instructed to remain at the entrance to the space whilst it is occupied
rescue and resuscitation equipment has been positioned ready for use at the entrance to the space
and rescue arrangements have been agreed
personnel are properly clothed and equipped for the entry and subsequent tasks
a permit has been issued, authorizing entry

Steady reading of all the following should be obtained:

21% oxygen by volume by oxygen content meter
not more than 1% of lower flammable limit (LFL) on a suitably sensitive combustible gas indicator,
where the preliminary assessment has determined that there is potential for flammable gases or
vapors
not more than 50% of the occupational exposure limit (OEL) of any toxic vapors and gases

Hot Work
Hot work is any work which generates heat or sparks
of sufficiently high temperature or intensity to ignite a
flammable gas/air mixture.

These includes welding, cutting, burning, heating,

chipping and use of some power tools generating
heat, open flame, electric arc or continuous sparks.

Hazards associated with hot works includes fire,

explosions, heat injuries, strong light injuries (ultra
violet affecting eyes) and shock injuries to personnel.
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Areas onboard where hot work is carried out in ascending order of danger:
Engineer’s work shop
Engine room
Poop deck and accommodation
Cargo area

Hot work permit is an approval of hot work issued after all checks and safety considerations contained
therein has been carried out and satisfied.
Whenever possible, a space such as a workshop where conditions are deemed safe should be designated
for hot work to be performed and first consideration given to performing any hot work in that space.
However, since there are instances where the designated place to carry out hot work (which is the work
shop) is not suitable due to different factors like size of materials to be repaired, locations, etc., hot work
are carried outside the designated area for hot work. In such instances, the following precautions must be
observed:
The master or designated safety officer should be responsible for deciding whether hot work is
justified and whether it can be conducted safely.
o A permit-to-work system should be employed.
o Hot work procedures should take account of national laws or regulations or other national
safety and health rules.
o A responsible officer, not involved in the hot work, should be designated to ensure that
safe procedures are followed.
o A written plan for the operation should be agreed by all who will have responsibilities in
connection with the hot work.
o The work area should be carefully prepared and isolated before hot work commences.
Fire safety precautions should be reviewed, including fire equipment preparations, setting a fire
watch in adjacent compartments and areas, and fire-extinguishing measures.
o Isolation of the work area and fire precautions should be continued until the risk of fire no
longer exists.

WORKING ALOFT
Defines as working at a height above the ground or deck where the primary hazard is of falling and
consequent injury.
Working over the side can also be considered as working aloft.

List of jobs defined as working aloft

Painting bridge front bulkhead, masts, and engine-room deck head.
Cleaning or painting funnel
Greasing, maintenance or repair of radar scanner, crane or derrick blocks and wires
Chipping, painting, cleaning or inspecting tanks or holds
Painting the ship’s side, underside of flying bridge wings, etc.
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List of hazards of working aloft

Falling from a height due to loss of balance, failure of ropes, etc.
Injury due to falling materials or equipments
Burns due to contact with hot surfaces such as the funnel or steam from the whistle.
Emission of carbon dioxide or toxic gases from the funnel due to combustion, incineration, soot
blowing, etc.
Exposure to wind and cold
Electric and radiation hazard due to proximity with radar scanners or radio aerials

Prior notice must be given to the responsible person concerned prior to commencement of work which
includes the following:
Duty engineer when working in the vicinity of the funnel to refrain from soot blowing or incineration
or to shut off steam to the whistle when working near it.
Bridge watch-keeping officer when working near radar scanners
Bridge watch-keeping officer or radio officer when working near radio aerials or satellite
communication dome
Chief officer when working on deck

Equipments whose operation is a hazard to the work is to locked or tagged with the responsibilities vested
in a responsible officer.
These checks and procedures may be covered by a checklist or a permit-to-work system.

List of equipment used for working aloft

− Gantlines
− Safety lines
− Wooden stage or bosun’s chair
− Hooks and shackles
− Fall arrester
− Ladders, scaffolding, etc

These equipments should be stowed in a separate locker away from paints or chemicals. These
equipments is not to be used for any other purpose except working aloft. In addition, they are to be checked
every time prior to use by a person who is competent to detect faults in wood and ropes. Knots, hitches and
turns should be correctly and carefully made to prevent slipping especially when synthetic ropes are used.
Stages and bosun’s chairs should not be hoisted or lowered by winch. Anchoring points for safety lines or
suspension points for gantlines should be strong and not subject to movement. The rope should not run
over hot surfaces or sharp edges. Safety net should be rigged whenever possible especially under a free
hanging stage. Stages should be secured against ship’s movement, especially if they are free hanging.
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Working aloft should not be carried out while the ship is moving violently in a seaway.

All tools and materials should be passed in a bucket or by a rope and never thrown.

Ladders should be used for climbing onto or from a stage and not the ropes that suspend the stage.

The rigid ladder should be placed on a firm base.

Tools and equipments should be secured and not placed at the edge where they can fall.

WORKING ALOFT / OVERSIDE

Inexperience persons or those under 18 years old should not be sent to work aloft or over side. And the
work over side should not be carried out while the ship is underway.

In addition to normal protective equipments, a buoyant vest or lifejacket should be worn and lifebuoys with
heaving lines and light should be kept in readiness.

ENGINE ROOM WATCHKEEPING & MAINTENANCE

List of machineries located in the engine room:
− Main engine
− Generators or alternators
− Boilers
− Compressors
− Pumps
− Motors
− Electrical equipments
Other equipments that may be located in the engine room:
− Steering gear
− Refrigeration machineries
− hydraulic or pneumatic equipments
− Two-way portable VHF
− Lead-acid batteries

Injuries suffered in the engine room could be:

Burns through contact with steam pipes, hot surfaces, welding sparks, etc.
Head injuries through overhead obstructions or falling objects
Slips, trips or falls on companion ways, from open floor plates, protruding parts or incautious haste.
Hearing loss through constant exposure to high decibel noise.
Contact with moving parts of machineries such as grinder wheels, flywheels, propeller shaft
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SAFE WORKING PRACTICES

Proper locking and tagging of machinery under repair to prevent inadvertent starting.
Proper checks of equipment used for lifting or other purposes prior to use.
Proper calibration of test equipments
Proper tests of enclosed spaces prior to entry
Use of proper tools for the job and in the proper way.

CONTRIBUTE TO EFFECTIVE HUMAN RELATIONSHIP ON BOARD SHIP

INTERPERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
Good relationships make the life of all seafarers more comfortable, healthy and less prone to accidents.
The elements which help in better relationships:
policies of company
function of shipboard management
clarity of responsibilities with reference to shipboard functions
structure and flow of authority
importance of understanding needs:
o individual needs
o ship needs
o company needs
o social needs

Everyone should respect each other's individuality, value, culture and purpose of work.

Open communication will enhance interpersonal relationship.

Shipboard environments demand better IPR from seafarers during both on-duty or off-duty hours

Methods to improve IPR on board evolved from:

introducing and understanding each other
commitment of senior officers
valuing of individual differences rather than
maximizing weakness
fairness in dealing with personnel
true appraisals and reporting
discipline on board
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TEAM BUILDING
Team work is an act or a system where a group of individuals act as one to achieve a common goal. The
work or actions done is for the benefit of the group and not to himself. There is always “us” and not the “me”
or “I”.

The best example of team work is the work of an ant colony. As illustrated, ants work together to be able to
achieve their goal of bridging a gap on their path in order to cross food or other materials that are beneficial
to their colony.

And for humans, us Filipinos for that matter, the best example is the “bayanihan”

Ship board operation is team work and effectiveness of the team member
Team helps in better decision making

Deterrent to team operation:

Distortion of aims – there are at some points where the leader or even some of the members of the team
have other ideas regarding the outcome of the team efforts. In such scenario, the aims of the group is being
distorted because of the deviation of other members to their general objective .

Inflexible behavior of members – Some members do not have the capacity to adjust themselves to the
scenario which may be different to the expected one causing difficulty to align the group effort to their
common goal.

Groupism – It is a behavior of usually a minority within a group which tends to group themselves and
distance themselves (as a group) to the main organization. This causes difficulty in bringing about the
group effort since such acts may results to the deterioration of the whole group.

Status/ Ego Problem – Members refuse to follow orders from their leaders due to their previous status or
ego. Sometimes this problem arises when the leader is a junior in the group or has been judged to be of
having less experience than the majority of the members.

Hidden Agendas – Members have other plans and totally different objectives but choose to remain in the
group for the purpose of influencing other members to his personal intentions. Such people never
cooperate and never help in the achievement of the group’s goal or objectives.

Communication Problems – If communication is not as fluid as it must be, then a group effort can never
be achieved. Normally this problem arises if members of the group have different cultures and are speaking
on different languages.
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Physical/ environmental problems – Even if team are ready and able to do a team effort to achieve its
aims, there are times that some members’ physical attributes does not conform to the requirements to
achieve such goals. At other times it is not the group members but the environment may hinder or slows
down the effort of the group to accomplish the tasks required.

Handling of Grievances / Counseling – This is a question on leadership and the concern for the group’s
morale. If the leader is not effective in handling of grievances or even in doing counseling, then the morale
of the crew will go down and that will be manifested on their behavior thus affecting group’s performance.

Team work is essential on board for reasons such as:

the shipping company comprises a number of small mobile industrial units (the ship) which may at
any particular moment be distributed over large distances throughout the world
When making a voyage, the ship can undergo considerable climatic changes, which may adversely
affect personnel.
ships are operational for 24 hours each day, and the crew must be organized in regulated shift
system, such that the people on board are well rested and fit for duty at all times
the personnel on the ship must be organized to operate the ship safely and effectively with
numerous operations being performed simultaneously, example:
- watchkeeping at sea and in port (navigation and machinery operation)
- cargo operations
- maintenance of hull, machinery and equipment
- safety checks and drills, emergency actions
- repair/dry-docking
- stocking provisions, cooking food, housekeeping
- communication ship - shore – ship
the crew must be able to operate with a high degree of responsibility and flexibility

Fundamentals of Communication
Good communication is the most essential element of safety and pollution prevention on board.
People's co-operation can be achieved by effective communication
Effective communication is the basic element for human survival
Language is a means of transmitting ideas, views, instructions, etc.

Basic elements of communication:

Sender – The person or party giving the information
Receiver – The person or party who is the recipient of information
Modes of transmission – Manner in which information is being passed from sender to receiver.
Methods of transmission – Way in which information is being transferred
Barriers to communication – Hindrances or difficulties encountered during exchange of information.
Feedback – Are comments, information sent in return in response to the given messages.
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Feedback is an essential part in ship’s communication because it confirms understanding of a given

message by the receiver.

Methods of communications are classified as:

Verbal: Reading, speaking, writing and any communication using words
Non-verbal: Body language, sounds, gestures
Iconic: Signs, figures, diagrams, pictures and photographs

All three methods need to be effectively use on board for proper understanding. Verbal communication
includes all communication pertaining to words, including reading, writing and speaking. Body language
and pictorial symbols are more powerful means of communication than verbal means alone.

There are barriers in each step of the basic communication process.

List of barriers in communication:
− transmitter's conceptualization stage
− transmitter's capability
− mode of transmission
− media of transmission
− receiver's capability
− receiver's understanding of the concept
− feedback stage
− receipt of feedback by transmitter

EFFECTIVE TRANSMISSION SKILLS

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The effectiveness of communication lies primarily with the sender

The sender should define the purpose of the particular communication

Time, place and person addressed in the context of initiating the communication is important since it gives
details of the message being sent by the sender. Complete information will surely be responded with an
accurate and positive feedback.

Language and vocabulary (e.g., examples of usage of maritime English) is important in communication
skills because it defines the message being conveyed by the sender. If messages are conveyed in a
common language, it eliminates misunderstanding and it gives an accurate meaning to the message being
sent.

Understanding the different kinds of barriers in communication helps in better transmission

The sender must be capable of effectively speaking, writing, acting, drawing and using available sound
signaling apparatus

The effectiveness of transmission can be checked by the feedback from the receiver. And the responsibility
for having a clear feedback lies with the sender.
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EFFECTIVE LISTENING SKILLS

The effectiveness of transmission can be checked by the feedback from the receiver

Listening is the responsibility of the receiver.

Hearing – is an auditory perception, or audition. The ability to perceive sound by detecting
vibrations.
Listening – the conscious processing of the auditory stimuli that have been perceived through
hearing. It is more like an interpretation of what is perceived through hearing.

HEARING
Is a mere reception and perception of sound waves.
There is neither interpretation nor processes involved
although this is the first step in the processing of
information as in listening.

LISTENING
The process moves through the first three steps—receiving, attending, understanding—in sequence.
Responding and/or remembering may or may not follow. For example, it may be desirable for the listener to
respond immediately or to remember the message in order to respond at a later time.

LISTENING BARRIERS
There are internal and external barriers to listening and appreciating the effect of barriers on listening
described earlier will improve listening capabilities.

Human beings are capable of speaking at a rate of 150 words per minute whereas they can listen at a rate
of about 1000 wpm. this results in idle time of 850 wpm, which makes the mind wonder. Ideally this idle
time should be used for paraphrasing the body language and other signals from the speaker.
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EFFECTS & CONSEQUENCES OF WRONG COMMUNICATION

A wrong communication can affect safety of life, property and the environment. It causes human problems
and problems in relationships on board. Improper communication causes stress, loss of time, loss of
resources and even ship's profitability.
Miscommunication
Effect safety of:
Life
Property
Environment
Human problems
Relationship problems
Stress
Loss of time
Loss of resources
Loss of ship’s profitability

COMMUNICATION SUM-UP
Effective communication creates the atmosphere conducive to safe working, happy living and sociable
relationship among fellow shipmates.

Habits, values and attitudes can also be modified by effective communication and knowing the basics of
interpersonal relationships, learning skills and team skills.
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WHAT IS AN EMERGENCY?
It is a situation of imminent danger like:
loss of life
Injury
loss of or damage to property
damage to environment

Lists various emergencies which may occur on board ships:

Fire
Collision
Grounding
Foundering
man overboard
ingress of water
heavy weather
oil spill, etc.

SHIPBOARD CONTINGENCY PLANS

Shipboard contingency plans for response to emergencies were developed as part of company procedures
to answer different types of emergencies.

ALARM SYSTEMS ONBOARD

Alarm Systems Onboard Includes:
Ship’s General Alarm – Characterized by Seven short blast followed by one prolonged blast on the
ship’s whistle followed by a public address system.
Fire Alarm – Continuous ringing on the alarm bell
Abandon Ship Alarm – Seven short blasts followed by one prolonged blast on the ship’s whistle.
The following alarms are sounded by the ships whistle or bells.
In order to confirm the message conveyed by the alarms, a public address system is used.
Various emergency signals indicate different types of emergency situations.

DRILLS & MUSTER

General structure of muster list:
Specific duties allocated to crew members
Division of crew in various squads and teams
Muster station
Emergency headquarters, etc .
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The muster list is posted at various locations onboard in order for crew to have easy access to review and
familiarize themselves with their specific duties and responsibilities in cases of different types of
emergencies.

Actions to take on hearing emergency alarm signals and discovering potential emergencies:
Attire yourself adequately and properly
Proceed to muster station
Find out nature of emergency
Take action as per muster list or duty list.

VALUE & NEED OF DRILLS & TRAINING

Three Aspects of need of drills & training”
Regulatory & legislative needs
SOLAS, MARPOL, STCW, ISM, etc
Operational need
To ensure correct & effective actions
State of mind
on exposure to an emergency, all persons are affected and there is general dip or
reduction in performance. This dip in performance can only be compensated for by regular
and realistic drills.

INTERNAL COMMUNICATIONS
Various internal communications in use on board ships - especially for emergency situations:
Telephone - Located in the bridge, in various control rooms, cabins, emergency stations, etc.
emergency powered or sound-operated phone - In the bridge, engine control room, steering room
Public address systems - In the bridge, engine control room, steering room. Speakers for this
system are located in all cabins, alleyways, service and public areas.
Lifeboat VHF - Normally located in the bridge.
Walkie-talkies - Located in the bridge, engine control room and in areas designated as charging
areas for these equipments.
Emergency alarms, etc. - Activations are in the bridge and emergency stations. Call points are
located on alley ways near doors to stair cases leading to various decks in the accommodation.

Escape Routes:
Escape routes are marked all over the accommodations with luminous posters giving directions regarding
the way leading to the lifeboats or escape hatches.

It is a good practice that all crew and passengers have a good knowledge of number and locations of
escape routes so as to prevent panic and confusion should emergency and need to evacuate arises.
 Basic Training

TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO PREVENT POLLUTION OF THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

WHAT IS POLLUTION?
The introduction of harmful substances or products into the environment.

Sources of Marine Pollution:

− From Ship’s Operation i.e. tank cleaning, exhaust from chimney, etc.
− Accidental causes i.e. collision, spills, grounding, heavy weather, etc.
− Sewage
− Garbage

Causes resulting in marine pollution at sea by ships as a result of:

− stranding and collisions
− lightening operations
− unchecked garbage and sewage disposal
− tank cleaning, washing and line flushing
− unchecked chemical disposal in bulk or packaged form
− deballasting

EFFECTS OF OPERATIONAL OR ACCIDENTAL POLLUTION TO THE MARINE ENVIRONMENT

Impact of Pollution on Marine Life and Food Chain
− Disruption of marine ecological balance
− Poor absorption of oxygen on the water
− Damage of hatcheries and key fishing areas.

Hazards posed by chemicals, sewage and garbage disposal:

− Can cause poisoning of the sea and all its living things that depends on it.
− Toxins absorbed by fishes can be transferred to humans
− Damage to beaches and other legitimate uses of the sea.

International Measures for Pollution Prevention, Pollution Avoidance & Containment of Pollution

MARPOL ‘73/’78
MARPOL “73/’78 is an IMO convention that deals primary on the
protection of the Marine Environment. It contains regulations
pertaining to the vessel’s construction and operation.
Basic Training

Under the MARPOL convention, vessels must comply with the construction and equipment requirement so
as to ensure protection of the marine environment during the operation of the vessel.

Construction requirements include:

Segregated Ballast Tank or SBT – are ballast tanks designed which are fully segregated from the
cargo system. In is served by its own pumps and by its own line. The tanks used as ballast tanks
are NOT in any way be used as cargo tanks. Since it is totally segregated from the cargo system, it
means its lines DOES NOT passes through any cargo tanks.
Double Hull Design – The double hull design on tanker vessels are a mandatory requirements so
as to give protection against low impact collision and grounding. This means that the entire length
of the vessel’s cargo and pump room area are protected with double hull or skin so that in the
event of collision, water will come in instead of oil escaping.
Shore Reception Facilities – These are facilities from shore designed to accept or receive cargo
residues, garbage and other polluting substance from ships. Of course, there is no such thing as
one reception facility that can receive all types of garbage. Every reception facility are designed
based on what kind of waste they are to receive and process. Example; there is a reception facility
for oil, for chemicals and also for garbage.

SEWAGE DISPOSAL ARRANGEMENT

Sewage treatment plant of a type approved by the
Administration in compliance with IMO criteria

Comminuting and disinfecting system approved by the

Administration fitted with facilities for the temporary storage
of sewage when the ship is less than 3 nm from the
nearest land or holding tank of a capacity to the satisfaction
of the administration, having regard to the operation of the
ship, the number on persons on board, and provided
with a means to indicate visually the amount of its contents.

GARBAGE MANAGEMENT PLAN

Is a plan specific to each ships that contains details of
handling of garbage onboard including its disposal

GARBAGE RECORD BOOK

Record book which is maintained in a regular basis
used to record disposal of garbage.
 Basic Training

Garbage Disposal Arrangement and Handling:

On board the ship, there are collection points nominated as stated in the garbage management plan which
shall have color coded bins and trash cans. One for “Plastic”, “Papers Products”, “Food Waste” and
“Others”. The color representing the type of garbage to be disposed varies and depends upon what is
stated on the specific vessel’s Garbage Management Plan. But it is common that Plastic is Red, Paper
Products is Green, Food Waste is Brown and Other Garbage is Black.

Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan:

A prevention plan carried on board tankers >150 GT and other vessels >400 GT. In this plan you get an
overview of possible procedures in case of an oil spill. In the plan is also mentioned who you should contact
(list of authorities, oil cleanup teams and port state control) and how to report this event to the
nearest coast guard station.

Contents of Shipboard Oil Pollution Emergency Plan:

An action plan with instructions for the oil pollution prevention team. This is a list of duties the
crewmembers have to fulfill in case of an oil spill
An emergency plan
General information about the ship
Procedures to discharge the oil into the sea in accordance to MARPOL regulations
Drawings of fuel/oil lines
Location of SOPEP boxes

Shipboard Emergency Organization

In the event of a pollution emergency, the shipboard emergency organization is activated.
Functions and direction of Effort:
- To carry out control
- To carry out clean-up operation
Shore organizations are called upon during pollution emergencies to interface with shipboard organization
to help in the control and clean-up effort.

Reporting of Pollution Incidents:

It is the obligation of the vessel to report pollution incidents as soon as possible to the nearest coastal state
using all available communication equipment.

Oil Spill Response Team

Is a team or organization where individual officers and crew have assigned duties when responding to
pollution emergencies.

The structure may be different from the standard emergency organization because the tasks and duties of
every individual are focused mainly on pollution control and clean-up operations.
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1. The head of the team is the master assisted by an officer from the deck.
2. The chief officer heads the control and clean-up team which includes the bosun and the rest of the
deck department.

Measures for Control of Oil Spill:

1. The use of scupper plugs.
2. Preparation of air driven submersible pumps (Welden Pump)
3. Preparation of dumping valves
4. Fitting of fish plates separating the accommodation from the deck area.

Shipboard Response to Oil Spill Due to Various Causes:

Pipe burst during loading / discharging
o Should there be an oil spill due to loading or discharging operation, the crew assigned at
the manifold shall activate the emergency stop button and inform the OOW who should
sound the emergency alarm (which is specific for oil spill emergencies) where the
preparation and activation of the Anti-Pollution Emergency Organization is carried out. The
master shall report the emergency to the shore/ terminal authorities to be able to interface
with shore anti-pollution organization to be able to access more resources and to have an
effective anti pollution response.
o This response procedure is almost identical to other types of oil spill emergencies. What
differs are the initial response which is dependent to the situation and the activity being
carried out during the time of emergency.
o Examples of other types of oil pollution emergencies are:
 Pipe burst during crude oil washing
 Tank overflow during transfer of fuel
 Overflow of waste oil from vent

Importance of Shipboard Drills:

Assures readiness of the shipboard organization to deal with pollution emergencies.
It familiarizes officers and crew regarding their assigned duties.
As a result of de-briefings, crew has the opportunity to learn from mistakes and be able to improve
their skills when dealing with pollution emergencies.

Pollution by Sewage from Ships

Sewage:
A water-carried waste, in solution or suspension. Also known as wastewater, it is more than 99% water and
is characterized by volume or rate of flow, physical condition, chemical and toxic constituents, and the
bacteriological organisms that it contains. It consists mostly of grey water (from sinks, tubs, showers, dish
and clothes washers, and toilets) and the human waste that the toilets flush away; soaps and detergents;
 Basic Training

and toilet paper. Whether it also contains surface runoff depends on the design of its route back to
the environment.

REGULATION REGARDING SEWAGE DISPOSAL

The discharge of sewage into the sea is prohibited, except when:
(a) the ship is discharging comminuted and disinfected sewage using a system
approved by the Administration at a distance of more than 4 nautical miles from the nearest land, or
sewage which is not comminuted or disinfected at a distance of more than 12 nautical miles from
the nearest land, provided that in any case, the sewage that has been stored in holding tanks shall not be
discharged instantaneously but at a moderate rate when the ship is en route and proceeding at not less
than 4 knots; the rate of discharge shall be approved by the Administration based upon standards
developed by the Organization; or
(b) the ship has in operation an approved sewage treatment plant which has been
certified by the Administration to meet the operational requirements based on standards and the
test methods developed by the Organization;
(i) The test results of the plant are laid down in the ship's International Sewage
Pollution Prevention Certificate (1973);
(ii) Additionally the effluent shall not produce visible floating solids in, nor cause
discoloration of, the surrounding water; or
(c) The ship is situated in the waters under the jurisdiction of a State and is discharging
sewage in accordance with such less stringent requirements as may be imposed by such State.
(2) When the sewage is mixed with wastes or waste water having different discharge requirements, the
more stringent requirements shall apply.

POLLUTION BY SEWAGE FROM SHIPS

Comminuted Sewage:
Treatment of sewage where solid particles are grounded to reduce in size.
Disinfected Sewage:
Sewage treatment wherein the main purpose is to substantially reduce the number of
microorganisms in the water to be discharged back into the environment. Common methods of disinfection
include ozone, chlorine, ultraviolet light, or sodium hypochlorite.

Aerobic (Biological) Treatment plant (Flow through system)

Biological system requires a steady and relatively constant flow of solid sewage so the bacteria can
exist in sufficient quantity to maintain effluent discharge at the correct quality. sludge build up is a
possible problem although extended residence in the aeration chamber greatly reduces the amount.
For example, sewage with 80% solid waste is reduced to 20% of its original weight after 12 hours in
the aeration tank. The process of aerobicity strips oxygen from the water and creates more water, carbon
dioxide and bacteria.
Basic Training

Electrocatalytic Oxidation
Sewage is collected, macerated and passed through a electrolytic cell.

Electrolysis produces Sodium Hypochlorite which is used to oxidize organic material before discharge.
Alternately dosing by chlorine may be used. The effluent passes on through to a settling tank were the
oxidation process is completed

These type of plants can be 50% smaller than biological types, this and the fact that pass through times are
extremely short-typically 30 minutes compared to the several hours of the biological unit- are the main
advantages of this system. The discharge contains no solids and is totally free of coliform bacteria.

A disadvantage of this system is due to the short exposure time in the oxidizer relatively high levels of
chlorine are required to ensure destruction of the coliform bacteria. It is possible that this chlorine level can
be present to some degree in the discharge. Dechlorination plant may be fitted

GARBAGE
Are things that are no longer useful or wanted and that have been thrown out.

POLLUTION BY GARBAGE FROM SHIPS

Disposal of garbage at sea is prohibited except food waste.
Within Special Area:
 Comminuted/ground, ≥ 12nm from the nearest land and en route.
Outside Special Area
 Comminuted/ ground, ≥ 3 nm from the nearest land and en route
 NOT Comminuted/ground, ≥ 12nm from the nearest land and en route.

Control of Oil Discharge from Machinery & Oil Fuel Tanks

Oily-Water Separating Equipment

It is a system designed to separate oil from water so as to improve the quality of water to an acceptable
range prior to its discharge to sea.

The following criteria must be satisfied before discharging treated water from the engine room.
- Vessel must be en route
- Machinery space
- Bilge waste: oily water from the bilges
- Sludge: waste residue from the filtration of fuel oil
- Oily mixture must have been processed through the oil filtering equipment
- Oil content of the mixture does not exceed 15 parts per million (ppm)
- Oily mixture is not mixed with cargo residues
 Basic Training

OIL RECORD BOOK

Oil Record Book

Oil Record Book is used to record “movement” of oil on every ship’s operation. It includes taking in,
dispensing/ discharging, transfer, cleaning and any emergencies and accidents involving release of oil.

There are two parts of oil record book:

Part I – Machinery Space Operations
Part II – Cargo/ Ballast Operations (Tankers)

Entries in the Oil Record Book

Collection of Oil Residues
Methods of disposal of residue
Non-automatic discharge overboard or disposal otherwise of bilge water which has accumulated in
machinery spaces
Automatic starting of discharge overboard, transfer or disposal otherwise of bilge water which has
accumulated in machinery spaces
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Bunkering of fuel or bulk lubricating oil

Control of Discharge of Oil & Special Areas

Special Areas
Special Areas are sea areas which, for technical reasons relating to their oceanographically and ecological
condition and to their sea traffic, the adoption of special mandatory methods for the prevention of sea
pollution is required.

LIST OF SPECIAL AREAS

Mediterranean sea
Baltic sea
Black sea
Red sea
“Gulfs” area
Gulf of Aden
Antarctic Area
Northwest European Waters
Oman Area of the Arabian Sea
Southern South African Water

IOPP Certificate
The International Oil Pollution Prevention Certificate (IOPP Certificate) shall be drawn up in the form
corresponding to the model of IOPP Certificate given in appendix II of annex I and shall be at least in
English, French or Spanish. If an official language of the Chapter 2 – Surveys and certification issuing
country is also used, this shall prevail in case of a dispute or discrepancy.

DISCHARGE PROVISION WITHIN SPECIAL AREAS

MARPOL Annex I, Reg. 34, Par. 3:
Any discharge into the sea of oil or oily mixture from the cargo area of an oil tanker shall
be prohibited while in a special area

MARPOL Annex VI – Air Pollution

Purpose:
To limit the discharge of substances into the air or atmosphere from ships with the objective of
protecting the atmosphere.

Annex VI sets limits on sulphur oxide and nitrogen oxide emissions from ships
 Basic Training

CONTRIBUTE TO EFFECTIVE HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS ONBOARD SHIPS – SOCIAL

RESPONSIBILITY

Rights & Obligations of Crew

Each crew member has a social responsibility to his ship, himself, his colleagues, to the company,
and to the environment

Rights of a crew member

Right to his convictions
Right to express his convictions
Right to make a request of another as long as he can appreciate that the other has a right to say
no
Right to clarify communications to enhance interpersonal relationships

Crew obligations towards employer

To carry out his job based on his job description
To follow rules and regulations set out by the company

Rights & Obligations of Crew

Shipping is a commercial entity and profit making is part of the operation. It is therefore, expected that the
employee must discharge his duties sincerely to the fullest of his capabilities in order to ensure that on his
part, he helps the company achieved its goals. He should be responsible towards the three elements of the
shipping operation, namely, company, government and individual.

There is dignity in labor and there are responsibilities towards:

obedience,
respect,
discipline and following orders of his superiors abiding by company's policies as laid down in the
safety manuals and rules and regulations governing flag State requirements and other mandatory
legislation
adhering to the safety and environment protection policy at all times and to assist fellow seamen in
distress, search and rescue operations and oil pollution mitigation operation.

Employment conditions of seafarers are based on the following:

Employment contracts - Normally, what is expected on board and how he will perform his duties
and responsibilities are dictated on the contract. In exchange for those responsibilities are details
of his salary.
His rights - The rights of seafarers’ dictates his living conditions including how is being or to be
treated onboard.
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National and international requirements - Regulations govern standards set to control and
monitor implementations of rules and guidelines set to promote better and humane conditions
onboard.

DRUG & ALCOHOL

There are international and national regulations against the use, carrying or distributing of any drug or
alcohol.

The punishment for above could be very, very severe.

In recent years, some countries made it known the way they handle crimes involving drugs and alcohol.
What is common about these countries is that a punishment for drug and related offences is death!

For the use of alcohol, the punishment is not that severe but it causes jobs of seafarers; some are sent
home immediately after being caught committing the violation.

Dangers of drug and alcohol abuse:

How drugs and alcohol affect a human body- their harmful effects and some misconceptions
regarding alcohol providing heat to the body in cold climates
Dangers of getting involved in drug trafficking/smuggling
Violation of Company's drug and alcohol policy
Narcotics and contraband search

Port State, Flag State and other authorities' methods of detecting drug/alcohol consumed:
By carrying out un-announced drug & alcohol tests.
Unannounced searches

HEALTH & HYGIENE ON BOARD

It is a moral responsibility of all on board to observe hygiene and promote good health.
Cleanliness and good housekeeping is fundamental to good health.
Ship's personnel must be highly motivated:
There is a definite relation between human needs and motivation.
Delegation can be a powerful tool in motivating people.

Importance of Interpersonal Relationship

Delegation, trust & good relations are motivational.
Drug & alcohol abuse can be very costly and may lead to prosecution of ship or/and the
individual, & may also result in dismissal and/or permanent loss of sea career.
 Basic Training

Elementary First Aid

2 General Principles
Body structure and functions
Positioning of casualty
The unconscious casualty
Resuscitation
Bleeding
Management of Shock
Burns and Scalds and accidents caused by
electricity
Rescue and transport of casualty
Other Topics (Bandaging, Enclosed Spaces,
Infectious diseases, personal health and
hygiene
Basic Training

GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF FIRST AID

In an Emergency, first consideration is for OWN SAFETY.

PRIORITIES:
On finding a casualty:
look to your own safety: do not become the next casualty
if necessary, remove the casualty from danger or remove the danger from the casualty.
If there is more than one unconscious or bleeding casualty:
Send for help;
Then start giving appropriate treatment to the worst casualty in the following order of priority:
severe bleeding; stopped breathing/heart; unconsciousness.
If the casualty is in an enclosed space:
Do not enter the enclosed space unless you are a trained member of a rescue team acting under
instructions.
Send for help and inform the Master.

FIRST AID
Is the temporary and an immediate care given to a person who is injured
and suddenly becomes ill. It involves self-help and home care if medical
assistance is not available.
Emergency treatment given to the ill or injured before professional
medical services can be obtained
is treatment aimed at preventing the death or further damage to health of
an ill or injured person perceived to be in a life-threatening condition

FIRST AID ON BOARD

First aid is treatment aimed at preventing the death or further damage to health of an ill or injured person
perceived to be in a life-threatening condition. All crew members should receive training in first aid.

PRINCIPAL AIMS OF FIRST AID

Preserve the life.
Prevent and minimize further complications.
Minimize the pain and discomfort.
Promote recovery.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE FIRST AIDER

1. Control an accident scene to prevent further injury.
2. Protect your own safety and the safety of your crew and the patient.
3. Gain access to victims in the easiest and safest ways possible.
4. Knowing when to act. And knowing when not to act.
5. The bridge fills the gap between the victim and the physician.
6. As first aider, this is not intended to compete with or to take place the services of the
physician/medical professionals.
7. Perform health assessment of the victim condition.
8. Aim to give all casualties early and effective help.
 Basic Training

9. Arrange for casualties transfer to hospital when necessary.

10. Remain with casualty until help arrives.
11. Prevent cross-infection between yourself and the casualty
12. Take care of casualty's possessions and endorse to significant others.
13. Providing necessary radio medical report to the medical control center or receiving hospital
emergency department.
14. Document all findings and care given to the casualty.
15. Safe guarding the patient rights.

CHAIN OF SURVIVAL

INITIAL ACTIONS
Danger
Response
Send for help
Initial Assessment (CABDS)
− C = Circulation
− A = Airway
− B = Breathing
− D = Defibrillation (Assess the need for Defibrillation)
− S = Severe Bleeding, Shock, Spinal Injury

DANGER
Scene Survey
Is the situation safe?
What happened?
Is there more than one casualty?
Basic Training

Assess the Situation

When confronted with an accident or illness on duty it is important to assess the situation to determine what
kind of emergency situation you are dealing with, for your safety, the victim’s safety and that of others.

Is the situation safe? (Hazards that could be dangerous to you, the victim, or bystanders.)
• Does a hazard exist?
• Avoid becoming a casualty
• Alert others to hazards at the scene
• Try to remove the source of danger from the casualty
• The general rule is to provide first aid at the scene without moving the casualty
• If it is not possible to remove the source of danger you should remove the casualty or rescue him
What happened?
• Ask the casualty or by standers
• Knowing the mechanism (cause) of injury helps the first aider to be prepared
Is there more than one casualty?
• Locate all the casualties
• Check those who appear to be unconscious
• Prioritize treatment for those who have both a life threatening condition and the best chance of
survival
• This treatment priority sorting is called triage and provides the best chances of life for the most
people

RESPONSE

Once you are confident that there is minimal danger to yourself in the situation, the next key factor
is to assess how responsive the victim is.

This can be started with an initial responsiveness check as you approach the victim. This is best as
a form of greeting and question, such as: "Hello, are you alright?"

Victims can be quickly assessed and prioritized on the AVPU scale, and this will help make
decisions about their care.
− Alert
− Voice
− Pain
− Unresponsive.

If the victim looks at you spontaneously, can communicate and seems to have control of their body, they
can be termed Alert.
Key indicators on the victim are their:
Eyes - Are they open spontaneously? Are they looking around? Do they appear to be able
to see you?
Response to voice - Do they reply? Do they seem to understand? Can they obey
commands, such as "Open your eyes!"?
 Basic Training

If the victim is not alert, but you can get them to open their eyes, or obey a command by talking to
them, then you can say that they are responsive to Voice.
If a victim does not respond to your initial greeting and question, you will need to try and get a
response to pain from them.
Tap/shake of the shoulder
Sternal rub - This involves digging your knuckle in to the sternum, or breastbone, of the
Victim
Nail bed squeeze - Using the flat edge of a pen or similar object, squeeze in to the bottom
of the victim's fingernail (hard).
Ear lobe squeeze - using thumb and forefinger, squeeze the victim's ear hard. (between
the nipples).
Any of the responses A, V or P, mean that the victim has some level of consciousness.
If they do not respond to voice or pain, then they are Unresponsive and you must urgently perform
further checks on their key life critical systems of breathing and circulation

SEND FOR HELP

Calling for help means others may come to assist you
Call for help by shouting, by using a radio or telephone to the bridge, or by raising an alarm signal
Send for help immediately if the situation has:
− Fire
− Electrical power sources involved
− Toxic gas or fumes
− Multiple casualties
Send for help immediately if the casualty is suffering from any of the following conditions:
− Unconsciousness
− Breathing difficulty or not breathing
− Severe bleeding
− Head, neck or back injury
− Chest pains
− Persistent abdominal pain
− Vomiting or passing blood
− Seizures, severe headache, or slurred speech
− Poisoning
− Broken bones

WHEN CALLING THE BRIDGE FOR HELP

You must give the following Information:
Your name or rank
Exact location of the incident
Cause of the incident
Number of casualties
Details of any hazards
First Aid being rendered, if any
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INITIAL ASSESSMENT
Visually determine whether there are life-threatening or other serious problems that require quick care.
Breathing
Bleeding
Shock
Burn
Choking
Heart Attack
Fractures

Determine if victim is conscious - by tap and shout. Check for CABDS as indicated:
C = Circulation? – Check for signs of circulation.
A = Airway Open? – Head-tilt/Chin-lift.
B = Breathing? – Look, listen, and feel.
D = Defibrillation – Assess need for Defibrillation
S = Severe Bleeding, Shock and Spinal Injuries

If victim is responsive
Ask them what injuries or difficulties they are experiencing.
Check and provide first aid for these complaints as well as others that may be involved.
If victim is not responsive (Unconscious or incoherent).
Observe for obvious signs of injury or illness:
Check from head to toe
Provide first aid/CPR for injuries or illness observed.

SECONDARY ACTIONS
Find & treat any non life threatening conditions or injuries
If left undetected & untreated, these may become life threatening
History
Vital signs
Head to toe
Render appropriate First Aid
Transfer the casualty
Record all information from History, Vital Signs and Head to toe survey

HISTORY
Taking a victim history is a crucial step. If an ambulance needs to be called and the victim is conscious,
taking a history before the victim's condition worsens will assist the responding paramedics and the
emergency department to better help the victim and be aware of medical conditions the victim is suffering
from.
Some common things to ask for in a history are can be remembered using the acronym

C = hief complaint
− First Aid/History 33
− What is the problem?
 Basic Training

H = istory of chief complaint

− How did this happen?
− Has it ever happened before?
A = Allergies
− Are you allergic to anything?
M = edical history and medications
− Do you have any medical conditions (angina, high BP, diabetes…)?
− Do you take any medications?
− Do your medications help when this happens?
− What is the name of your normal doctor?
P = ain assessment
− Pain location
− Quality of pain (sharp/dull, squeezing…)
− Radiating pain?
− Severity of pain (on a scale from 1 to 10)
− Timing (Constant? For how long?)
− Also try to find out what makes it feel better/worse
I = mportant Information
− Name, date of birth, age, sex, address…
O = nset
− When did the symptoms start?
− What were you doing?
N = ext of Kin
− Is there anyone you would like contact?

VITAL SIGNS
Give important information on the condition of the casualty
Vital Signs are Levels of Consciousness, Breathing Rate, Heart Rate and Skin Color an
Temperature
Note especially any changes and the speed at which they occur
Must be taken and recorded frequently

HEAD TO TOE
The Head-to-toe assessment is a technique used by lay rescuers, first responders, and
ambulance personnel to identify an injury or illness or determine the extent of an injury or illness.

WHAT IS BEING LOOKED FOR?

The six areas
1. Head and neck
2. Shoulders, chest and back
3. Arms and hands
4. Abdomen
5. Pelvis
6. Legs and feet
Basic Training

The head-to-toe is a detailed examination where you should look for abnormality. This can take the form of
asymmetry; deformity; bruising; point tenderness (wincing or guarding - don't necessarily expect them to tell
you); minor bleeding; and medic alert bracelets, anklets, or necklaces.
It is important to remember that some people naturally have unusual body conformation, so be sensitive
about this, but don't be afraid to ask the conscious victim or relatives if this is normal for them. It is always
worth looking for symmetry - if it is the same both sides, the chances are, it's normal.

RENDER APPROPRIATE FIRST AID

Provide first aid for the most serious conditions first

TRANSFER THE CASUALTY

Assess the safest and most efficient method and route for the transfer
Always lift & casualty gently & smoothly
Methods for casualty transfer include Manual lifts and carries
Use of stretchers and chairs

CONTENT OF AN EMERGENCY CHECKLIST

Assessment of the accident situation
Assessment of own hazards to self
Unconsciousness
Respiratory arrest
Cardiac arrest
Severe bleeding
Rescue of casualty and notification of emergency

BODY STRUCTURE & FUNCTIONS

SKELETAL SYSTEM
The human skeleton serves six major functions; support,
movement, protection, production of blood cells, storage
of ions and endocrine regulation.
The skull forms a casing that contains and
protects the brain.
The back bone is made up of a series of small
bones placed one on top of the other. These
bones are called vertebrae and together form the
spinal column. Within the spinal column is
housed the spinal cord, from which nerves
emerge at the level of each vertebra.
The ribs, all 12 of them, are attached to the back
bone on either side. Each rib, with the exception
of the two lowermost ribs on either side, curves
round the chest from the back bone to the
sternum (breast bone) in front. The ribs protect
the lungs, heart, and other internal organs. With
every breath, the ribs move slightly upwards and
 Basic Training

outwards so as to expand the chest.

The sternum, a flat, dagger-shaped bone, lies just under the skin at the front of the chest.
Attached to the upper end of the sternum is a little square bone called the manubrium. An
important landmark on the body is the junction between the manubrium and the s ternum, which is
marked by a ridge just below the inner ends of the collar bones.
The clavicle (collar bone) joins the top edge of the manubrium and extends more or less
horizontally to the point of the shoulder on either side. The scapula (shoulder blade), to which the
outer end of the collar bone is attached, is a triangular bone lying at the upper and outer sections of
the back on either side. Each scapula has a shallow socket into which fits the rounded upper end
of the humerus (arm bone).
The humerus forms a hinge-like joint with the radius and ulna (the forearm bones) at the elbow,
and these bones join with the hand at the wrist.
The wrist and hand, like the foot, are made up of many small bones. There are two bones in the
thumb and three in each finger.
The pelvis is located at the lower end of the back bone. It is formed by the h ip bones, one on
either side. The pelvis looks like a basin, but it is angled so that the “top” of the basin points straight
forward.
The hips have, on their outer side, a cup-shaped socket into which the rounded head of the femur
(or thigh bone) fits, forming a ball-and-socket joint.
The femur ends at the knee, where it forms a hinge-like joint with the strong tibia (shin bone).
The tibia, on its outer side, is attached to the slender fibula.
The patella (knee cap) is located just above and in front of the knee joint.
The foot is joined by a hinged joint at the ankle to the lower ends of both the tibia and the fibula.
The foot is made up of many small bones of different shapes. There are two bones in the great toe
and three in each of the other toes.

JOINTS
A joint or articulation (or articulate surface) is the
location at which bones connect. They are constructed
to allow movement (except for skull, sacral, sternal, and
pelvic bones) and provide mechanical support, and are
classified structurally and functionally
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MUSCULAR SYSTEM
Responsible for the muscle contraction of the vital organs
Responsible for body movements
Responsible for body posture and joint stability

• Muscles are bundles of cells and fibers that can only contract (shorten) and relax (lengthen).
• There are 630 active muscles in the body and they work in groups

There are three types of muscle:

1. skeletal, or voluntary, muscle:
− is attached to bones by fibrous tissue called a tendon;
− contracts in response to an impulse sent from the brain through a nerve, thus becoming
shorter and drawing the bones to which it is attached nearer to one another;
− is also called striated (or striped) muscle, because under a microscope the minute
filaments within each muscle cell are aligned, giving the cells a striped appearance;
2. smooth, or involuntary, muscle:
− is located in the walls of internal organs, such as the stomach and intestines, blood
vessels, urinary bladder, uterus, and airways;
− is controlled by the autonomic (or involuntary) nervous system and is only to a limited
extent influenced by the will;
3. cardiac muscle:
− is found only in the heart.
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TENDONS
A tendon (or sinew) is a tough band of fibrous connective
tissue that usually connects muscle to bone and is capable
of withstanding tension. Tendons are similar
to ligaments and fasciae; all three are made of collagen.
Ligaments join one bone to another bone; fasciae connect
muscles to other muscles. Tendons and muscles work
together to move bones.

CIRCULATORY SYSTEM
also called the cardiovascular system, is an organ system that permits blood to circulate and transport
nutrients (such as amino acids and electrolytes), oxygen, carbon dioxide, hormones, and blood cells to and
from cells in the body to nourish it and help to fight diseases, stabilize body temperature and pH, and to
maintain homeostasis.

Composed of:
Blood, of which there are about five litres in the body, circulates to all the tissues of the body.
Some of the blood passes to the stomach and intestines and, having taken up food products from
these organs, flows into the liver, which regulates the many chemicals in the blood. Blood is also
taken by arteries to the kidneys, which filter out waste products from the blood and pass them into
the urine.
The heart, a muscular pump about the size of a clenched fist, keeps the blood moving round the
body. The heart is situated in the chest behind the breast bone: it lies between the lungs, slightly
more to the left than to the right (Figure 31.3). The heart has two sides: the right side receives the
venous blood coming back to it from the body and pumps it through the lungs, where it passes
through minute tubes, gives up carbon dioxide, and takes up a supply of oxygen. The oxygenated
blood now passes to the left side of the heart, which pumps it through the arteries to all parts of the
body. This blood, which is bright red in color, carries oxygen, food, water, and salts to the tissues.
Arteries are like thick-walled tubes, whose diameter decreases the further away from the heart
they are. As the blood passes along the arteries, they pulsate at the same rate as the heart is
pumping. The average normal pulse rate is about 70 beats per minute, but it increases with
exercise, nervousness, fear, fever, and various illnesses. The pulse is usually counted by feeling
the artery at the front of the wrist just above the ball of the thumb.
Capillaries are the smallest blood vessels in the body and are found in the tissues. Once the blood
has supplied the tissues with oxygen and other substances and has taken up the carbon dioxide
that had accumulated in the tissues, it becomes darker in color. The capillaries take it into the
veins.
Veins are thin-walled tubes that carry the blood back to the right side of the heart.

STRUCTURE AND FUNCTION OF THE CIRCULATORY SYSTEM

Heart muscular pumping device
Blood carries oxygen and nutrients
Blood vessel passage way of blood
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THE BLOOD
Blood is a constantly circulating fluid providing the body
with nutrition, oxygen, and waste removal. Blood is mostly
liquid, with numerous cells and proteins suspended in it,
making blood "thicker" than pure water. The average
person has about 5 liters (more than a gallon) of blood.

A liquid called plasma makes up about half of the content

of blood. Plasma contains proteins that help blood to clot,
transport substances through the blood, and perform other
functions. Blood plasma also contains glucose and other
dissolved nutrients.

About half of blood volume is composed of blood cells:

Red blood cells, which carry oxygen to the tissues
White blood cells, which fight infections
Platelets, smaller cells that help blood to clot

Blood is conducted through blood vessels (arteries and veins). Blood is prevented from clotting in the blood
vessels by their smoothness, and the finely tuned balance of clotting factors.

Blood consists of:

water, in which salts – mainly sodium chloride – are dissolved;
a large number of proteins;
cells.

Plasma is blood from which the cells have been removed but which has been prevented from clotting:
plasma accounts for about one half of the blood volume.

Red cells account for the remaining half of the blood volume. Serum is the fluid that is left after blood has
been allowed to clot.

Blood proteins play a number of important roles:

albumin, the protein with the highest concentration in blood, helps to keep a balance between the
amount of water leaving the blood to bathe the tissues of the body and the amount of water
remaining in the blood;
immunoglobulins attack foreign cells, including disease-causing microbes;
other blood proteins play roles in blood clotting or as signals between cells and organs.
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RESPIRATORY SYSTEM
The respiratory system (or ventilatory system) is a biological system consisting of
specific organs and structures used for the process of
respiration in an organism. The respiratory system is
involved in the intake and exchange of oxygen and carbon
dioxide between an organism and the environment.
Breathing in pulls air (containing oxygen) into the
body: the air passes through the nose or mouth,
then past the larynx (voice box) into the windpipe.
The windpipe (trachea) divides into two tubes
called the main bronchi.
The main bronchi divide up into many smaller
bronchi and then even smaller bronchioles that
pass into the lung tissue. The air breathed in passes
through the bronchioles into minute air cells called
alveoli, each of which is surrounded by capillaries.
The blood in the capillaries gives up carbon dioxide
and takes up oxygen.
Breathing out pushes air back along the same respiratory
passages and out of the body through the nose or mouth.
The pleurae are two lubricated membranes, of which one lines the outer surface of the lungs and
the other, the inner surface of the chest wall. These two pleural layers are in contact and slide
smoothly over each other during breathing.
The lungs are like elastic sponges, and the many air cells in them expand with breathing in and
are compressed with breathing out (Figure 31.4). The rib movement that makes the chest bigger is
powered by the diaphragm.
The diaphragm is a large dome-shaped muscle that separates the chest from the abdominal
cavity. The diaphragm is attached to the front and sides of the lower border of the rib cage. When it
contracts it pulls the ribs up and forward so that the chest becomes larger and air is drawn in.
The breathing rate at rest is 16 to 18 breaths a minute but increases considerably with exertion
and also with some diseases, especially those affecting the heart and lungs.

Functions:
OXYGENATION
VENTILATION
GAS EXCHANGE

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM
is uniquely designed to turn the food you eat into nutrients, which the body uses for energy, growth & cell
repair
Food in the mouth is broken up by chewing and tongue movements and mixed with saliva (spittle),
which lubricates it and starts the digestive processes. When it is in a suitable state it passes to the
back of the throat.
The throat, through its muscular action, forces food down the esophagus, or gullet.
The esophagus is a muscular tube in the neck behind the windpipe. It runs down the back of the
chest between the lungs, then passes through the diaphragm into the stomach.
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The stomach lies mainly in the left upper part of the abdominal cavity, partly behind the lower left
rib and just under the left part of the liver (Figures 31.5, 31.6). When food enters the stomach,
various digestive juices act upon it, and the stomach muscles contract and relax, thoroughly mixing
the food and juices. The food then passes into the duodenum.
The duodenum produces more digestive juices that mix with the food. The most important of
these digestive juices are bile and
pancreatic juice.
Bile, a yellowish fluid, is produced by
the liver and passes to the bowel along
the bile duct, which enters the duodenum
alongside the pancreatic duct. Bile is e
especially important for digestion of fat.
Blockage of the passage of bile from the
liver to the bowel causes jaundice.
The pancreas lies behind the stomach
on the left of the upper abdomen
(Figures 31.7, 31.8). Its juice breaks
down proteins and fats. The pancreas
also produces insulin and other
hormones.
The liver, the second-largest organ in
the body, is a large triangular, reddish-
brown organ in the upper abdomen. Most
of its bulk is on the right and to the front,
but it extends well backwards and to the
left. It is situated immediately below the
diaphragm on the right and the heart on
the left. The liver helps to break down
protein, fat and carbohydrate, as well as many poisons and medicines, and stores digested food
materials.
The gallbladder is a small reservoir on the liver, where bile from the liver is stored and kept
available.
The spleen, although in the abdomen, is not part of the digestive system. It is a solid, oval-shaped
organ in the upper part of the left side of the abdominal cavity at the back of the stomach, just
above the kidney. Its functions are mainly to filter the blood and remove any foreign microbes that
might be infecting the blood. The spleen may be enlarged in certain diseases.
The small bowel, a coiled tube about six meters long, is where most nutrients and fluids are
absorbed into the body. The first section of the small bowel, as it leaves the duodenum, is the
jejunum. The next section is the ileum.
The large intestine (colon) receives the residue of food at the point in the lower part of the right
side of the abdomen where the appendix is situated. In the large intestine, moisture is extracted
from the food residue. At its far end, the large intestine joins the rectum.
The rectum is where the unwanted food residue collects and is then passed out of the body by
the back passage, or anus.
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URINARY SYSTEM
The urinary system, also known as the renal system, consists of the two kidneys, ureters, the bladder, and
the urethra. Each kidney consists of millions of functional units called nephrons. The purpose of the renal
system is to eliminate wastes from the body, regulate blood volume and pressure, control levels of
electrolytes and metabolites, and regulate blood pH. The kidneys have extensive blood supply via the renal
arteries which leave the kidneys via the renal vein. Following filtration of blood and further processing,
wastes (in the form of urine) exit the kidney via the ureters, tubes made of smooth muscle fibers that propel
urine towards the urinary bladder, where it is stored and subsequently expelled from the body
by urination (voiding).

Composed of:
Kidneys
− The kidneys are located high up at the back of the abdominal cavity, one on either side of
the spine. They remove water and certain waste products from the blood and produce
urine.
Urine
− Urine leaves each kidney by a tube called a ureter, which passes along the back of the
abdominal wall then turns sharply forward to reach the back of the bladder.
Bladder
− The bladder is a muscular bag situated in the front part of the cavity of the pelvis. Urine
collects in the bladder and is expelled from it through a tube, called the urethra. In the
male, the last section of the urethra is contained in the penis.
Prostate Gland
− The prostate gland sits immediately below the bladder. Its function is to produce the liquid
part of semen.

NERVOUS SYSTEM
Consists of the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs, and all of the nerves that connect these organs
with the rest of the body
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It is essentially the body’s electrical wiring

The nervous system is a complex collection of nerves and specialized cells known as neurons that transmit
signals between different parts of the body. It is essentially the body’s electrical wiring.

The nervous system consists of the brain, spinal cord, sensory organs, and all of the nerves that connect
these organs with the rest of the body. Together, these organs are responsible for the control of the body
and communication among its parts.

STRUCTURE & FUNCTION OF THE NERVOUS SYSTEM

Brain
− is the command center of your
entire body.
− The brain is a network of nerves
and supporting tissue. It consists
of:
• the cerebral cortex,
which is concerned with
judgment and planning,
with speech, and with
movements that require
planning; complex
mental activities such as
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numbering and handling three-dimensional objects are also carried out in the
cortex.
• the thalamus, which coordinates the autonomic nervous system and executes
automatic movements, such as walking;
• the brain stem, which controls heart beating and breathing;
• the cerebellum, which is responsible for balance and coordination of the body.

Spinal cord
− is attached to the brain stem and serve as the passageway of the messages going to the
brain.
− The spinal cord is a bundle of long nerve tracts connecting the brain to each part of the
body. The spinal cord leaves the under-surface of the brain through an opening in the base
of the skull and passes down a canal in the vertebral column.

− Three major functions:

1. As a conduit for motor information
2. As a conduit for sensory information
3. As a center for coordinating certain reflexes

PERIPHERAL NERVOUS SYSTEM:

composed of the sensory neurons and the neurons that connect them to the nerve cord, spinal
cord and brain.
12 cranial nerves responsible for the different body functions.

INTEGUMENTARY SYSTEM
The integumentary system is the organ system that protects the body from various kinds of damage, such
as loss of water or abrasion from outside. The system comprises the skin and its appendages
(including hair, scales, feathers, hooves, and nails). The integumentary system has a variety of functions; it
may serve to waterproof, cushion, and protect the deeper tissues, excrete wastes, and regulate
temperature, and is the attachment site for sensory receptors to detect pain, sensation, pressure, and
temperature.
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The integumentary system is an organ system consisting of the skin, hair, nails, and exocrine glands. The
skin is only a few millimeters thick yet is by far the largest organ in the body.

The integumentary system has multiple roles in homeostasis. All body systems work in an interconnected
manner to maintain the internal conditions essential to the function of the body. The skin has an important
job of protecting the body and acts as the body’s first line of defense against infection, temperature change,
and other challenges to homeostasis. Functions include:
Protect the body’s internal living tissues and organs
Protect against invasion by infectious organisms
Protect the body from dehydration
Protect the body against abrupt changes in temperature, maintain homeostasis
Help excrete waste materials through perspiration
Act as a receptor for touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold (see Somatosensory system)
Protect the body against sunburns by secreting melanin
Generate vitamin D through exposure to ultraviolet light
Store water, fat, glucose, and vitamin D
Maintenance of the body form
Formation of new cells from stratum germanium to repair minor injuries
Protect from UV rays
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ENDOCRINE SYSTEM
The endocrine system is a system of glands which produce chemicals, or hormones, that affect other
“target” organs in the body – not immediately, as nerves do, but after they have been carried to the target
organ by the blood.

IMMUNE SYSTEM
The immune system consists of two components (or “arms”): humoral immunity and cellular immunity
Humoral immunity:
o humoral immunity is the body’s main defense against many common infections, including
pneumonia, meningitis, diphtheria, and tetanus;
o humoral immunity is provided by proteins called immunoglobulins (also known as gamma-
globulins or antibodies), which circulate in the blood;
immunoglobulins are secreted into the blood by special cells in the bone marrow, called B
lymphocytes; each immunoglobulin reacts with only one kind of foreign material: for example, a
special immunoglobulin exists for tetanus toxin, another for measles virus, and so on; because
immunoglobulins are present in the blood at all times they react very quickly.
Cellular immunity:
o cellular immunity is provided by T cells (or T lymphocytes), special cells which are
processed in a gland (the thymus gland) located in the chest under the breastbone;
o T lymphocytes take longer to react than immunoglobulins;
o T lymphocytes play an important role in the body’s defense against many viruses, certain
bacteria (such as the bacterium that causes tuberculosis), and some forms of cancer;
o T lymphocytes also play an important role in the rejection of transplants;
o the HIV virus, which causes AIDS, reduces the body’s defense against infection by
destroying T-lymphocytes.
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ALLERGY
Allergy is an immune response that some people develop to a substance (allergen) in the environment. The
substance, in this type of immune response, is usually not one to which most people develop an immune
response. Unlike humoral immunity, which involves mainly immunoglobulins of the G class
(immunoglobulin G or IgG), in allergy, the immune response involves antibodies of the E class
(immunoglobulin E or IgE). The interaction between allergen and immunoglobulin E triggers the special
form of immune response that causes the symptoms of allergy. Why some, but not other, individuals
develop allergic responses to a given substance is not known, although heredity plays a role. People who
develop allergies to many different things are called “atopic”. The main d iseases associated with atopic
allergy are asthma and hay fever (see Chapter 15, Respiratory diseases), and also eczema (see Chapter
20, Skin diseases). However, many cases of asthma, hay fever, and dermatitis are not due to allergy.
Some drug reactions are forms of allergy (see Chapter 33. The ship’s medicine chest). This is especially
true of reactions to penicillin and related antibiotics. Most reactions to drugs, including penicillin, are not
due to allergy: this is also true of skin rashes. A small percentage of reactions to food are allergic,
especially those to peanuts and shellfish, but most food reactions are not allergic. Anaphylaxis
(anaphylactic shock) is an uncommon but very severe form of allergic reaction. It usually occurs when the
allergen is injected directly into the body (penicillin injections and bee stings are two examples). On board
ship injection of penicillin or a related antibiotic will be by far the commonest cause of anaphylaxis.
Occasionally anaphylaxis follows the ingestion of the allergen (most often peanuts) but is very rare when
the allergen is airborne (such as pollen). An anaphylactic-like reaction (anaphylactoid reaction) sometimes
occurs in the absence of allergy. For treatment of anaphylaxis see Chapter 33, the ship’s medicine chest.

POSITIONING OF CASUALTY
Use the recovery position for unconscious patients who are breathing and whose heart is beating: it
prevents the tongue from blocking the airway and promotes drainage of fluids (blood or vomit) from the
mouth, thereby reducing the risk of choking.
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Putting someone in the recovery position will ensure their airway remains clear and open. It also ensures
that any vomit or fluid will not cause them to choke

UNCONSCIOUS CASUALTY
Unconsciousness is a state which occurs when the ability to maintain an awareness of self and
environment is lost; it involves a complete or near-complete lack of responsiveness to people and other
environmental stimuli.

Unconsciousness occurs when a person is suddenly unable to respond to stimuli and appears to be asleep.
A person may be unconscious for a few seconds (as is the case with fainting) or for longer periods of time.
People who become unconscious do not respond to loud sounds or shaking. They may even stop breathing
or their pulse may become faint. This calls for immediate emergency attention. The sooner the person
receives emergency first aid, the better his or her outlook will be.

Unconsciousness is when a person suddenly becomes unresponsive. He or she will not be able to
communicate and won’t respond to stimulation. Unconsciousness can be brought on by a major illness or
injury, or complications from drug use or alcohol abuse.
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Common causes of unconsciousness include:

a car accident
severe blood loss
a blow to the chest or head
a drug overdose
alcohol poisoning

A person may become temporarily unconscious (faint) when sudden changes occur within the body.
Common causes of temporary unconsciousness include:
low blood sugar
low blood pressure
syncope (loss of consciousness when the brain is deprived of blood flow)
dehydration
problems with the heart’s rhythm
neurologic syncope (caused by a seizure, stroke, or transient ischemic attack)
straining
hyperventilating

Symptoms that may indicate that unconsciousness is about to occur include:

sudden inability to respond
slurred speech
a rapid heartbeat
confusion
dizziness or lightheadedness

MANAGEMENT FOR UNCONSCIOUS VICTIM

Check for pulse and breathing
Keep air passages clear (head tilt chin lift maneuver)
Do not give anything such as food, liquid or any other
substances by mouth
If the victim is not breathing or does not have pulse do
CPR.
If the victim is not breathing but with pulse give artificial
respiration (rescue breaths)
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RESUSCITATION
Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, commonly known as CPR, is an emergency procedure performed in an
effort to manually preserve intact brain function until further measures are taken to restore spontaneous
blood circulation and breathing in a person who is in cardiac arrest. It is indicated in those who are
unresponsive with no breathing or abnormal breathing, for example, agonal respirations.

BASIC LIFE SUPPORT

Is a sequence of actions aimed at resuscitating a
person whose life is in danger
Restores two vital functions: BREATHING AND
BLOOD CIRCULATION

ARTIFICIAL RESPIRATION
A technique of breathing air into a person’s lungs to supply him or her with oxygen needed to survive. This
is a procedure that causes air to flow in and out of the lungs

DIFFERENT WAYS TO VENTILATE THE LUNGS

Mouth to mouth
Mouth to nose
Mouth to mouth & nose
Mouth to stoma
Mouth to face shield
Mouth to face mask
Via the use of bag valve mask

RESCUE BREATHING
MOUTH-TO-MOUTH RESCUE BREATHING
• It delivers 16% of oxygen supply to the victim.
• Provide a barrier device.
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• Give 1 breath for every 4-5 seconds interval.

• Preferably 12 breaths/cycles administration is use in giving rescue breathing and should be done
approximately in 1 min.

Procedure:
1. With one hand under the patient’s neck, keep the
patient’s head tilted as far back as it will go –
unless you suspect spinal injury, in which case
use minimal tilt.
2. Place the heel of your other hand on the patient’s
forehead with the thumb and index finger facing
towards the nose.
3. Pinch the patient’s nostrils with your thumb and
index finger to prevent air from escaping.
4. Open the patient’s mouth, take a deep breath,
then form a tight seal with your lips over and
around the patient’s mouth
5. Use a Guedel airway if available.
6. Insert the Guedel airway between the patient’s
jaws with the concave curve facing upwards
(towards the patient’s head).
7. Push the airway gently into the mouth while
rotating it 180° so that the concave curve faces
downwards and the airway points towards the
patient’s lungs. Leave the airway flange outside the teeth.
8. If it is not possible to open the patient’s mouth or to form a seal around it with your mouth, apply
mouth-to-nose rescue breathing
9. Breathe into the patient’s mouth at a rate of one breath every five seconds or 12 breaths a minute,
completely refilling your lungs after each breath.
10. Continue until the patient’s chest rises and falls with each rescue breath and you feel the patient’s
exhaled breath on your cheek
11. If you feel no air on your cheek, check if there is a foreign body in the patient’s throat and, if so,
remove it with your fingers before resuming rescue breathing.

MOUTH-TO-NOSE RESCUE BREATHING

Use mouth-to-nose rescue breathing if any one of the following conditions applies:
1. the patient’s mouth cannot be opened;
2. a tight seal cannot be obtained around the patient’s lips;
3. an obstruction cannot be removed from the patient’s mouth;
4. the patient has been rescued from water and the rescuer needs to use one hand to support the
body and is therefore unable to use that hand to close the nose for mouth-to-mouth rescue
breathing.
Keep the patient’s head tilted back with one hand: use the other hand to lift the patient’s lower jaw to seal
the lips.
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Take a deep breath, seal your lips around the patient’s nose and breathe into it forcefully and steadily until
the patient’s chest rises
Remove your mouth and allow the patient to exhale passively.

Repeat the cycle 10–12 times per minute.

Mouth to stoma

Mouth to face shield

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Bag Valve Mask

PATTERN OF COUNTING
Give initial 1 BLOW
1, 1002, 1003, 1001 (as first cycle) BLOW
1, 1002, 1003, 1002 BLOW
1, 1002, 1003, 1003 BLOW
1, 1002, 1003, 1004 BLOW
1, 1002, 1003, 1005 BLOW…until 1012 (as last cycle) BLOW
GIVE 1 BLOW AFTER EVERY END OF THE CYCLE, UNTIL TO THE LAST CYCLE.

CARDIOPULMONARY RESUSCITATION
CPR is a lifesaving procedure that is performed when someone’s breathing or heartbeat has stopped, as in
cases of electric shock, drowning, or heart attack. It is a combination of:
Rescue breathing, which provides oxygen to a person’s lungs.
Chest compressions, which keep the person’s blood circulating.

It is the first aid procedure intended to revive a heart and lung arrest within 3-4 minutes from the time the
heartbeat and breathing stops to prevent death or irreversible brain damage.

• Compression-Ventilation Ratio:
• Adult: 30:2 – 1 Rescuer
• Child and Infant: 15:2 – 2 Rescuers
• Depth of Compression:
• Adult: 2-1 ½ inches
• Child: 1 ½ - 1 inch
• Infant: 1 – ½ inch
• No. of cycles for approximately 2 mins.
• Adult: 5 cycles (1 or 2 rescuers)
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• Child and Infant: 5 cycles – 1 rescuer

CPR GUIDELINES
Check for responsiveness.
If unresponsive, no breathing or
no normal breathing (only
gasping)
Activate Emergency Response
Call for help
Perform CAB (Chest compression,
Airway, Breathing)
• Compressions
− Push hard & fast on the
center of the victims chest
• Airway
− Tilt the victims head back &
tilt the chin to open the
airway
Breathing
− Give mouth-mouth rescue
breaths

COMMON POINTS FOR CHECKING THE PULSE

Radial Pulse

Carotid Pulse
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CHEST COMPRESSIONS
Place the heel of one hand on the breastbone-right-
between the nipples
Place the heel of your other hand on top of the first
hand
Position your body directly over your hands
Give 30 chest compressions
Push hard (≥ 2inches) and fast (≥ 100/min) &
allow complete chest recoil
Minimize interruptions in compressions

COMPLETE THE 5 CYCLES

Give 2 breaths every end of the cycle, except the last cycle.
Check the pulse
Continue CPR (30 chest compressions) followed by 2 breaths, then repeat) until the person
recovers or help arrives. If an AED for adults is available, use it as soon as possible

PATTERN OF COUNTING
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 – BLOW,
BLOW
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10,11,12,13,14,15,16,17, 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 – BLOW,
BLOW
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,910,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 - BLOW, BLOW
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,910,11,12,13,14,15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30 - BLOW, BLOW
1,2,3,4,5,6,7,8,910,11,12,13,14,15,16,17, 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27,28,29,30
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RECOVERY POSITION
If the person starts breathing again, place them in the recovery position. Periodically re-check for
breathing until help arrives

SEQUENCE OF THE BLS PROCEDURE

1. SURVEY THE SCENE (State the condition of the area by stating “Scene is safe”)
2. CHECK THE RESPONSIVENESS (Approach the victim and position at the side of the casualty.
Tap the shoulder gently 2-3x while stating “Hey sir are you OK?”)
3. SHOUT FOR HELP & CALL FOR HELP
4. CHECK THE CAB/ABC
5. STATE THE CONDITION OF THE VICTIM (-) Breathing, (+) Pulse (-) Breathing, (-) Pulse
6. APPLY THE PROCEDURE (Artificial Respiration/CPR)
7. CHECK FOR BREATHING AND PULSE FOR 10 SECONDS.
8. STATE THE CONDITION OF THE VICTIM. (Assumes that the patient breathing and pulse is
appreciated.)
9. PLACE THE VICTIM IN RECOVERY POSITION, IF PATIENT HAS BEEN REVIVED. (Maintain
oxygen supply. Monitor the vital signs and patient condition.)
* Reapply AR/CPR if still breathing and pulse is not appreciated.

WHEN TO STOP THE CPR

BLEEDING

Bleeding is the result of damage to blood vessels. The damage can be due to trauma or disease, such as
peptic ulcer. Breaks in very small blood vessels occur all the time in healthy people and if the clotting
system is abnormal there can be spontaneous bleeding.

Bleeding may occur externally following an injury to the outside of the body, or internally from an injury in
which blood escapes into tissue spaces of the body cavity.
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CLASSIFICATION OF WOUNDS
A wound is an abnormal break in the skin through which bleeding may occur
Open Wound
Closed Wound

OPEN WOUND
A break in the skin through which blood or other fluids may be lost
Infection may occur
Severe bleeding can be life threatening and may lead to shock

TYPES OF OPEN WOUNDS

Incision
− A clean cut from a sharp edge
− Blood vessels are cut straight across giving profuse bleeding

Laceration or tears
− Caused by jagged or irregular edges
− Bleed less profusely than incisions
− Have more tissue damage, bruising and pain
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Abrasions or grazes
− is a surface wound
− It is often painful because it exposes nerve endings
− Can become infected if not kept clean

Puncture
− Caused by when a pointed object pierces the skin
− Puncture wounds often have little bleeding
− Penetrating object may damage major blood vessels or internal organs
−

Gunshot

TYPES OF BLEEDING
Arterial Bleeding
• Arteries are large blood vessels that carry blood from the heart
• Flows under great pressure and pulses with the heartbeat
• Is very fast and heavy and it may spurt from the wound
• Usually bright red
Venous Bleeding
• Veins return blood from the body to the heart
• Slow, steady, and easy to control
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• Veins are damaged more often because the are closer to the skin's surface
• Usually dark red
Capillary Bleeding
• Capillaries are tiny blood vessels
• Usually oozes
• It is unusually slow and clots easily

GENERAL RULE

CONTROL OF BLEEDING

Bleeding may be controlled by direct pressure, elevation, and pressure at pressure points. A tourniquet
should be applied only when every other method fails to control the excessive bleeding.

1. Apply direct pressure

2. Elevate the injured area
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3. Apply pressure at pressure points

4. Apply pressure bandage
5. Apply a tourniquet only as a last resort

DIRECT PRESSURE
The simplest and preferred method of controlling severe bleeding is to place a dressing over the wound
and apply pressure directly to the bleeding site with the palm of the hand. Ideally a sterile dressing should
be applied; otherwise, the cleanest cloth available should be used. In the absence of a dressing or cloth,
the bare hand may be used until a is available. If the dressing becomes soaked with blood, another
dressing should be applied over the first one with firmer hand pressure. The initial dressing should not be
removed because this will disturb the clotting process.

A pressure bandage can be applied over the dressing area to hold the dressing in place. The bandage
should be tied over the dressing to provide additional pressure.
Do not cut off the circulation. A pulse should be felt on the side of the injured part away from the heart. If
the bandage has been applied properly, it should be allowed to remain in place undisturbed for at least 24
hours. If the dressings are not soaked with blood and the circulation beyond the pressure dressing is
adequate, they need not to be changed for several days.

It is the most efficient way of stopping a hemorrhage. In case of an intense hemorrhage any cloth available
may be used; if we are able to choose, a sterile gauze should be used (DRAWER 14, first aid kits A, B and
C). This pressure must be kept on the bleeding point for 10 minutes. If the bleeding continues, add more
gauze without removing the Anterior ones or stopping the compression. If the bleeding is in a limb (arm or
leg) the affected limb should also be raised.
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ELEVATION
When there is a severely bleeding wound of an extremity or the head, direct pressure should be applied on
a dressing over the wound with the affected part elevated. This elevation lowers the blood pressure in the
affected part and the flow of blood is lessened.

PRESSURE POINTS
When direct pressure and elevation cannot control
severe bleeding, pressure should be applied to the
artery that supplies the area. Because this technique
reduces the circulation to the wounded part below the
pressure point it should be applied only when
absolutely necessary and only until the sever bleeding
has lessened. There are a large number of sites
where the fingers may be applied to help control the
bleeding. However, the brachial artery in the upper
arm and the femoral artery in the groin are those
where pressure can be most effective.
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TOURNIQUET
A tourniquet should be applied to control bleeding only when all other means have failed. Unlike direct hand
pressure, a tourniquet shuts off all normal blood circulation beyond the site of application. Lack of oxygen
and blood may lead to the destruction of tissue, possibly requiring amputation of the limb. Releasing the
tourniquet periodically will result in loss of blood and danger of shock. If the tourniquet is too tight or too
narrow, it will damage the muscles, nerves, and blood vessels; if too loose, it may increase blood loss.
Also, there have been cases where tourniquets have been applied and forgotten. If a tourniquet is
applied to save a life, immediate Radio Medical Advice must be obtained.

A tourniquet must be improvised from a wide band of cloth. An improvised tourniquet may be made form
folded triangular bandages, clothing or similar material.

MANAGEMENT OF SHOCK
SHOCK
Shock following an injury is the result of a decrease in the vital functions of the various organs of the body.
These functions are depressed because of inadequate circulation of blood or an oxygen deficiency.

CAUSES OF SHOCK
• Septic shock
• Due to infection
• Hypovolemic shock
• Caused by loss of blood volume or body fluids (i.e. bleeding, burns)
• Respiratory shock
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• Caused by interruption of airway

• Insulin shock
• Caused by too much insulin in the body
• Psychogenesis shock
• Caused by severe emotional or physical trauma
• Cardiogenic shock
• Caused by interruption in normal cardiac function (i.e. cardiac arrest)
• Anaphylactic shock
• Caused by ingestion of or exposure to an allergy causing substance
• Neurogenic shock
• Caused by interruption of nerve pathways to or from the brain (CNS)

Signs and symptoms of shock are:

• paleness – the skin is pale, cold, and often moist. Later it may develop a bluish, ashen color. If the
patient has dark skin, the color of mucus membranes and nail beds should be examined
• rapid and shallow respirations – alternatively breathing could be irregular and deep.
• thirst, nausea, and vomiting – these frequently occur in a hemorrhaging patient in shock
• weak and rapid pulse – usually pulse rate is over 100
• Restlessness, excitement, and anxiety – these occur early, later giving way to mental dullness, and
still later to unconsciousness. In this late stage the pupils are dilated, giving the patient a vacant,
glassy stare.

TREATMENT
The most important treatment for shock of any variety is to try and maintain the blood flow to the body's
core (thorax and head).
Lie the patient flat on the floor and raise their legs about 6-12 inches (15-30cm) off the ground.

Other important factors in the treatment of shock can be remembered by the simple mnemonic
WART:
Warmth
ABCs (Airway, Breathing,Circulation.)
Rest & Reassurance
Treatment of underlying cause
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Procedure:
1. Once at the scene, begin immediate actions.
• Assess the situation
• Call for help: raise the alarm
• Level of consciousness
• Life-threatening conditions (CABDS)
2. Treat the source of shock
• It might be covered in the ABCD or it may be in the "S" of Severe bleeding
• Any bleeding should be stopped without delay
• Other serious injuries should now be assessed and treated. Consider spinal injury throughout the
ABCDS
3. If injuries permit, raise the legs
• Gravity will help blood circulate to the heart and brain
• This may also prevent the casualty from losing consciousness
4. Loosen any tight clothing
• Ties, fully buttoned shirts or belts may restrict breathing or blood flow
5. Keep the casualty’s body temperature normal by covering him with a jacket or blanket
• Take care, overheating can cause the body to attempt to cool itself down by sending more blood to
the skin, which further decreases blood circulation
6. If the casualty complaints of thirst, just moisten his lips
• Give nothing by mouth, especially to a semi-conscious or unconscious casualty
• It might enter the air passages or interfere with later treatments
7. Closely monitor the casualty’s condition
• Remember to recheck his level of consciousness and reassess his ABCDS

BURNS AND SCALDS, AND ACCIDENTS CAUSED BY ELECTRICITY

BURNS AND SCALDS

A burn is caused by dry heat. This can be caused by an iron or fire, for example. A scald is caused by
something wet, such as hot water or steam.

A burn is a type of injury to flesh or skin caused by heat, electricity, chemicals, friction, or radiation.
A scald is a type of burn injury caused by hot liquids or gases.

TYPES OF BURN
Thermal burn
Radiant burn
Chemical burn
Electrical burn
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SEVERITY OF BURN
First-degree burn
Second degree, or partial-thickness burn
Superficial second-degree burn
Deep second-degree burn
Third-degree, or full-thickness burn
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RULE OF NINE
You can estimate the body surface area on an adult that has been burned by using multiples of 9.
An adult who has been burned, the percent of the body involved can be calculated as follows:
As an example, if both legs (18% x 2 = 36%), the groin (1%) and the front chest (9 %) and abdomen (9 %)
were burned, this would involve 55% of the body.

BURN MANAGEMENT

For minor burns:

• Cool the burn to help soothe the pain. Hold the burned area under cool (not cold) running water
for 10 to 15 minutes or until the pain eases. Or apply a clean towel dampened with cool tap water.
• Remove rings or other tight items from the burned area.Try to do this quickly and gently,
before the area swells.
• Don't break small blisters (no bigger than your little fingernail). If blisters break, gently clean
the area with mild soap and water, apply an antibiotic ointment, and cover it with a nonstick gauze
bandage.
• Apply moisturizer, aloe vera lotion or gel, or low-dose hydrocortisone cream, which may
provide relief in some cases.
• If needed, take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others),
naproxen sodium (Aleve) or acetaminophen (Tylenol, others).
• Consider a tetanus shot. Make sure that your tetanus booster is up to date. Doctors recommend
people get a tetanus shot at least every 10 years.
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Major burns
Call emergency medical help for major burns. Until an emergency unit arrives, take these actions:
• Protect the burned person from further harm. If you can do so safely, make sure the person
you're helping is not in contact with smoldering materials or exposed to smoke or heat. But don't
remove burned clothing stuck to the skin.
• Check for signs of circulation. Look for breathing, coughing or movement. Begin CPR if needed.
• Remove jewelry, belts and other restrictive items,especially from around burned areas and the
neck. Burned areas swell rapidly.
• Don't immerse large severe burns in cold water. Doing so could cause a serious loss of body
heat (hypothermia) or a drop in blood pressure and decreased blood flow (shock).
• Elevate the burned area. Raise the wound above heart level, if possible.
• Cover the area of the burn. Use a cool, moist, bandage or a clean cloth

Electrical Burn
An electrical burn is a burn that results
from electricity passing through the body causing rapid
injury.

Four types of heat injury associated with

electricity.
Internal burns
Arc burns
Flame burns
Lightning burns

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A brown, coppery residue on the skin if the casualty has been a victim of “arching” high-voltage
electricity
Entrance and exit burns
Disrupted nerve pathways displayed as paralysis
Muscle tenderness

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
• When approaching a person in contact with electricity, make sure you do not become the next
victim.
• If possible, switch off the electrical current
• If you can not switch off the current, put on rubber gloves and rubber boots, or stand on an
insulating rubber mat before approaching and touching the casualty
• If the victim is entangled in electrical lines, try to remove the lines with a wooden pole, a wooden
chair, an insulated cord, or any other suitable non-metal object
• Check immediately for breathing and heartbeat
• If the casualty is not breathing, give artificial respiration
• If there is no heartbeat, apply chest compression
• Send for help
• When breathing is restored, cool any burned areas with cold water and cover with a clean, dry,
non-fluffy dressing
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• treat as for heat burns (i.e. relieve pain, prevent or treat shock, and prevent or treat infection)

Chemical Burn
A chemical burn occurs when living tissue is exposed
to a corrosive substance such as a strong acid or base.
Chemical burns follow standard burn classification and
may cause extensive tissue damage. The main types of
irritant and/or corrosive products are: acids, bases,
oxidizers, solvents, reducing agents and alkylants.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Evidence of chemicals in the vicinity
Intense pain, stinging pain
Discoloration, blistering, peeling and swelling
to the affected area

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
Remove contaminated clothing
Drench victim with water to wash the chemical from the eyes and skin
Give priority to washing the eyes, which are particularly vulnerable to chemical splashes
If only one eye is affected, incline the head to the side of the affected eye to prevent the chemical
from running across into the other eye.

FIRST AID FOR BURNS

Cool the area with large amounts of cool water
Don’t touch the burns with anything
Do not use absorbent cotton or pull clothes over any burned area
Cover the burns with cling film but ensure you do not wrap it around the affected part of the

RESCUE AND TRANSPORT OF CASUALTY

GENERAL CONSIDERATIONS
Casualty should not be moved before qualified help arrives unless unavoidable
Make an emergency move or rescue when it is appropriate to do so
Use available equipment
Understand the principles of body mechanics
Transfer the casualty to the sick bay
Medevac the casualty from the ship

BODY MECHANICS
Uses the body in an efficient & careful way to lift your self and other objects
Good posture and balance on a firm base of support
Use the strongest and largest muscles
Failure to maintain good posture and proper body mechanics results in back pain, muscle strains
and other preventable injuries
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PROPER LIFTING TECHNIQUES

1. Follow the rules of body mechanics when you lift and move casualties
2. Consider the weight of the casualty
3. Know your physical ability and limitations, seek help if necessary
4. Stand with good posture and a wide base of support, your legs slightly apart, one foot a little in
front of the other
5. Keep you back straight
6. Bend your knees to lift and lower
1. Bend your knees to lift and lower
7. Do not bend at the waist
8. Keep the weight as close to you as possible
1. To prevent unnecessary twisting, face the area in which you are working
9. If you must turn, turn with your feet, not your body

EMERGENCY RESCUE
Emergency rescue is used because:
There is immediate danger to the casualty
First Aid cannot be given because of the casualty's location or position
You are unable to gain access to other casualties
Casualty should be moved in the direction of the long axis of the body
The greatest danger is to aggravate spinal injuries

TRANSFER
Transfer is the move of the casualty after first aid has been given and there is no immediate threat
The comfort and well being of the casualty comes first
Avoid frequent or rough handling
Methods include manual lifts and carries, and use of stretchers
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TRANSPORTING A CASUALTY
The removal of sick or injured person either from the site
of an accident or ashore is a matter of importance, since
his life may depend on the arrangements made,
particularly if he has spinal injuries, a heart condition, or
a severe fracture, with any of which he is likely to be
suffering from shock.

Different Methods of moving casualties

1. Fireman’s lift
2. Fore-and-aft carry
3. Arms Carry
4. Pack Strap Carry
5. Drag Carry
6. Human Crutch
7. 2-handed seat
8. 3-handed seat
9. 4-handed seat
10. Chair Carry

PREPARATION FOR TRANSPORT

Secure the head
Apply cervical collar
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NEIL ROBERTSON STRETCHER

The Neil Robertson stretcher is designed for removing an injured person from spaces wherein access,
doors, or hatches are too small to permit the use of regular stretchers.

Spaces such as engine-room spaces, Cargo holds, Pump rooms, Boiler room etc. are few examples of
such compact spaces on ship.

HOW TO USE A NEIL ROBERTSON STRETCHER

1. Bring both arms of casualty up to the sides of his head
2. Wrap the upper panel around the casualty's chest
3. Secure the straps at the top and bottom of the upper panel
4. Depending on the injury, casualty's arms may ben secured by his sides or across his chest and
secured with the middle strap
5. Wrap the lower panel around the casualty's thighs and legs, and secure all straps
 Basic Training

SPINE INJURY

A FRACTURED SPINE IS POTENTIALLY A VERY SERIOUS INJURY. IF YOU SUSPECT A FRACTURED

SPINE TELL THE CASUALTY TO LIE STILL AND DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO MOVE HIM UNTIL HE
IS SUPPORTED ON A HARD FLAT SURFACE. Any careless movement of a casualty with a fractured
spine could damage or sever the spinal cord, resulting in permanent paralysis and loss of feeling in the legs
or double incontinence for life.

ROLLING A PATIENT TO HIS SIDE

A casualty who has a fractured spine must be kept still and straight. He must never be bent or jackknifed by
being picked up under the knees and armpits. He can, however, be safely rolled over on to one side or the
other, because if this is done gently, there is very little movement of the spine. The aim in first aid will be to
place the casualty on a hard flat surface where his spine will be fully supported and to keep him like that
until X-rays can be taken.

USING A WOODEN BOARD

Tie the feet and ankles together with a figure-of-eight bandage and get the casualty lying still and straight.
Use traction on the head and on the feet to straighten him out. Do not fold the victim. Take time. He can lie
safely to this position for as long as is necessary. So do not be in a hurry to move the victim. Prepare a stiff
supporting stretcher. A Neil-Robertson or a basket stretcher will do. A canvass stretcher will not do unless
it has stiff wooden boards laid transversely over the canvass to provide a rigid support for the back. There
may be a need to stiffen some models of the Neil Robertson stretcher.
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If a Neil-Robertson stretcher is not available, a wide wooden board may be used for the immobilization of
the patient, as shown above. This improvised method of immobilization may also be used in a case of
suspected pelvic fracture.

BLANKET ROLL

Another method of lifting a patient with a spine injury is shown above. First, roll the casualty vey carefully
on to a blanket spread out flat. Then roll up both edges of the blanket very tightly and as close as possible
to the casualty. Prepare a stretcher, stiffened with wooden boards. Two pads must be provided to support
and fill the hollows of the spine, which are in the small of the back and behind the neck. The back pad
should be larger than the neck pad.

Now prepare to lift the casualty. Have at least two people grasping each side of the blanket, and one
person at the head and one at the feet to apply traction. Those lifting in the blanket should be spaced so
that more lifting power is available at the body end which is heavy compared with the end bearing legs. A
further person is required to push the prepared stretcher under the casualty when he is lifted.
Begin by applying traction to the head and feet. Pull under the jaw, under the back of the head, and around
the ankles. When firm traction is being applied, lifting can commence slowly.

Lift the casualty very slowly and carefully to a height of about half a meter, i.e., just enough to slip the
stretcher under the casualty. Be careful, take time, and keep the casualty straight.
Slide the stretcher between the legs of the person who is applying traction to the ankles. Then move the
stretcher in the direction of the head, continuing until it si exactly underneath the casualty. Adjust the
position of the pads to fit exactly under the curves in the small of the back and neck.

Now lower the casualty very, very slowly on to the stretcher. Maintain traction until he is resting firmly on
the stretcher.

The casualty is now ready for removal. If he has to be placed on any other surface, that surface must be
hard and firm and removal precautions must be as described above, with plenty of people to help and with
traction on the head and feet during removal.
 Basic Training

As there will be so many people helping and it is important to handle the casualty with great care, it may be
useful to have someone read out relevant instructions before each operation is carried out.

PELVIC FRACTURE

A fracture of the pelvis is usually due either to a fall from a height or to direct violence in the pelvic
area.
The casualty will complain of pain in the hip, groin, and pelvic areas and perhaps also pain in the
lower back and buttocks areas.
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LIFTING A CASUALTY WITH PELVIC FRACTURE

BANDAGING

DRESSING
Dressings are materials applied directly to a wound to:
Absorb blood and other body fluids
Keep the wound clean
Help prevent infection
They may be adhesive, non-stick, or a combined type including a bandage they are preferably
sterile and should not stick to the wound
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BANDAGE
A bandage is a piece of material used either to support a medical device such as a dressing or splint, or on
its own to provide support to the body; it can also be used to restrict a part of the body. During heavy
bleeding or following a poisonous bite, it is important to slow the flow of blood; tight bandages accomplish
this task very well. Bandages are available in a wide range of types, from generic cloth strips to specialized
shaped bandages designed for a specific limb or part of the body, although bandages can often be
improvised as the situation demands, using clothing, blankets or other material.

Types of bandages

Gauze bandage (common gauze roller bandage)

The most common type of bandage is the gauze bandage, a simple woven strip of material, or a woven
strip of material with a Telfa absorbent barrier to prevent adhering to wounds. A gauze bandage can come
in any number of widths and lengths, and can be used for almost any bandage application, including
holding a dressing in place.

Compression bandage: Elastic bandage

The term 'compression bandage' describes a wide variety of bandages with many different applications.
Short stretch compression bandages are good for protecting wounds on one's hands, especially on one's
fingers.
Basic Training

Short stretch compression bandages are applied to a limb (usually for treatment of lymphedema
or venous ulcers). This type of bandage is capable of shortening around the limb after application and is
therefore not exerting ever-increasing pressure during inactivity. This dynamic is called resting pressure
and is considered safe and comfortable for long-term treatment. Conversely, the stability of the bandage
creates a very high resistance to stretch when pressure is applied through internal muscle contraction and
joint movement. This force is called working pressure.

Long stretch compression bandages have long stretch properties, meaning their high compressive
power can be easily adjusted. However, they also have a very high resting pressure and must be removed
at night or if the patient is in a resting position.

Triangular bandage
Also known as a cravat bandage, a triangular bandage is a piece of cloth put into a right-angled triangle,
and often provided with safety pins to secure it in place. It can be used fully unrolled as a sling, folded as a
normal bandage, or for specialized applications, as on the head. One advantage of this type of bandage is
that it can be makeshift and made from a fabric scrap or a piece of clothing. The Boy Scouts popularized
use of this bandage in many of their first aid lessons, as a part of the uniform is a "neckerchief" that can
easily be folded to form a cravat.

Tube bandage
A tube bandage is applied using an applicator, and is
woven in a continuous circle. It is used to hold dressings
or splints on to limbs, or to provide support to sprains and
strains, and it stops bleeding.
 Basic Training

USES OF BANDAGE
A bandage is used to hold a dressing in place over a wound, to create pressure over bleeding wound for
control of hemorrhage, to secure a splint to an injured part of the body, and to provide support to an injured
part.

GENERAL PRINCIPLES
A bandage should never be applied directly over a wound; it should be used only to hold in place the
dressing which covers a wound. A bandage should be applied firmly and fastened securely. It should not be
applied so tightly that it stops circulation or so loosely that it allows the dressing to slip. If bandages work
themselves loose or become unfastened, wound may bleed, they may become infected, and broken bones
may become further displaced. It is essential, therefore, that bandages be properly applied and well
secured.

TRIANGULAR & CRAVAT BANDAGES

The triangular bandage is used for the temporary or permanent bandaging of wounds, the immobilization of
fractures and dislocations, and as a sling for the support of an injured part of the body. It is valuable in
emergency bandaging since it is quickly and easily applied, stays on well, and can be improvised from a
piece of shirt, an old sheet, a large handkerchief, on any other pliable material of suitable size.

Folding a Triangular Bandage

1. Fold the apex of the triangle to the base
2. Fold in half again to make a broad bandage
3. Fold in half again to make a narrow or cravat bandage
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Tying a Square Knot

1. Pass the right end over and under the left end
2. Lift both ends above the rest of the material
3. Pass the left end over and under the right end
4. Pull the ends to tighten the knot

TRIANGULAR & CRAVAT BANDAGES

• TRIANGULAR BANDAGES
• Triangle of forehead or scalp
• Triangle arm sling
• Triangle of chest or back
• Triangle of shoulder
• Triangle of hip
• Triangle of foot
• Triangle of hand
• CRAVAT BANDAGES
• Cravat of head or ear
• Cravat of jaw
• Cravat bandage of eye
• Shoulder-armpit cravat
• Cravat of elbow
• Cravat of knee
• Cravat of leg
• Cravat of palm of head

DIFFERENT TRAINGULAR BANDAGES

Triangle of Forehead or Scalp

The triangle of forehead or scalp (fronto-occipital) is used to hold dressings on the forehead or scalp.
Steps
a. Place middle of base of triangle so that edge is just above the eyebrows and bring apex backward,
allowing it to drop over back of head (occiput). Bring ends of triangle backward above ears.
b. Cross ends over apex at occiput, carry ends around forehead, and tie them in a square knot
c. Turn up apex of bandage toward top of head. Pin with safety pin or tuck in behind crossed part of
bandage.
 Basic Training

Triangular Arm Sling

The triangular arm sling (brachio-cervical triangle) is used for the support of fractures or injuries of hand,
wrist, and forearm.
Steps
1. Bend arm at elbow so that little finger is about a handbreadth above level of elbow.
2. Place one end of triangle over shoulder on injured side and let bandage hang down over chest with
base toward hand and apex toward elbow.
3. Slip bandage between body and arm.
4. Carry lower end up over shoulder on uninjured side.
5. Tie the two ends, by square knot, at the neck. Knot should be on either side of neck, not in the
middle where it could cause discomfort when patient is lying on back.
6. Draw apex of bandage toward elbow until snug, bring it around to front, and fasten with safety pin
or adhesive tape.

Triangle of Chest or Back

This bandage is used to hold dressings on burns or wounds of chest or back.

Steps
1. Drop apex of triangle over shoulder on injured side. Bring bandage down over chest (or back) to
cover dressing, so that middle of base of bandage is directly below injury. Turn up a cuff at base.
2. Carry ends around and tie in a square knot, leaving one end longer than the other.
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3. Bring apex down and tie to long end of first knot.

Triangle of Foot
The triangle of the foot is used to hold dressings of considerable size on the foot.
Steps
1. Center foot upon bandage at right angles to base, with heel well forward of base.
2. Carry apex of triangle over toes to ankle, and tuck excess fullness of bandage into small pleats on
each side of foot.
3. Cross each half of bandage toward opposite side of ankle.
4. Bring ends of triangle around ankle.
5. Tie ends in square knot.

Triangle of Hand
The triangle of the hand is used to hold dressings of considerable size on the hand.
Steps
1. Place middle of base of triangle well up on palmar surface of wrist.
2. Carry apex around ends of fingers. Cover back (dorsum) of hand to wrist, and tuck excess fullness
of bandage into small pleats on each side of hand.
3. Cross each half of bandage toward opposite side of wrist.
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4. Bring ends of triangle around wrist.

5. Tie ends in square knot.

Cravat for Head or Ear

The purpose of this bandage is to apply pressure to control hemorrhage from wounds of scalp, or to hold
dressings on wounds of ear or lower scalp.
a. Place middle of cravat over dressing.
b. Pass each end completely around head.
c. Tie in square knot.

Cravat for Jaw

The cravat of jaw (mento-vertico-occipital cravat) is used to hold dressings on the chin, cheeks, and scalp
and as a temporary support to immobilize a fractured or dislocated jaw.
Steps:
a. Place it under the chin and carry ends upward with one end longer than the other.
b. Bring longer end over top of head. Cross both ends on side of head
Basic Training

c. Pass ends around head in opposite directions and tie with square knot on other side of head on
primary turn of cravat.

Cravat for Eye

The cravat bandage of the eye is used to hold a dressing over the eye. Two cravats are required.
Steps:
a. Lay center of first cravat over top of head with the front end falling over uninjured eye.
b. Bring second cravat around head, over eyes, and over loose ends of first cravat. Tie in front.
c. Bring ends of first cravat back over top of head, tying there and pulling second cravat up and away
from uninjured eye.

ENCLOSED SPACE
Internal atmosphere may contain dangerous
gases or lack of sufficient oxygen
 Basic Training

INFECTIOUS DISEASES
Infectious diseases are caused by pathogenic
microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses, parasites or fungi;
the diseases can be spread, directly or indirectly, from one
person to another.

Hepatitis and HIV

Transmitted by contact with blood or bloody fluids
Necessary precautions for self protection

TRANSMISSION
For infecting organisms to survive and repeat the infection cycle in other hosts, they (or their progeny) must
leave an existing reservoir and cause infection elsewhere. Infection transmission can take place via many
potential routes:

Droplet contact, also known as the respiratory route, and the resultant infection can be termed airborne
disease. If an infected person coughs or sneezes on another person the microorganisms, suspended in
warm, moist droplets, may enter the body through the nose, mouth or eye surfaces.

Fecal-oral transmission, wherein foodstuffs or water become contaminated (by people not washing their
hands before preparing food, or untreated sewage being released into a drinking water supply) and the
people who eat and drink them become infected. Common fecal-oral transmitted pathogens include Vibrio
cholerae, Giardiaspecies, rotaviruses, Entameba histolytica, Escherichia coli, and tape worms.[14] Most of
these pathogens cause gastroenteritis.

Sexual transmission, with the resulting disease being called sexually transmitted disease

Oral transmission; Diseases that are transmitted primarily by oral means may be caught through direct
oral contact such as kissing, or by indirect contact such as by sharing a drinking glass or a cigarette.

Transmission by direct contact; Some diseases that are transmissible by direct contact include athlete's
foot, impetigo and warts

Vertical transmission directly from the mother to an embryo, fetus or baby during pregnancy or childbirth.
It can occur when the mother gets an infection as an inter current disease in pregnancy.

Iatrogenic transmission, due to medical procedures such as injection or transplantation of infected

material. Culex mosquitos (Culex quinquefasciatus shown) are biological vectors that transmit West Nile
Virus.

Vector-borne transmission, transmitted by a vector, which is an organism that does not cause
disease itself but that transmits infection by conveying pathogens from one host to another.
The relationship between virulence versus transmissibility is complex; if a disease is rapidly fatal, the host
may die before the microbe can get passed along to another host.
Basic Training

HEPATITIS
Viral hepatitis, including hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and hepatitis C, are distinct diseases that affect the liver
and have different hepatitis symptoms and treatments. Other causes of hepatitis include recreational drugs
and prescription medications. Hepatitis type is determined by laboratory tests.
• Hepatitis A
• Inflammation of the liver caused by Hepatitis A virus
• Hepa A virus found in the stool of people with Hepa A
• No treatments that will cure Hepa A
• Hepatitis B
• Caused by Hepa B virus
• Spread through contact with the blood and body fluids of an infected person
• Hepatitis C
• Caused by Hepa C virus
• Spread by contact with an infected persons blood

HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS (HIV)

You may have heard about HIV and AIDS, but many people don't know the basic facts about them.

HIV causes AIDS. HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. It breaks down the immune system —
our body's protection against disease. HIV causes people to become sick with infections that normally
wouldn't affect them.

AIDS is short for acquired immune deficiency syndrome. It is the most advanced stage of HIV disease.
In the United States, more than 980,000 cases of AIDS have been reported to the government. About
40,000 women and men in the United States get HIV each year.

How Is HIV Spread?

People have lots of questions about the ways you can get HIV. HIV is transmitted in blood, semen, vaginal
fluids, and breast milk. The most common ways HIV is spread are by having vaginal or anal intercourse
without a condom with someone who has HIV/AIDS sharing needles or syringes with someone who has
HIV/AIDS being deeply punctured with a needle or surgical instrument contaminated with HIV getting HIV-
infected blood, semen, or vaginal secretions into open wounds or sores Babies born to women with
HIV/AIDS can get HIV from their mothers during birth or from breastfeeding.

HIV is not transmitted by simple casual contact such as kissing, sharing drinking glasses, or hugging.

Getting and Giving Blood

Some people are concerned about the risk of HIV when getting or giving blood. Hospitals, blood banks, and
health care providers in the United States are extremely careful. Syringes and needles are only used once.
And blood is always tested before it's banked. So, today, there is practically no risk of getting or spreading
HIV by giving or receiving blood.

REMINDERS:
Treat all human blood, bodily fluids and other potentially infectious materials as if they are
infectious
There are 3 major blood-borne pathogens: Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C and HIV
 Basic Training

The most common mode of transmission of pathogens is the hands

Wear proper PPE in exposure situations

PERSONAL HEALTH AND HYGIENE

Shower Often
Wash hands after using the bathroom
Keep nails short and clean
Keep fingers away from face and mouth
Avoid multiple sexual partners
Always use a condom plus spermicide during sexual activity
Don't use I.V. drugs and never share I.V. needles and syringes.
Basic Training

Fire Prevention and Fire

Fighting

3 Minimize the risk of fire

Maintain a state of readiness to respond to
emergency situations involving fire
Fight and extinguish fire
 Basic Training

MINIMIZE THE RISK OF FIRE

INTRODUCTION
Safety and Principles
Defined as the condition of being protected against all types of consequences brought
about by the presence of hazards associated with an individual’s activities, conditions of
work areas, the surrounding structures or all of it combined in one particular event.
The level of safety can be defined based on the level of control to recognized hazards in
order to achieve an acceptable level of risk.
The principle of safety can therefore be defined by first identifying hazards. If this hazards
can be identified and
If hazards are identified and removed, risks are prevented. If risks are prevented,
accidents are prevented. If accidents are prevented, injuries and losses are prevented and
that is the object of safety

FIRE
A chemical process characterized by a release of energy brought about by the combination of
oxygen and a combustible material.
It is termed as RAPID OXIDATION

FIRE TRIANGLE
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ELEMENTS OF FIRE
The 3 basic elements for fire to exist:
OXYGEN
FUEL
HEAT
In order for fire to exist, the three elements must combine in a proper proportion
However, even if all the three basic elements of fire are present in any given space, fire will NOT
exist unless a continuous or unbroken chain of events causes these three elements to combine
together in a proper proportion.
It is, therefore required that a FOURTH element must exist to satisfy the requirements to produce
fire; and this fourth element is the CHAIN REACTION.
It is defined as a series of events one of which influences the succeeding events.

FIRE TETRAHEDRON

CONCEPT OF FIRE TRIANGLE/FIRE TETRAHEDRON

The idea of knowing the principles of the fire triangle is in order to formulate procedures in the
extinguishment of fire.

Basing actions on the fire tetrahedron or fire triangle it is now known that by eliminating even one of the
side of the triangle, fire will not exist or will be extinguished.

Properties of Flammable Materials

In General, all flammable materials weather in the form of solid or liquid, the flammable gas that
are emitted when it is heated are the one that actually burning.

SOLID
The act of combustion consists of three relatively distinct but overlapping phases:
Preheating phase, when the unburned fuel is heated up to its flash point and then fire point.
Flammable gases start being evolved in a process similar to dry distillation.
 Basic Training

Distillation phase or gaseous phase, when the mix of evolved flammable gases with oxygen is
ignited. Energy is produced in the form of heat and light. Flames are often visible. Heat transfer
from the combustion to the solid maintains the evolution of flammable vapours.
Charcoal phase or solid phase, when the output of flammable gases from the material is too low
for persistent presence of flame and the charred fuel does not burn rapidly and just glows and later
only smoulders'.

LIQUID
Combustion of liquid fuel in an oxidizing atmosphere actually happens in the gas phase.
It is the vapor that burns, not the liquid. Therefore, a liquid will normally catch fire only
above a certain temperature: its flash point.
The flash point of a liquid fuel is the lowest temperature at which it can form an ignitable
mix with air. It is also the minimum temperature at which there is enough evaporated fuel
in the air to start combustion.

FLAMMABILITY
It is the ability of a material to be ignited and burn.
Flammability of a material is defined based on the flash point of the same material.

FLASHPOINT
is the lowest temperature in which the heated material will give off vapour which when mixed with
air in a proper proportion will ignite TEMPORARILY if a flame is applied.
Thus a material with lower flash point (lower than 0⁰C) is more flammable than those with flash
point above 0⁰C.

IGNITION POINT
The lowest temperature wherein a substance will give off flammable vapour which when mixed with
air in a proper proportion will ignite and will continue to burn even if the source of flame is removed.

AUTO-IGNITION POINT
The lowest temperature wherein a substance will give off flammable vapour which when mixed with
air in a proper proportion will ignite by itself even without the introduction of a flame or being
exposed to a source of ignition.

LOWER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (LFL)

In air and flammable gas mixture, it is the limit below which there is no combustion because the
oxygen concentration is more than the flammable gas concentration. This is termed as “Too Lean”
condition.

UPPER FLAMMABLE LIMIT (UFL)

In air and flammable gas mixture, it is the limit above which there is no combustion because the
oxygen concentration is less than the flammable gas concentration. This is termed as “Too Rich”
condition.
Basic Training

FLAMMABLE RANGE
The range or area in between the Upper Flammable Limit and Lower Flammable Limit wherein
there is a proper proportion between the oxygen and flammable gas. In this area is where
combustion takes place if such condition of proportionality is introduced with a flame or source of
ignition.

Static Electricity
Is a condition wherein there is an imbalance of electric charges within or on the surface of a
material.
Occurs when there is friction between two unlike bodies. As the two bodies come in contact, one
body looses and electron whiles the other gains electrons and thus the imbalance. This charge
remains until it is able to move away by means of an electric current or an electrical discharge.
Conditions where static electricity occurs:
− During tank cleaning operation
− In clothes dryer
− In air during humid condition
− When brushing hair
− When chipping

Steps in preventing electro static discharge:

By bonding metals together
In cleaning clothes, the use of fabric softener is the most common way of preventing “static cling”.
By simply opening windows or the use of humidifier to increase the moisture content of air to make
the atmosphere more conductive.
By placing rubber mats in front of panel boards and other electrical boxes.

REACTIVITY
The property of some materials or chemicals to react to another material wherein its by product may be
toxic or flammable and in worst cases explosive.

In the case of fire fighting, flammable metals are known to be reactive to most firefighting mediums except
dry powder owing to its nature of being reactive.

Due to this fact, it is a good practice to understand the characteristics of all known extinguishers used
onboard vessels to ensure a more effective and positive outcome on the firefighting effort.

Classification of Fire
• Fires are classified as: (AMERICAN STANDARD)
• Class A – Ordinary combustible materials
• Class B – Flammable liquids and gas
• Class C – Energized electrical equipments
• Class D – Combustibles metals
• Class K – Cooking oil or fats
• Fires are classified as: (EUROPEAN STANDARD)
• Class A – Ordinary combustible materials
• Class B – Flammable liquids
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• Class C – Flammable Gas

• Class D – Combustible metals
• Class F – Cooking oil or fats
• Fires are classified as: (AUSTRALIAN/ASIAN STANDARD
• Class A – ordinary combustible materials
• Class B – Flammable liquids
• Class C – Flammable gas
• Class D – Combustible metals
• Class E – Energized electrical equipments
• Class F – Cooking oil or fats

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRE

CLASS A FIRES
Consist of ordinary combustible materials such as wood, paper, fabric, plastic and most kind of
trash.
This type of fire is deep seated and leaves ashes as by product after the burning process.

CLASS B FIRES
Fires caused by burning combustible liquid or gas
This fire is characterized by “surface burning”
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Example: Gasoline, Kerosene, Methane

CLASS C FIRES
Fires caused by energized electrical equipment
Fire occurs when electrically charged materials produces heat causing fire to solid or liquid
combustible materials.
Fire is only classed as C as long as electrical charge is present, otherwise it may be classed as A,
B or D.

CLASS D FIRES
Fires caused by flammable metals
Common firefighting medium like water causes violent reactions and energized the flame and
spread the fire rather than extinguish it
Example: Magnesium, Titanium, Lithium

CLASS K FIRES
Fires involving unsaturated cooking oils in well-insulated cooking appliances located in commercial
kitchens
The fire defined as kitchen fires
Example: Ordinary cooking oils, accumulated fats

SOURCES OF IGNITION
1. HOT WORK
welding, cutting, soldering, brazing

2. AMBIENT TEMPERATURE
auto-ignition of flammable liquid or gas.

3. ELECTROSTATIC DISCHARGE

4. STOVE OR HOT PLATE OF ELECTRICAL STOVES

Types & Sources of Ignition

FIRE PREVENTION PRINCIPLES

Heat Transfer – the concept of heat transfer can be adopted in the fire prevention effort onboard
ships
Advection – hot work must be carried out only at designated areas. i.e. engine workshops

Prevention of fire using the principles of heat transfer:

Advection – Hot works must be carried out only at designated working areas like the engine workshops.
If work is to be carried out in other places, the place must be evaluated for the presence of
flammable materials and due regard must be observed on the precautions necessary so as not
to create fire should such materials are exposed to heat like placing fire retardant shields, portable
fire extinguishers or by just removing these materials out of exposed area to the fire.
 Basic Training

Conduction – hot surfaces of heat producing equipments and materials should be clear of
flammable materials

Prevention of fire using the principles of heat transfer:

Conduction - Hot surfaces of heat producing equipments and materials should not be in contact with other
flammable materials

Like for example:

1. Running motors or engine should be free and clean of oil or flammable liquids.
2. Hot plates in the galley must be free from contact with rags or cooking oil that may ignite very
easily upon contact.
3. In the case of firefighting, removal of flammable materials out of contact with heated materials to
prevent spread of fire in other compartments. This is called starvation.
4. Boundary cooling is the dosing of water of bulkheads, deck heads and decks with the intention of
cooling down of those surfaces in order to prevent fire on the areas being protected.

Convection – in the event of fire, to prevent further creation of fire in some other areas, all
flammable materials are removed on the path that are expected to be exposed to heated
combustion products like smoke

Prevention of fire using the principles of heat transfer:

Convection - should be cleared and removed so as not to be influenced by the heat and thereby preventing
fire on other areas. This process is called starvation.

Radiation – in the normal operation of the vessel like cooking in the galley or operation of
machineries where heat is constantly produced and radiated; good housekeeping is the best
method of preventing fire

Prevention of fire using the principles of heat transfer:

Radiation - Good housekeeping will greatly help in eliminating the possibility of radiating heat to
combustible materials all around the heat source.
1. Removal of accumulated oil on the galley exhaust will prevent fire caused by the heat radiated from
the hot plates.
2. Removal of flammable/ combustible materials near and around incinerators, purifiers and other
areas where heat is constantly produced will prevent the feared outbreak of fire.

It has always been said that by removing one side of the triangle, which is one element of the fire triangle
will prevent or extinguish fire

SPREAD OF FIRE
• By Heat Transfer
• Advection - Heat transfer by deliberate transfer of a heated medium to another body.
Defines as transport mechanism of a fluid substance or conserve property from one
location to another.
• Conduction - Heat transfer by physical contact of two bodies.
• Convection - The transfer of heat or energy between an object and its environment.
Basic Training

• Radiation - The transfer of heat or energy through space by means of the movement of
charged particles.

SPREAD OF FIRE

The spread of fire is the result of the equalization in temperature between fire and the surroundings
through heat transfer.

The Four Phases of Fire Development

Ignition (incipient)
The initial phase in fire development where an unburned fuel is heated up whereby
producing flammable gas which ignites temporarily as the flame is applied.
 Basic Training

Developing (Surface fire)

The phase in fire development where at such temperature, the fuel emits
flammable gas which ignites continuously even if the source of heat or flame is
removed.
Absolute Fire (fire in depth in solids)
As the fire continues, flammable gases continue to be produced and at the same
time consumed by the flame. This cycle continues until the time where the fuel no
longer has the capacity to produce gas to support burning.
Burning out
Occurs when the output of flammable gases from the material is too low for
persistent presence of flame and the charred fuel does not burn rapidly and just
glows and later only smoulders.

SAFE PRACTICES
General safety procedures onboard

No smoking in hazardous areas

Most common regulation on tanker vessels, smoking is only allowed on areas designated for smoking like
“Officer’s and Crew Smoke Rooms” and in some areas “APPROVED” for smoking. But this stricter rule on
smoking is not only for tankers but also includes other types of vessels as positive measures on fire
prevention.

On some vessels, there are certain relaxation regarding smoking regulations, however, a stricter monitoring
is required to assure that no fire may occur just because of this habits or privileges. A good example of this
are passenger vessels where passengers are given approval to smoke as part of their privileges.

Good housekeeping

Most of accidents onboard and in some cases causes of fire, is poor housekeeping. An unorganized
compartments or areas where most works involves hot works, the possibility of fire is almost as common as
the routine work itself.

On the other hand, cleaner and organized areas will tend to create a safer environment and has a better
control in the disposal of materials and equipment which if un attended or poorly supervise can result to
emergencies like fire. It is therefore, necessary that a good housekeeping be a normal practice and better
yet, be an obligation to all those onboard.

Welding works - During hot works like welding operations, it is a good practice to clear areas of flammable
materials and see to it that portable fire-fighting equipment are on standby in case of fire outbreak.

Tank cleaning works - It should be noted that tank cleaning on tanker vessel creates static charges,
therefore the best way to eliminate the risk of explosion or fire is to “BOND METALS” together and if fitted,
tanks must be inerted as additional precautions.
Basic Training

Hatch Ventilations - On bulk carriers, certain cargoes emits flammable gases as they are exposed to heat.
The need for venting these gases poses a great risk since if air mixes with these gases in a proper
proportion an explosion may occur if spark is created during the removal of the metallic hatches or if the
flammable gas reaches its auto-ignition temperature.

Carriage of containerized chemicals or liquefied gases - Certain chemical or gases reacts with air or other
material on contact thus; such reaction may cause the production of flammable gases which causes fire or
explosion.

Galley operations - One of the most common causes of fire onboard is galley operations; either due to
cooking oil reaching its auto-ignition point and fire was extinguished wrongly (use of pressurized
extinguisher instead of fire blanket) or due to very poor housekeeping. On either case, a good and effective
training program must be given to all crew followed by proper monitoring in order to prevent fire.

General structure - As per SOLAS convention, the ship’s structure, in general can be used to help in fire
extinguishments. However, there are instances where the ship’s internal structures and design becomes a
fire hazard due to certain privileges that where allowed onboard. A good example is the passenger ships
where smoking is allowed in almost all accessible parts of the ship. Since most of passenger’s
accommodation decks are laid with carpets and surrounded with numerous designs which are potentially
fire hazards, the risk of fire is very high. To remedy this problem, procedures regarding fire rounds and
continuous monitoring are implemented so as to ensure a higher level of safety.

Measuring for reducing fire hazards Engine Room

SAFE PRACTICES
Insulation and lagging procedures
Elimination of oil leaks and preventing accumulation of oil.
Proper fire precautions when welding or burning is being carried out.
Caps and cocks for sounding pipes to oil tanks are closed.
Maintaining cleanliness in engine room, removing oil soaked rags.

Galley
Keeping extraction fan and flue-gas duct clean
Ensuring cooking oils do not spill on top of the stove or overheat in electrical cooking pans
Keeping electrical installation well maintained

Accommodation Areas
No smoking in bed
No authorized electrical fittings
No emptying of ash trays into waste paper bins without ensuring all cigarette ends are
extinguished

Cargo Spaces
Ensuring hatches are correctly cleaned
Ensuring cargo are stowed and ventilated in accordance with the rules
Prohibition of smoking during cargo-working
Securing of Cargo
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Inerting the atmosphere in cargo compartments if required

Ensure that all hold/cargo compartments lights are switched off and cargo clusters are
disconnected, removed and stored away after use and before closing of hatches

NEED FOR CONSTANT VIGILANCE

FIRE PREVENTION
by the definition, it is different from fire fighting, but by principle, it is a part of fire fighting where it
follows the concept that by eliminating all possibilities in the creation of fire is most effective fire
fighting that firefighting itself.

Key to effective fire-fighting

Constant vigilance
Preparedness
Fire Patrol
Proper Watchkeeping
Maintenance of equipment

Based on the key above it can be concluded that the real key to success in preventing fire is based on
human factors.

Constant vigilance means to stay focus and organized. Since a good organization is a measure of an
effective fire prevention program.

PATROL SYSTEMS
SOLAS Chapter II-2, Part C, Reg. 7, Par. 8.1 states that “ships having more than 36 passengers,
an efficient patrol system must be maintained.”

Duties of a patrol team

Carry out systematic fire rounds all around the ship’s accommodation
Maintain fire patrol log book with details of results of fire patrolling
Record/report fire-fighting equipment and facilities defects
Carry out investigation on reported cases of possible fire outbreak
Carry out investigation on areas where there are activation of fire detection system
Check and prohibit activities that may cause fire.

FIRE HAZARDS
Lists of Fire Hazards In The Engine Room
Combustible liquids
Oil leaks and oil soaked insulation
Hot surfaces (exhaust pipes, overheating engine parts)
Defects in lagging
Hot work (welding, cutting by oxy-acetylene torch)
Auto-ignition (oil dipping on hot surface)

Lists of Fire Hazards in the Galley

Combustible liquids (cooking oil, hot fat)
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Hot Surfaces (oven, frying pans, flues)

Defective electrical connections

Lists of Fire Hazards in the Accommodation

Combustible materials (furnishings, personal effects)
Matches and cigarette smoking
Defective electrical connections

Lists of fire hazards from the cargo

Self heating cargoes and spontaneous combustion
Oxidizing cargoes and organic peroxides
Compressed flammable gas
Pyrophoric cargoes
Explosives

Lists of Fire Hazards From Smokers & Cigarettes

Temperature of a burning cigarettes (which is about 500°C)
Carelessness with cigarettes and matches, setting fire to bedclothes, waste paper bin contents and
furnishing

MAINTAINING STATE OF READINESS TO RESPOND TO EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

INVOLVING FIRES
SHIPBOARD ORGANIZATION FOR FIRE FIGHTING
General Emergency Alarm
an alarm system onboard which defines all types of emergencies
Consist of SEVEN or more Short blasts followed ONE long blast on the ship’s whistle and bells or
klaxons or equivalent sounding elsewhere within the ship.
The system shall be supplemented by a public address system or other suitable means of
communications defining the nature of the emergency.

Muster List
 Basic Training

Special Alarms
are alarms operated from the bridge which is use for summoning the crew to fire stations.

SOLAS Chap. II-2, Reg. 20, Par. 4.1 specify that a fixed fire detection and fire alarm system shall be fitted
which can be activated upon the onset of fire.

Other Alarms
Other alarms onboard that signify the presence of fire:
CO2 Alarm
Pump room alarm
UMS Fire Detection System
Manually Operated Alarm System

Fire Control Plans & Muster List

Fire Control Plans

A plan prepared and exhibited for the guidance of ship’s officer showing the following information:
Control stations for each deck
The various fire sections enclosed by different classes of bulk heads
Particulars of fire detection system
Particulars of fire alarm system
The sprinkler installations
Fire extinguishing appliances
Means of access to different compartments, deck, etc.
Ventilating system
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Located in an accessible location in the ship but most commonly posted along alley ways
preferably on the working deck of the ship.
Description in the plans shall be in the language or languages required by the administration which
may be in English or French; if the language is neither of the mentioned languages then a
translation to such languages shall be included.

Muster List
A list detailing instruction to be followed in the event of an emergency.

List of content of muster list

Description of General, Fire and Abandon ship alarms
Duties and responsibilities of all crew in cases of an emergencies
The Emergency organization in case of fire
The assigned lifeboat for every individual onboard
Other individual and group assignments in cases of other emergencies like man-overboard, oil
spills and medical emergencies

Duties and responsibilities of individual crew members listed on the muster list:
Closing of water tight doors, fire doors, valves, scuppers, side scuttles, sky lights, port holes and
other similar openings
Equipping of survival craft and other life-saving appliances
Preparation and launching of survival craft
General preparations of other life-saving appliances.
Muster of passengers
Use of communication equipment
Manning of fire parties assigned to seal with fires
Special duties assigned in respect to the use of fire-fighting equipment and installation.

Communication
One of the most important component of an effective response to any time of emergency.
The way how information and is delivered and its clarity dictates the outcome of an emergency
response.
 Basic Training

Methods of communication used during fire emergencies:

Messengers
Telephones
Walkie-talkie
Ship-to-shore VHF
Public Address system

Communication of a good communication

1. Brief
short but direct to the point
2. Clear
should be understandable by the receiver of the message
3. Concise
brief in form but comprehensive in scope

Personnel Safety Procedures

Emergency Organization
Apart from shipboard organization, the emergency organization was created to respond and deal to
an emergency, more specifically to fire emergency.

Basic component/structure

Emergency Party
The organization is divided mainly of FOUR basic components namely Bridge Party, Emergency
Party, Support Party and Technical or Engine room Party.
Although every component is as important as the other components, the emergency party in the
main player as far as fire-fighting is concerned.

Component of emergency party

The team is headed by the chief officer who also acts as the on-scene commander.

Main component of the fire team

Nozzle man – positioned ahead of the team and in-charge in the discharge of fire fighting medium
directed to the fire.
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Back-up man – always positioned behind the nozzle man and responsible in carrying the weight of
the hose so as to make it easier for the man in fire nozzle man in fire extinguishment. Also,
responsible in clearing out entry points and obstructions along the path of the entire fire team.
Hose tender man – responsible in paying out and taking in of the hose during the movement of
the main firefighters. Positioned at the entrance to the fire or even midway between the main fire
team and the entrance to the compartment

Fire Teams
Upon the activation of the emergency organization, all orders by the bridge party are given based on
information provided by the on-scene commander on the site of fire combined with his analysis of the
situation.

Therefore, entry into the fire zone is prohibited unless ordered by the person in charge.

Effective communications is critical in the formulation of the strategies in the conduct of fire fighting.

Safety Considerations
In the interest of safety, firefighters must be familiar with the fire area and the surrounding areas
including escape routes when going into the fire zone
In this cases, members of the fire teams are either mixed between deck and engine crews or one
team is assign for deck fire fighting and one team is intended for engine fire fighting
To be able to effectively carry out fire-fighting, fire teams must be properly equipped when entering
the fire zone which includes means of illuminating the place if the lighting has failed and the space
is full of smoke

FIRE SUITS AND EQUIPMENTS

ENTRY SUIT
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PROXIMITY SUIT

Equipments

Therefore, entry into the fire zone is prohibited unless ordered by the person in charge.

Effective communications is critical in the formulation of the strategies in the conduct of fire fighting.
Basic Training

REQUIRED EQUIPMENTS IN FIRE-FIGHTING

Axe
Hand Lantern
Breathing Apparatus
Fireproof Lifeline with fittings

FIRE-PROOF LIFE-LINE
Fire-proof lifelines are used to be able to guide and trace the track of firefighters when going in or coming
out of a fire zone or enclosed spaces.

A signaling system is applied so as to utilize the life line in communicating so as to have better control in
the deployment and retrieval of the line and also of those attached to it.

USE OF LIFE-LINES
From wearer to attendant
One Pull - Slack off lifeline
Two Pull - Stop
Three Pull - Pull off Lifeline
Rapid & Continuous Pull - Help me out immediately
From attendant to wearer
Rapid & Continuous Pull - Come out immediately

FLEXIBILITY OF CREW IN FIRE-FIGHTING

In an emergency organization, all the team composition and crew assignments are considered NOT
permanent. This means that it is expected that all crew must be FLEXIBLE in filling up vacancies of key
personnel, especially in the fire fighting team.

This due to the fact that during the outbreak of fire, in instances that injured personnel are involved, it is but
natural to REORGANIZED all the crew to fill in vacancies to preserve the effectiveness of every team thus
the firefighting effort.

Periodic Shipboard Drills

Purpose:
The purpose of periodic shipboard drills is for the crew to have necessary knowledge and skills to
handle fire emergency cases, including passenger care. (SOLAS Ch II-2, Reg 15, Par 1)
To be familiar with the arrangements of the ship as well as the location and operation of any fire-
fighting systems and appliances that they may be called upon to use. (SOLAS Ch II-2, Reg 15, Par
2.2.1)
To identify areas in need for improvement, to ensure competency in fire-fighting skills is maintained
and to ensure the operational readiness of the fire-fighting organization. (SOLAS Ch II-2, Reg 15,
Par 2.2.3)

Typical exercises during drills

Extinguishing fire in a deep fryer
Entering a closed room on fire
Extinguishing a major deck fire
 Basic Training

Rescuing an unconscious person from a smoke-filled space.

LOCATION OF FIRE-FIGHTING APPLIANCES & EMERGENCY ESCAPE ROUTES

Ship construction arrangements
Basic principles of ship construction arrangement:
Prevent the occurrence of fire and explosion.
Reduced the risk to life caused by fire
Reduce the risk of damage caused by fire to the ship, its cargo and the environment.
Contain, control and suppress fire and explosion in the compartment of origin.
Provide adequate and readily accessible means of escape for passengers and crew.

Means of escape:
Purpose of means of Escape
• SOLAS Ch II-2, Reg 13, Par 1 – “so that persons onboard can safely and swiftly escape to
the lifeboat and life raft embarkation deck.
General Requirements
• SOLAS Ch II-2, Reg 13, Par 2.1 – At least two widely separated and ready means of
escape shall be provided from all spaces or group of spaces.

Locations of emergency escape routes:

Located in all areas occupied by crew or passengers and should be design to safely lead to the
lifeboats and life rafts.
Protection of escape routes:
Made up of steel frames and have continuous fire shelter from the level of its origin to the
appropriate lifeboat and life raft embarkation decks.

Bulkhead Integrity
CLASS A DIVISIONS – Divisions formed by bulkheads and decks which comply with the following
criteria:
Constructed of STEEL or other equivalent materials
Suitably stiffened
Constructed as to be capable of preventing the passage of smoke and flame to the end of
the one-hour standard fire test.
Insulated with approved non-combustible materials such that the average temperature of the un-
exposed side will not rise more than 140ºC above the original temperature, nor will the temperature
at any point including any joints rise more than 180ºC above the original temperature, within the
time listed below:
Class A-60 (60 min)
Class A-30 (30 min)
Class A- 15 (15 min)
Class A-0 (0 min)
They have an insulation value such that the average temperature of the un-exposed side will not
rise more than 140ºC above the original temperature, nor will the temperature at any point
including any joints rise more than 225ºC above the original temperature, within the time listed
below:
Class B-15 (15 min)
Basic Training

Class B-0 (0 min)

CLASS C DIVISIONS - Constructed of approved NON-COMBUSTIBLE materials. They need meet
neither requirements relative to the passage of smoke and flame nor limitations relative to the
temperature rise.

GAS-FREEING OF CARGO TANKS

Means the introduction of fresh air with 21% Oxygen into cargo tanks in order to displace and
replace flammable, toxic or inert gas and to make it suitable for human entry.

By Portable of tanks
Air driven fans
Water driven fans
By Inert Gas System

INERTING OF CARGO TANKS

Means the introduction of inert gas to a tank which is gas-free with the objective of lowering the
oxygen content of the tank atmosphere to 8% by volume or lower.
By Inert Gas System
Using Nitrogen
Nitrogen supplied from shore
Bottled nitrogen
Nitrogen Generating Plant

Ship construction arrangements

SOLAS Ch II-2, Reg 4, Par 5.5 – Protection of cargo tanks shall be achieved by a fixed inert gas system in
accordance with the requirements of the Fire Safety System Code.

This requirement shall be applied for tankers of 20,000 Tons DWT and upward.

Protection of cargo tanks shall be achieved by a fixed inert gas system in accordance with the requirements
of the Fire Safety System Code.
 Basic Training

However, in lieu of the requirements on fixed inert gas system, after having given consideration to the
ship’s arrangement and equipment, may accept other fixed installation if they afford protection equivalent to
the above.

And for tankers below 20,000 DWT, although they are not cover by the requirement and therefore not
required to comply to the requirements, preserving the integrity of the bonding system and strict compliance
to safety procedures and regulations onboard will still guarantee protections against fire and explosion.

EMERGENCY FIRE PUMP (CARGO SHIPS)

Location
The space containing the fire pump shall not be contiguous to the boundaries of machinery spaces of
Category A or those spaces containing the main fire pumps. If this is not possible, the bulkhead between
the two spaces shall be insulated to a standard of structural fire protection equivalent to that required for a
control station.

Use of emergency fire pump

Emergency fire pump is used in circumstances where in the event of fire in any one compartment
could put the pumps out of action.
The emergency fire pump therefore shall have the source of power and sea suction located outside
the space where the main fire pumps are located.

EMERGENCY ESCAPE ROUTES

Machinery space
The emergency escape routes from machinery spaces then to the main deck and finally to the boat deck
should be constructed so as to make it unobstructed.

Two sets of steel ladders, as widely separated as possible, leading to the doors at the upper part of the
space, similarly separated and from which access is provided to the open deck.

One of those ladders shall be located within a protected enclosure that satisfies the fire integrity
requirements on bulkheads and decks.

Accommodation space
The emergency escape routes from accommodation spaces then to the main deck and finally to the boat
deck should be constructed so as to make it unobstructed.

Two sets of steel ladders, as widely separated as possible, leading to the doors at the upper part of the
space, similarly separated and from which access is provided to the open deck.

One of those ladders shall be located within a protected enclosure that satisfies the fire integrity
requirements on bulkheads and decks.

GENERAL PROVISIONS ON MEANS OF ESCAPE

Stairs and ladders shall be so arranged that it provides means of escape to the lifeboat and life-
rafts.
Basic Training

A corridor, lobby or part of a corridor from which there is only one route of escape shall be
prohibited.
All stair ways in accommodation and service spaces and control stations shall be of steel frame
construction.
Doors in escape routes shall open in way of the direction of escape
Doors in vertical emergency escape trunks may open out of the trunk in order to permit the trunk to
be used both for escape and for access.

ESCAPE ROUTES
are well marked showing arrows and symbols leading to the embarkation deck.

Also, emergency escape routes are provided with emergency lighting systems which will
automatically lights up during power failure.

Although emergency escape routes are use to trace the route leading to the boat deck, it can also
be use to trace back the route leading to the location of emergency.
 Basic Training

SPREAD OF FIRE IN THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF A SHIP

Fire in machinery spaces

Fire in machinery spaces shall be contained in the machinery space itself and shall not spread to
accommodation since accommodation is separated from machinery spaces by structural and thermal
protection boundaries.

Fire in cargo pumproom

Fire in cargo pumproom spaces shall be contained in the cargo pumproom space itself and shall not spread
to accommodation since accommodation is separated from machinery spaces by structural and thermal
protection boundaries.

CLASS A-60 DIVISION

All A-60 doors separating machinery space and cargo pumproom shall be shut in case of fire in
respective spaces.

VENTILATION FLAPS
All ventilation flaps shall be shut in case of fire in machinery spaces and cargo spaces.

PURPOSE OF CONSTRUCTION REQUIREMENTS

During fires in the accommodation these fires shall be contained in the accommodation itself and shall not
be allowed to spread in machinery space and cargo pump room.

In cases where accommodation fires originates in the galley, laundry, linen locker, common public spaces
and living spaces, these fires shall be contained in the space of origin of fire and shall not be allowed to
spread to other parts of the accommodation by using thermal protection and

Control of spread of fire by utilizing construction requirements

If a fire broke out in any cargo hold, it shall be contained in the affected cargo hold by shutting hatch
covers, ventilator flaps and cooling boundary bulk heads.

Fires in isolated spaces such as wheel house, radio room, chart room, fore peak area (i.e. paint locker, etc)
and steering gear compartment shall be contained in the space of origin itself by shutting doors, ventilator
flaps and using the fixed installation and other fire fighting appliances where provided.

FIRE AND SMOKE DETECTION MEASURES ON SHIPS & AUTOMATIC ALARM SYSTEM
Automatic fire detection system
A set of electric/ electronic devices working together to detect and alert personnel through visual
and audio appliances when smoke or fire is present.
The alarms maybe activated from smoke detectors, heat detectors, flame detectors or from manual
fire alarm station or call points.
The system consist of a main indication panel which is directly connected to different types of
sensors fitted strategically around the ship’s accommodation and at remote places around the ship
including the engine room.
Basic Training

Types of automatic fire detectors

Smoke Detectors
Heat Detectors
Flame Detectors

Fire & smoke detection system

Alarms or action that may be activated by a detector:
Smoking
Excessively burned toasted bread
Unusual rise in temperature in a compartment due to the presence of fire
Explosion or sudden production of flame due to combustion

Sprinkler System
An active fire protection measure consisting of water supply system, providing adequate pressure and flow
rate to a water distribution piping system, onto which fire sprinklers are connected.

Benefits of the system

Just like the fixed detectors used for fire detection, the automatic sprinkler system serves both as
a detector and also as a fixed fire fighting system.
As temperature rises during the development of a fire, the “solder” (which acts as “plug” fitted on
the sprinkler head) breaks when it reaches its activation temperature and releases water to the
protected area thus extinguishing fire in the process.
This system is very helpful and advantageous in firefighting since its cuts the response and the fire
fighting time in a fire emergency.

CLASSIFICATION OF FIRES & APPLICABLE EXTINGUISHING AGENTS

Extinguishing Agents
Because of the varying nature of different classes of fires, there are no common extinguishing agent that is
adoptable for all types of fire.
 Basic Training

Although there are extinguishing mediums that can put out a number of different types of fires, the methods
of applications differs and thus the effectiveness is limited.

To achieve better results, firefighting mediums should be associated with the corresponding classes of fire
to which they are more suited.

1. Class A Fires:
Water
− Water Spray
− Water jet
− Flooring
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
2. Class B Fires:
Foam
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
Dry Powder
3. Class C Fires:
Dry Powder
Carbon Dioxide (CO2)
4. Class D Fires
Special Dry Powder
5. Class K Fires:
Fire blankets
Foam Extinguisher

In an electrical fire, if electrical power is turned off, the class of fire will also changed either class A, B
or D.
If this happens, the extinguishing medium and the manner of extinguishment will also change.

FIGHT & EXTINGUISH FIRES

Fixed Installations
The general requirements regarding the installation of fixed systems:
1. The medium MUST not produce toxic gases when released.
2. The quantity of the medium must be adequate for the spaces which are to be protected.
3. The piping system must have control valves
4. The release of a gas medium must not be automatic
5. The order to release the medium must be given by the master or a senior officer.

Lists of fixed installation system

Carbon Dioxide
Sprinkler (wet and dry risers)
Foam (low expansion)
Foam (high expansion)
Fire mains, hydrants
Emergency generators, fire and bilge pumps
Pressure water spray in special category spaces
Basic Training

Chemical Powder applicants

Smothering effect systems

Since carbon dioxide is 1.5 times heavier than air, it settles to the bottom part of the compartment thereby
flooding the space. As it floods the space, air is displaced and remains only at the upper part of the burning
space. This event causes the fire to be deprived of oxygen to continue burning thus extinguishing it.

Advantages on the use CO2 as extinguishing medium:

Very useful when applied to fires involving energized electrical equipments. And being a gas, it does not
further damage electronics and other equipments during its application. Since it is 1.5 times heavier than
air, it is more effective in enclosed space fires.

Disadvantages on the use of CO2:

It can suffocate firefighters. It is a colorless and odorless gas, therefore, it is undetectable. Any leak that
may arise along the system may cause flooding to the spaces being protected without any notice or alarms
and thereby causing suffocation and death to individuals present in those spaces.

As alarm prior to its release is given:

Evacuate the area
Conduct mustering
Spaces protected by CO2 system
Pumproom
Engine room
Foams
It blankets the fire area and serving as boundary line between the burning medium and air

Actions to take when Foam is released to the fire area

Prior to the release of foam solution to the fire zone, all crew are to evacuate the space and proceed to the
designated assembly area to conduct mustering. Although the use of foam is not as dangerous as to the
use of CO2, the volume of foam solution released to a compartment can cause a person to get “lost” or
even suffocated; therefore it is necessary that all crew are accounted for prior to its release.

Different types of foams

Synthetic foams – based on synthetic surfactants (surfactants – compounds that lower the surface tension
between liquids, a liquid and a solid. i.e. detergents, wetting agents, emulsifiers). It provides better flow and
faster knockdown ability on flames but it has a limited post fire security.
Example:
o Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)
o Alcohol Resistant Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AR-AFFF)

Protein Foams – Contains natural protein as the foaming agents. Unlike Synthetic Foams, Protein foams
are biodegradable. They flow and spread slower but provide a foam blanket that is more heat-resistant and
more durable.
Example of Protein Foams:
o Regular Protein Foam (P),
o Fluoroprotein Foam (FP)
 Basic Training

o Film-forming Flouroprotein Foam (FFFP)

o Alcohol Resistant Flouroprotein Foam (AL-FP)
o Alcohol Resistant, Film-forming Flouroprotein Foam (AL-FFFP)

Inhibitor effect systems

Fire is defined as a chemical process termed as rapid oxidation. And since it is a chemical process, powder
is used mainly to prevent this chemical process to take place. As the cool chemical powder is introduce into
the seat of the fire, the heat from the burning medium is transferred to the cool powder. This transfer of
heat is also a chemical process and as a result, water droplets and CO2 is produced as its by-product. The
water droplets dilute the flammable vapour produce from the flammable medium while CO2 blankets the
fire area; as a result, complete extinguishment is achieved.

Example of Powder Extinguishers:

Dry chemical - Monoammonium phosphate, also known as "tri-class", "multipurpose" or "ABC" dry
chemical, used on class A, B, and C fires. Pale yellow in color.
Sodium bicarbonate, "regular" or "ordinary" used on class B and C fires, was the first of the dry
chemical agents developed. In the heat of a fire, it releases a cloud of carbon dioxide that smothers
the fire. That is, the gas drives oxygen away from the fire, thus stopping the chemical
reaction. White or Blue in color.
Potassium bicarbonate (principal constituent of Purple-K), used on class B and C fires. About two
times as effective on class B fires as sodium bicarbonate, it is the preferred dry chemical
agent of the oil and gas industry. The only dry chemical agent certified for use in ARFF by the
NFPA. Violet in color.
Potassium bicarbonate & Urea Complex (aka Monnex), used on class B and C fires. More effective
than all other powders due to its ability to decrepitates (where the powder breaks up into smaller
particles) in the flame zone creating a larger surface area for free radical inhibition. Grey in
color.
Potassium chloride, or Super-K, dry chemical was developed in an effort to create a high efficiency,
protein-foam compatible dry chemical. Developed in the 60s, prior to Purple-K, it was never as
popular as other agents since, being a salt, it was quite corrosive. For B and C fires, white in color.
Foam-Compatible, which is a sodium bicarbonate (BC) based dry chemical, was developed for use
with protein foams for fighting class B fires. Most dry chemicals contain metal stearates to
waterproof them, but these will tend to destroy the foam blanket created by protein (animal) based
foams. Foam compatible type uses silicone as a waterproofing agent, which does not harm foam.
Effectiveness is identical to regular dry chemical, and it is light green in color
MET-L-KYL / PYROKYL is a specialty variation of sodium bicarbonate for fighting pyrophoric liquid
fires (ignite on contact with air). In addition to sodium bicarbonate, it also contains silica gel
particles. The sodium bicarbonate interrupts the chain reaction of the fuel and the silica soaks up
any unburned fuel, preventing contact with air. It is effective on other class B fuels as well.
Blue/Red in color.

Powders extinguishers for Class D fires

Sodium chloride (Super-D, Met-L-X or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) contains sodium chloride salt,
which melts to form an oxygen-excluding crust over the metal. Useful on most alkali
metals including sodium and potassium, and other metals
including magnesium, titanium, aluminum, and zirconium.
Basic Training

Copper based (Copper Powder Navy 125S) developed by the U.S. Navy in the 70s for hard-to-
control lithium and lithium-alloy fires. Powder smothers and acts as a heat sink to dissipate heat,
but also forms a copper-lithium alloy on the surface which is non-combustible and cuts off the
oxygen supply. Will cling to a vertical surface. Lithium only.
Graphite -based (G-Plus, G-1, Lith-X, Pyromet or METAL.FIRE.XTNGSHR) contains dry graphite
that smothers burning metals. First type developed, designed for magnesium, works on other
metals as well. Unlike sodium chloride powder extinguishers, the graphite powder fire extinguishers
can be used on very hot burning metal fires such as lithium, but unlike copper powder
extinguishers will not stick to and extinguish flowing or vertical lithium fires. Like copper
extinguishers, the graphite powder acts as a heat sink as well as smothering the metal fire.
Sodium carbonate -based (Na-X) used where stainless steel piping and equipment could be
damaged by sodium chloride based agents to control sodium, potassium, and sodium-potassium
alloy fires. Limited use on other metals. Smothers and forms a crust.

Cooling effect systems

Sprinklers
Pressure Sprays
Lowers the temperature of the burning medium below which production of the flammable
vapour cannot occur

The sprinkler system is an automatic fire detecting, alarm and extinguishing system which is constantly on
guard to deal quickly & effectively with the outbreak of fire that may occur in accommodations and other
spaces.

This system consists of a pressure water tank with water pipes leading to various places in the
compartments. These water pipes consist of sprinkler head which comes in operation when there is an
outbreak of fire.

The pressurized water tank is half filled with fresh water through fresh water supply connection.
Compressed air is delivered from the electrically operated compressor or from the air bottle which raises
the pressure to predetermined level.

The pressure in the tank is such that it would be able to deliver pressure at highest sprinkler head in the
system and is not less than 4.8 bars. The sprinkler heads are grouped into different sections with not more
than 200 sprinkler head in each section. Moreover, each section has its own alarm system which
gives alarm on operation.

The sprinkler head consists of a quartzoid bulb which bursts when the temperature increases beyond the
limit and the water starts flowing from the sprinkler head. These quartzoid bulbs are color coded in red,
yellow and green. The rating of red bulb is 68 deg C, yellow is 80 deg C and green is 93 deg C.

Each sprinkler head covers a deck area of 16 m2 and the flow of water in each one of them should be at
least5 liters/minute as per the regulation of SOLAS.
 Basic Training

When the sprinkler head bursts and comes into operation, the non return valve in the line opens and water
starts flowing. Due to this flow there is a drop of pressure in the line and the alarm activates for the
particular section, indicating fire in the section.

This system is also connected to sea water pump which can supply water to the system in case the water
in the pressure tank is used up.

Various alarms and pressure switches are provided in the system for maintenance and check of alarms and
activation of sea water pump by isolating the system.

The sprinkler system is generally used in accommodation, paint room and other places on the ship.

TYPES OF SPRINKLER SYSTEMS

1. Wet pipe sprinkler systems are the most common type of sprinkler system. Considered as the
most reliable with simple having an operating components being the automatic sprinklers and
(commonly, but not always) the automatic alarm check valve. An automatic water supply provides
water under pressure to the system piping.
2. Dry pipe systems are installed in spaces in which the ambient temperature may be cold enough
to freeze the water in a wet pipe system, rendering the system inoperable due to freezing. Unlike
the wet type system, air is present in the pipes instead of water. As the system operates, air is
release and then the water follows.
3. Deluge System operates when there is an activation of a fire alarm initiating device, or a manual
pull station which signals the fire alarm panel, which in turn signals the deluge valve (a
mechanically latched valve which stays open when tripped. It is non-resetting and used mainly to
“flood” hence the word “deluge”) to open, allowing water to enter the piping system. Water flows
from all sprinklers simultaneously. In this system, the heat sensing elements are removed making
the sprinkler orifices open. It is normally installed in areas where hazards of rapid fire spread is a
concern.
4. Pre-action System are sued in areas where accidental activation is a concern. It is the
combination of the three systems and depends mainly on the exact system’s goal. Such system
are not used onboard but rather on areas where a total protection is a concern like museums,
manuscripts, book and data centers.

Space protected by the systems

Onboard ships, the main types of system used are the dry pipe system and the wet pipe system wherein
the later one is the most commonly used. These systems are installed in paint rooms, accommodations
and other areas where such installation may be deemed necessary.

Pressure water spray systems

"Water spray" systems are operationally identical to a deluge system, but the piping and discharge nozzle
spray patterns are designed to protect a uniquely configured hazard, usually being three-dimensional
components or equipment (i.e., as opposed to a deluge system, which is designed to cover the horizontal
floor area of a room).

They are designed to protect open Ro-Ro spaces, “Special category” spaces and pump rooms.
Basic Training

Fire hydrants
Fire hydrants are fitted with shut-off valves to serve each hose so as to isolate or to shut-down water supply
should necessity to the use of the hose ceases or not required.

Isolating valves and cross over valves are fitted on the fire main in order that in a case of pipe damage
along its length, isolating valves can be used to isolate damaged pipe and cross-over lines to re-route water
flow and by-pass the damaged line. Thus such damage does not interrupt the use of the fire main for
firefighting.

The international shore connection is a universal hose connection that is to be provided on all ships as per
the SOLAS requirement. The purpose of the International Shore Connection is to keep a standby hose
attachment to get a connection from shore or from other ships in case there is a total failure of pumps
onboard.

International shore connection

The international shore connection is a universal hose connection that is to be provided on all ships as per
the SOLAS requirement. The purpose of the International Shore Connection is to keep a standby hose
attachment to get a connection from shore or from other ships in case there is a total failure of pumps
onboard.

As per SOLAS, ships above 500 tons gross tonnage and upwards must have atleast one international
shore connection. The internationnshore connection has a standard size and is same for all the countries
and ships.

The connection should be made up of steel or other suitable material and shall be designed for 1.0 N/mm2
services. The flange should have flat surface on one side and other side should be permanently connected
or attached to a coupling which can be easily fitted to ships hydrant and hose connection.

The connection should be kept onboard with a ready gasket of material which can handle a pressure of 1.0
N/mm2 together with four 16mm bolts, 50 mm in length and eight washers so that the connection can be
readily used in case of an emergency situation.
 Basic Training

SELECTION OF FIRE-FIGHTING APPLIANCES & EQUIPMENT

FIRE HOSES & NOZZLES

Fire hoses general specifications
Made up of non-perishable materials
Shall be of sufficient length
Shall be provided with a nozzle and necessary couplings
Shall be kept ready for use in conspicuous positions near water service hydrants or connections

SOLAS Ch. II-2, Reg. 10, Par 2.3 states the regulations concerning fire hoses and nozzles.

Additional requirements for passenger ships carrying more than 36 passengers

Fire hoses shall be connected to the hydrants at all times
Length shall be at least 10m but not more than 15m.
o 20m in other spaces and open decks;
o 25m for open decks on ships with a maximum breadth in excess of 30m.
Unless one hose and nozzle is provided for each hydrant in the ship, there shall be complete
interchangeability of hose couplings and nozzles.

Number & diameter of fire hoses

General: All ships shall be provided with fire hoses, the number and diameter of which shall be to the
satisfaction of the administration.

In Passenger ships: At least one fire hose shall be provided for every fire hydrants.

For Cargo ships: For 1000 GRT and upward, there should be one fire hose for each 30m length of the
ship and a spare but in no case less than 5 in all. This number does not include any hose required in any
engine-room or boiler room.
Basic Training

For cargo ships of less than 1000 GRT, the number of hoses to be provided shall be calculated in
accordance with the provisions on cargo ships of 1000 GRT and upwards, however the number of hoses
shall in no case be less than three.

Size & types of nozzles

Standard fire nozzles
12mm
16mm
19mm
In accommodation spaces nozzles greater
than 12mm need not be used

NOZZLES
Shall be of an approved dual-purpose type (spray/ jet type) incorporating shut-off
In machinery spaces and exterior locations, nozzle size shall be as to obtain maximum discharge
possible from two jets using the smallest pump provided that a nozzle greater than 19mm need not
be used.

Connections of hoses & hydrants

As defined, fire hoses are fitted with couplings at both ends to facilitate connections to hydrants
and/ or to other hoses.
Hydrants are designed to produce varying delivery of water from fog to full pressure of jet stream.

Fire Hoses & Nozzles

Jet nozzle setting: Used in Class A fires where impact of water pressure to the seat of fire will
increase the cooling effect thus extinguishing the fire.
Fog nozzle setting: It breaks the stream into droplets thus covering greater surface area which
increases the cooling effect of the surroundings. The cooling effect produces steam which
displaces oxygen on the burning material by smothering. This procedure and nozzle setting is best
used on class B and C fires.
 Basic Training

Maintenance & storage

After used, fire hoses are hang in order to drain water out of the hose since these remaining water
may damage the internal lining of the hose if left unchecked
Nozzle should be periodically exercised by moving the inlet valve handle and the water burst
selector handle to prevent freezing of the knobs and valves.

Rubber should be checked and ensured not damaged or worn out to prevent leakage during its use.

After each use, it should be rinsed with fresh water to prevent accumulation of salt in the internal parts.

Apply grease to moving parts.

MOBILE APPARATUS
Types of mobile apparatus
Carbon Dioxide cylinders
Powder containers with propellant gas
Foam-making equipment

Carbon dioxide extinguishers

Normally positioned or deployed on areas there are electrical equipments.
Engine Control Room
Manifold (tanker vessels)

Portable Fire Extinguisher

WATER
The most common type of extinguishing medium. It absorbs heat on the burning material thus
cooling the material below its flash point.
Basic Training

FOAM
Used for fire suppression. Its role is to cool the fire and to coat the
fuel, preventing its contact with oxygen, resulting in suppression of
the combustion.
Foam is best used for Class A and Class B fires.

POWDER
Extinguishes by separating the four parts of the fire tetrahedron. It prevents the
chemical reactions involving heat, fuel, and oxygen and halts the production of
fire sustaining "free-radicals", thus extinguishing the fire.

It is best used for Class A, B and C fires.

For Class D fires, however, certain types of powder is used as the most effective
extinguishing agents. In these case Sodium Chloride or salt is added to form an
oxygen excluding crust over the metal to extinguish the fire.

CARBON DIOXIDE

Stored in its container in liquid form but turned into gas when release
to the fire area. Since CO2 gas is 1.5 times heavier than air, fire is
extinguish by blanketing thereby smothering the fire.
Carbon Dioxide extinguishers are best used for electrical fires.
 Basic Training

AQUEOUS FILM FORMING FOAM

A water based and hydrocarbon based surfactant. They have
the ability to spread over hydrocarbon based liquids. A water
film forms beneath the foam which cools the liquid fuels which
stops the formation of flammable vapours.
AFFF extinguishers are best used for Class B fires, mostly
hydrocarbon based fires.

TWO TYPES OF PORTABLE EXTINGUISHERS

Stored Pressure Type
• The most common type.
• The expellant is stored in the same container as the firefighting agent.
• Different extinguishing agent uses different expellant.
− Foam & water – Air
− Dry chemicals – Nitrogen
Cartridge-Operated Type
• The expellant is stored in a separate container.
• Uses compressed carbon dioxide as extinguishing propellant.
• Has the advantage of simple & prompt recharge.

They have the advantage of simple and prompt recharge, allowing an operator to discharge the
extinguisher, recharge it, and return to the fire in a reasonable amount of time.

PORTABLE FOAM APPLICATOR

Explains that portable foam applicator is a type of portable nozzle designed to eject a mixture of foam
concentrate and water thus producing foam solution and direct the medium to the seat of fire. It is
Basic Training

connected to a hose fitted to a hydrant for the water source. A secondary fitting is connected directly to the
nozzle while its other end is dipped to a container of foam concentrate which is drawn into the nozzle by
suction effect caused by the pressure created as water passes through the nozzle inlet.

The holes at its base is used to take in air and combined with the foam/ water mixture in order to produce
“bubbles”, thus the term “air foam” to the extinguishing medium.

As the name implies, it is portable, mobile and can be brought to the scene of fire for effective application
and thus, extinguishment.

FIREMAN’S OUTFIT

Types of fireman’s outfit

Proximity Suits are used when doing firefighting on spaces with extreme heat

Entry suits are use as protection for extreme heat and total flame engulfment but ONLY for short duration.
 Basic Training

CONSTITUENTS OF A FIREMAN’S OUTFIT

Personal Equipment
Breathing Apparatus
Fireproof Lifeline with snap-hook and harness

TWO MAIN TYPES OF BREATHING APPARATUS

1. Closed circuit self contained breathing
apparatus are more commonly used in under
water operations and mining operations rather
than firefighting. It is fitted with re-breather which
is used mainly to filter, supplements and re-
circulates exhaled gas. It is more useful when it
requires longer supply of breathing gas is needed.
Being relatively small in size, it can be used when
passing on narrow passages where Open Circuit
SCBA cannot pass.

Due to its design of only to filter and supplement

the air drawn from the wearer, there is no pressure
build-up in the mask and therefore does not
protect the wearer against entry of toxic or other
gases as products of combustion.

2. Open Circuit SCBA on the other hand is the most common type of breathing apparatus. However,
unlike the closed circuit type, it has a limited duration of use which is about 30min but still depends
to the attributes and characteristics of the wearer. The difference of this equipment from its
predecessor is its ability to be re-charged rapidly and be worn again by the firefighter.

It is positive pressure type and therefore protects the wearer from inhalation of smoke or other toxic
combustion products in cases of leaks on the face mask.

LIFE-LINE
Life-lines used for firefighting must be made of fire retardant
materials.
Basic Training

PERSONAL EQUIPMENTS
Fire suits

Gloves & shoes

Hard Helmet

Safety Lamp

Fire axe

FIRE BLANKETS
A fire blanket is a safety device designed to extinguish small incipient (starting) fires. It consists of a sheet
of fire retardant material which is placed over a fire in order to smother it. These nonflammable blankets are
helpful in temperatures up to 900 degrees and are useful in smothering small fires by not allowing any
oxygen to the fire. Due to its simplicity, a fire blanket may be more helpful for someone who is
inexperienced with fire extinguishers.

FIRE SAFETY ARRANGEMENTS

Fire Alarms
Located at the entrances on the alleyways.
Sensors are fitted on strategic locations.

1. Fire activations can be carried out in two ways, either by remote detection through the different
detectors and sensors or by manual means.
1. By automatic detections - heat, flame and smoke detectors are fitted strategically all
around the vessel. The type of detectors fitted on each area depends on the use of the
area, machineries in the area. Like for example above the main engine, a flame detector is
normally fitted knowing the fact that in such areas heat is common thus the fitting of such
sensor may not be practical. Should a fire alarm has been remotely activated, there need
to be an investigation to confirm that fire really existed.
 Basic Training

2. By manual activation – this system, also known as call points are located on entrances in
the alleyways. Should such activation points are manually triggered, it means that a fire is
positively known and identified to exist.

Emergency Controls
Located in the bridge and in emergency lockers.

The emergency controls are normally located in the bridge and in the
emergency lockers. The purpose of these controls is to be able to
activate the emergency mechanisms for initial and actual fire-fighting
effort. This control includes the switches to the main and emergency
fire pumps, GS pumps, operation / closing of the fire dampers, fuel
supply valves and remote operation of the fixed foam and CO2
systems.

Fire Safety Arrangements

The main problem with firefighting is that some people has a very small knowledge about the use of
firefighting equipments or in worst case do not have any knowledge at all. The level of understanding how
firefighting equipments work defines the success in combating fires. The working principles, the
characteristics of firefighting mediums in relation to the nature of fire are crucial information that a firefighter
must understand to effectively extinguish a fire.

Firefighting also includes fire prevention. It is necessary and expected to all personnel onboard that they
have the capacity and proper mind set to identify potential fire hazards so as to report, remove or re-
arrange equipments and materials to prevent the outbreak of fire. Crew must be sensitive even the actions
of other crew which may contribute to the creation of fire.

Fire Alarms & Actions

The initial actions are actions taken by individuals when a fire is discovered without the dictate or order
from the bridge party. Positive actions include activation of alarm and informing the control stations or the
bridge. Carry out restriction of fire in one location only by closing the doors and removal of flammable
materials adjacent or attached to the bulkheads separating the fire area. And if possible, carry out an initial
firefighting.

Factors to consider fire-fighting methods

Accessibility
Personnel
Nature of burning material
Firefighting agents appropriate to the fire
Basic Training

RE-FLASH
Re-flash often happen even after “fire-out” has been declared. Due to smoldering fires, if remained un-
checked, fire may re-kindled and later on developed again to a full blown fire. Because of this, it is a good
practice to arrange a re-flash watch in a rotational basis so as to prevent the recurrence of fire. Members of
the watch must be equipped with portable extinguishers and roving around the fire area carrying out
inspections and looking for hot spots and any other hazards that may cause the creation of the fire.

Fire-fighting mediums
Water
This fire extinguisher is color-coded red and can be used for Class A fires, ie solids only, such as wood,
paper and fabrics. Not suitable for Class B liquid fires, eg paraffin, petrol, oil fires or where electricity is
involved. It works by cooling burning material.

The most common fire extinguishing medium. It is readily available and extinguishes fire by cooling.

It is most effective on Class A fires but can also be used on Class B fires but only if applied as fog. In spite
of its effectiveness, it is not recommended to use water on Class C fires being a good conductor of
electricity. Nor it can be used on Class D fires since it can create violent reaction.

During firefighting, water is delivered in fog, jet, spray or for flooding the area. Extinguish fire by cooling.

Foam
This fire extinguisher is color-coded cream and is more versatile than water. It can be used for both Class A
and B fires, but is not recommended for fires involving electricity. This extinguisher forms a blanket or film
on the surface of a burning liquid.

There are three types of foam; the high expansion foam having an expansion ratio of over 200 to 1000
times and is used mainly on enclosed spaces. The medium expansion foam with an expansion ratio
between 20 to 200 times and the low expansion foam having an expansion ration of less than 20
times. Low-expansion foams such as AFFF are low-viscosity, mobile, and able to quickly cover large
areas.

Carbon Dioxide
This fire extinguisher is color-coded black and is ideal for fires involving electrical apparatus and Class B
liquid fires. It does not cool and is not suitable for solids.

Carbon Dioxide is stored in liquid form but immediately turns into gas when release to the atmosphere. It is
1.5 times heavier than air and therefore settles on top of the burning material displacing oxygen in the
process thus extinguishing the fire by smothering.

Advantages – Clean, non-corrosive and does not leave any residue. Since it turns into gas when release, it
can penetrates areas which are difficult to reach by firefighters. It is a non-conductor of electricity that is
why it is more suitable to Class C fires although it can also be used on Class A, B and K. However, when
applied to Class B and K, it must be in a controlled manner owing to the fact that it is release at high
pressure.
 Basic Training

Steam
The technical term for the gaseous phase of water, this is formed when water boils. Technically speaking,
in terms of the chemistry and physics, steam is invisible and cannot be seen; however, in common
language it is often used to refer to the visible mist or aerosol of water droplets formed as this water vapor
condenses in the presence of (cooler) air.

Water expands to 1,700 times when turned into steam and this property can be exploited for firefighting
effort. During firefighting in an enclosed space, steam is produced due to high temperature of the
compartment thereby “suffocating” the fire by displacing oxygen by smothering and diluting combustive
agents produced from the combustible materials causing the fire to die out.

Dry powder
This fire extinguisher is color-coded blue and is a multi-purpose fire extinguisher that can be used on
Classes A, B and C fires. The fire extinguisher works by ‘knocking down’ the flames and is very effective in
putting out fires.

Dry Chemical Powder extinguishes fire by separating the four parts of the fire tetrahedron. It prevents the
chemical reactions involving heat, fuel, and oxygen and halts the production of fire sustaining "free-
radicals", thus extinguishing the fire. (Free-Radicals – molecules that are chemically reactive)

As dry powder is introduced to the seat of the fire, heat from the fire is immediately transferred to the cool
dry chemical powder. The by-products of this chemical process is carbon dioxide which blankets the fire
area and water droplets which dilutes the flammable vapour produced from the burning material. The result
is instant extinguishment.

Fire Fighting Procedures

When fire is discovered, fire alarm is given and fire procedures and emergency station procedures are put
into effect:
crew assembles at the designated fire stations as given in muster list
Fire parties assemble, on orders from the bridge, and carry out their task aimed at containing the
fire and extinguishing it.
The fire pumps are started to supply extinguishing water
The master decides the most appropriate method for fighting the fire.

The master controls the firefighting operations from the bridge.

When fire is extinguished, a fire watch is kept.
An investigation into the cause of fire is initiated by the master to avoid recurrence.
If fire is in port, the port authorities are informed immediately.

PROCEDURE IN EXTINGUISHING CLASS A FIRES

P - Pull
A - Aim
S - Squeeze
S - Sweep
Basic Training

PROCEDURE IN EXTINGUISHING CLASS B FIRE

Methods of Applying foam:

1. Roll-On
a. Foam stream is directed on ground near front edge of burning liquid pool
b. Foam then rolls across surface of fuel
c. Application continues until it spreads across entire surface of fuel and fire is extinguished
d. May be necessary to more stream to different positions along edge of liquid spill to cover
entire pool
e. Method only used on pool of liquid fuel (either ignited or unignited) on open ground

2. Bank-Down
a. Employed when elevated object (wall, tank shell, etc.) is near or within area of burning pool
of liquid or unignited liquid spill
b. Foam stream is directed off object, allowing foam to run down onto surface of fuel
c. May be necessary to direct stream to various points around fuel area to achieve total
coverage and extinguishment of fuel
d. Method used primarily in dike fires and fires involving spills around damaged or overturned
transport vehicles
 Basic Training

3. Rain-Down
a. Used when roll-on and bank-down methods are not feasible because of either size of spill
area or lack of an object from which to bank foam
b. Primary manual application technique used on above ground storage tank fires
c. Method directs stream into air above fire or spill and allows foam to float gently down onto
surface of fuel
d. On small fires, sweep stream back and forth over entire surface of fuel until fuel is
completely covered and fire is extinguished
e. On large fires, it may be more effective to direct stream at one location to allow foam to
take effect there and then work its way out from that point

PROCEDURE IN EXTINGUISHING CLASS K FIRE

In order for a fire to burn, all three elements of the fire triangle must be present: heat, fuel and oxygen. The
fire blanket must be sealed closely to a solid surface around the fire. Whether the blanket is placed on top,
or surrounding it, the job of the blanket is to cut off the oxygen supply to the fire, thereby putting it out.

Fire Blankets usually have two pull down tails visible from outside the packaging. The user should place
one hand on each tag and pull down simultaneously removing the blanket from the bag.

The tails are located near the top of the fire blanket which allows the top lip of the fire blanket to fold back
over the users’ hands protecting it from radiated heat or direct contact burns.

PROCEDURE IN EXTINGUISHING CLASS C FIRE

The best fire fighting medium used for Class C or electrical fires is Carbon Dioxide. The procedure on the
use of carbon dioxide portable extinguisher is the same as that with other extinguisher except for some
precautions to be observed which are:
1. Since it is 1.5 times heavier than air and therefore settles to the bottom of the fire area, enclosed
space must be evacuated of all firefighters before using CO2 for extinguishment.
2. In discharging the medium, hold the nozzle of the extinguisher on the appropriate handle (usually
rubber or wooden part of the nozzle) to prevent frost bite when discharging the medium.

SMALL FIRES
The water jet is used when applied to the seat or base of the fire.

Water spray is used as protection against heat to the primary fire fighters. Apart from this purpose, water
spray is more effective when extinguishing liquid fires as it prevents further spread of fire if a solid stream is
used.

Foam applicators are used to effectively apply and spread foam solution to the fire area. The use of foam
applicator maximizes the effectiveness of the foam since it is “layered” like blanket to the entire fire area
and therefore all burning surfaces are deprived of oxygen thus extinguishing fire by smothering.
Basic Training

Personal Survival Techniques

4 Introduction; safety and survival

Emergency situations
Evacuation
Survival craft and rescue boats
Personal/life-saving appliances
Survival at sea
Emergency radio equipment
Helicopter assistance
 Basic Training

INTRODUCTION: SAFETY & SURVIVAL

PRINCIPLES OF SURVIVAL AT SEA

Survival - An action, ability or effort exerted by a person or a group of person in order to continue
to live in the midst of a disastrous situation. It is a struggle for existence.

The grounds of survival at sea have the following principles:

initial familiarization on board (as per SOLAS Ch. III / 19)
evenly and realistic drills and emergency instructions for crew preparedness and training for any
emergency situations as appropriate
knowledge of action to be taken:
o when called to survival craft stations
o when required to abandon ship
o when required to jump in the water
o when in the water
o when abroad a survival craft
knowledge of the main dangers to survivors

Acronym for survival

S - Size up the situation
U - Undue Haste Make Waste
R - Remember Where you Are
V - Vanquish Fear and Panic
I - Improvise
V - Value Living
A - Act Wisely and Properly
L - Learn Basic Skills

7 Steps To Survival
RECOGNITION
INVENTORY
SHELTER
SIGNALS
WATER
FOOD
PLAY

The will to survive

The most important factor of survival. If you are prepared mentally to overcome all obstacles and expecting
the worst the chances of surviving are very high.

SURVIVAL IN GROUPS
Group dynamics can be both a help and hazard to individual survival
Groups are more hands to perform the necessary task
Organize ,make a leader and go with the decision of the leader
Basic Training

DEFINITIONS
Survival Craft
− is a craft capable of sustaining the lives of persons in distress from the time of abandoning
the ship.

Rescue Boat
− is a boat designed to rescue persons in distress and to marshal survival craft.

Float-Free Launching
− method of launching a survival craft whereby the craft is automatically released from a
sinking ship and is ready for use.
 Basic Training

Free-Fall Launching
− is that method of launching a survival craft whereby the craft with its complement of
persons and equipment on board is released and allowed to fall into the sea without any
restraining apparatus.

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

Inflatable Appliance
− is an appliance which depends upon non-rigid, gas filled chambers for buoyancy and
which is normally kept uninflated until ready for use.
Basic Training

Thermal Protective Aid Or Anti-Exposure Suits

− is a protective suit designed for use by rescue boat crews and marine evacuation system
parties.

Launching Appliance
− is a means of transferring a survival craft or rescue boat from its stowed position safely to
the water.

SOLAS TRAINING MANUAL

Located at:
Bridge
Recreation Rooms
Engine Room
Should be ship specific

SOLAS Chapter III Reg 35 requires that all ships should be provided
with a SOLAS Training Manual / Safety Training Manual detailing all
training on the safety aspects of the ship. This plan provides
guidance on the use of all the lifesaving appliances onboard.
- This manual should be read by new crew as soon as after
boarding and sign the acknowledgement page.
- This is subject for PSC inspections.
- The SOLAS training manual should be ship specific
 Basic Training

SAFETY SYMBOLS
- IMO safety symbols used on board ships
- All crew should familiarize themselves on the different symbols

FIRE & SAFETY PLAN

Shows the location of fire-fighting equipment and life saving appliances
Basic Training

EMERGENCY SITUATIONS

TYPES OF EMERGENCIES
These emergencies present danger to human lives; most’ of them eventually can lead to the abandoning
and loss of the ship

collision
stranding
adverse reaction of dangerous goods or hazardous bulk materials

shifting of cargo
engine-room explosion or fire
hull failure
 Basic Training

PRECAUTIONS
The main precautions during an emergency situation are that all crew fully understand their duties on board
and follow them.

FIRE PROVISIONS
Structural Fire Protection Provisions
Firefighting Equipment and Systems

STRUCTURAL FIRE PROTECTION PROVISIONS

Division of the ship into main vertical zones by thermal and structural boundaries
Inert gas protection (tankers)
Lockers for combustible materials
Use of flame retardant materials
Flame screens
The use of steel

FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT & SYSTEMS

Portable fire extinguishers
Hydrants and fire hoses
Sprinklers
Firefighter outfits
Arrangement for the supply of power
Spaces subject to automatic fire detection
Provisions of emergency controls

Any member of crew upon outbreak of fire immediately call, direct or by telephone the duty officer on the
bridge, the duty officer in the engine room or press the fire alarm.

On the ship we have different fire stations onboard. They are equipped with stuff to use during firefighting.
In the fire stations we have fireman’s outfit with breathing apparatus. These BA set’s are used for smoke
diving.

There are also fire hoses, axes and other stuff in the fire stations. During the drills we have to test the
equipment and the equipment is checked so it’s always ready for use.

On deck we have foam monitors so we can cover the deck with foam in case of fire. There are also
hydrants and fire hoses around the ship ready for immediate use.

In the engine room CO2 are the most common way to extinguish fires; CO2 take away the oxygen from the
engine room.

There can’t be any fire without oxygen. It’s also impossible for any living thing to survive CO2 so the engine
room must be evacuated before release the CO2 .
Basic Training

BASIC RULE OF FIRE EXTINCTION

1. “limit” spreading of the fire
2. “cool” the material afire
3. “quench” the fire (cut off air supply)

FOUNDERING
To lie helpless and sinking
Main cause are:
- failure of machinery or rudder in bad weather
- collision due the navigation faults
- damaged of ship’s deck/hatches or hull structure.

CREW EXPERTISE
The effectiveness of the life-saving equipment depends on the expertise of the crew.
To develop expertise regular training and drills must be done.

Value of Training and Drills:

Prevent Panic
Develop teamwork
Familiarization
Detection of defective equipment
Develop expertise

MUSTER LIST
SOLAS Chapter III Part B Reg. 37

Posted on conspicuous places onboard the ship such as Recreation rooms, alleyways, bridge and etc.

Contain information when alarm signals are sounded / how they are sounded

Instructions to each crew what to do in case of emergency

In order to cope an emergency situation in the best way it is necessary having planned ahead. The plans
are called the muster list and all vessels shall be provided with this clear instruction for each crew member,
which shall be followed in case of emergency.

The muster list shall be posted up in several parts of the vessel and, in particular, in the wheelhouse, the
engine room and in the crew accommodation.

The muster list shall specify details of the general alarm signal and also the action to be taken by the crew
when this alarm is sounded. The muster list shall also specify how the order to abandon ship will be given.

The muster list shall specify which officers are assigned to ensure that the life-saving and fire appliances
are maintained in good condition and are ready for immediate use.
 Basic Training

The muster list shall specify substitutes for key persons who may become disabled, taking into account
that different emergencies may call for different actions.

The muster list shall be prepared before the vessel proceeds to sea. After the muster list has been
prepared, if any change takes place in the crew, which necessitates an alteration in the muster list, the
skipper shall either revise the list or prepare a new list.

EMERGENCY SIGNALS
General Alarm:
− Seven short blasts on the ship’s horn followed by one long blast.
− The general alarm is sounded to make aware the crew on board that an emergency has
occurred.
− Followed by public announcement on what type of emergency.

Fire Alarm
− Continuous ringing of Ship’s bell/alarm

On hearing the alarm:

All personnel must proceed immediately to their designated muster station
Team leaders must muster and report readiness to the bridge
Perform respective duties and responsibilities

EMERGENCY DRILLS
Every crew member shall participate in at least one abandon ship drill and one fire drill every month.

The drills of the crew shall take place within 24h of the ship leaving a port if more than 25% of the crew has
not participated in abandon ship and fire drills on board that particular ship in the previous month.

SOLAS Chapter III, Part B, Regulation 19.3.2

Drills shall, as far as practicable, be conducted as if there were an actual emergency.

On passenger ships, an abandon ship drill and fire drill shall take place weekly. The entire crew need not
be involved in every drill, but each crew member must participate in an abandon ship drill and a fire drill
each month

Drills have the objective of preparing a trained and organized response to situations of great difficulty which
may unexpectedly threaten loss of life at sea. It is important that they should be carried out realistically,
approaching as closely as possible to emergency conditions.

ABANDON SHIP DRILL

Each abandon ship drill should include:
summoning of crew to muster stations
checking that crew are suitably dressed
checking that lifejackets are correctly donned
lowering of at least one lifeboat
Basic Training

starting and operating the lifeboat engine

operation of davits used for launching life rafts.

FIRE DRILL
Each fire drill should include:
starting of a fire pump
checking of fireman’s outfit and other personal rescue equipment
checking of relevant communication equipment
checking the operation of watertight doors, fire doors, fire dampers and
means of escape

CREW & EMERGENCY INSTRUCTIONS

All personnel must acquire knowledge of:
meaning of emergency signals
the muster list and their duties
location and use of life-saving equipment
location and use of fire-fighting equipment
escape routes and equipment
Emergency involving the sinking of the ship
Means provided for survival on ship and survival craft

PERSONAL MUSTER CARD

Personal Muster Card - contains information which are useful to crew members in an emergency situation.
The following are information in the muster card:
− Crew number, etc.
− General Emergency Alarm signal
− Fire alarm signal
− Abandon ship signal
− Muster (assembly) station
− Emergency duties

EXTRA EQUIPMENT & SURVIVAL

Extra equipment which is to be taken from the ship to the survival craft if time permits.

Even the abandon signal has been heard, nobody will leave the ship until the Master of his deputy ordered
this by his mouth.

For the situation that the ship must be abandoned, each crew member must prior known what objects,
equipment or documents must carry with his in the lifeboat / life raft.

These tasks are established by the Master through abandon drill.

Even all the actions must be performed in a hurry, no one should panic, but it will be act with calm and in
order.
 Basic Training

Ship’s documents
Charts of the abandon area
International code of signs and emergency signals table
Individual documents of embarked personnel
Ship’s flag and signaling flags
Binoculars and a sextant, if possible
Medicines and sanitary items.

ABANDONING SHIP-COMPLICATIONS
some of the survival craft not capable of being launched due the lack of maintenance, bad
functionality, old mechanisms etc

absence of proper lighting at the launching place, missing light ball, no power, bad
maintenance of the electric equipment

absence of trained personnel assigned to certain duties

Heavy list (difficult to launch survival craft)

Visibility (difficult to maneuver)

Bad weather condition (difficult to launch survival craft)

Panic ( no cooperation)

EVACUATION
ABANDONING SHIP–LAST RESORT
The ship offers the best chance of survival and abandoning the ship should only be undertaken if
all other measure fail.

Having to abandon ship is a traumatic experience-gone are the comforts and security of the vessel.

Exposed to the elements, either in lifeboats or rafts, or immersed in the water with only a lifejacket, survival
at sea in a distress situation depends on an individual's knowledge and training in survival procedures. This
is NOT a hopeless situation.
- the ship usually offers the best chance of survival and that abandoning ship should only be
undertaken if all other measures fail

It cannot be overstressed that the order to abandon ship is the final decision to be taken by the Master
when, according to his judgment, there is no other way to save the lives the of passengers and the crew.

Hasting to abandon ship is not recommended because in most emergency cases the ship remains the
safest place to be on and people have often drowned after abandoning a ship that eventually did not sink.
Basic Training

SURVIVAL CRAFT STATIONS

Muster at your assigned station; provide all equipment to the scene as assigned on the Station
Bill; come to your station fully clothed with your lifejacket on and carrying your immersion suit.

Prepare all survival craft for immediate launching. Swing out lifeboats or prepare life rafts
according to standard procedures. DO NOT LAUNCH any equipment until instructed to do so by
the Master. Stand by calmly at your station and await further orders.

When the Master orders "Abandon Ship," launch all survival craft. Enter boats and rafts using
ladders rather than jumping over the side. Keep calm and organized.

PERSONAL PREPARATION FOR ABANDONING SHIP

Being properly prepared is the best way to ensure survival at sea. Since it is somewhat impractical to
actually sink a ship for practice, the alternative is training.

Crew members should be thoroughly trained in all aspects of survival techniques from the Muster list to
launching lifeboats. You should participate in the weekly emergency drills as if they were the real thing.

Report to stations fully clothed, wear shoes, put on your lifejacket, and bring your immersion suit. In an
actual emergency, you may not have time to go back to your quarters.

ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN REQUIRED TO ABANDON SHIP

Sound the general emergency signal and make announcements instructing all personnel to
proceed to their lifeboat muster stations;
Initiate vessel shutdown procedures;
Send a «Mayday» signal with the vessel’s position on 2182 KHz and VHF channel 16 (156.8 KHz)
and INMARSAT (where applicable);
Collect, secure ship log books and documents and ensure that there are safely transferred in the
boats;
Ensure that the two on board SART’s and EPIRB are carried to the muster stations;
Carry out a muster of personnel against the lifeboat checklist reporting the names of any missing
personnel to the bridge;
Give the final order to embark all personnel into the lifeboat and to abandon ship;
Prepare the lifeboat and then lower it to the embarkation position;
Vacate the bridge and board the lifeboat;
When ordered by the Master, embark the lifeboat;
Immediately after the lifeboat is waterborne, and everybody has embarked, move away from the
vessel.

NEED TO PREVENT PANIC

Panic leads to disorder and clouds our decision making so we must stay calm. Regular drills build up
confidence which prevents panicking during real emergencies.

When the time arrives for the ultimate in survival procedure, having to abandon ship, conduct the evolution
in a calm, orderly manner-without panic! With adequate preparations and training, there should be no
difficulty in carrying out a safe evacuation.
 Basic Training

Acknowledge
Here I acknowledge the present reality, that I'm afraid and starting to panic. I won't try to ignore it, or
pretend it's not there. I won't struggle to distract myself, tell myself to "stop thinking about it!", or snap any
rubber bands on my wrist. I'm acknowledging simply that I am afraid, not that I am in danger. The thought
that I am in danger is just another symptom of panic, not an important or useful thought.

Accept
Here I accept the fact that I'm afraid at this moment. I don't fight the feeling; ask God to take it away; blame
myself, or anybody else. I accept, as best I can, that I'm afraid in the same way I would accept a headache.
I don't like headaches, but I don't bang my head against the wall in an effort to get rid of them, because that
makes them worse. Overcoming panic attacks begins with working with, not against, my panic and anxiety
symptoms.

Wait
What "Wait“ means is this: don't just do something, stand there. It's similar to the suggestion "count to ten
before you get mad".
One of the hallmarks of a panic attack is that it temporarily robs you of your ability to think, remember, and
concentrate. This step will buy you a little time to regain those abilities before you take any action.

Actions (to make myself more comfortable)

At this point, you've already gone through the two most important steps to overcoming panic attacks.

Repeat
This step is here because you might start feeling better, then feel another wave of panic. Your first reaction
might then be to think "Oh No, it didn't work!". The Repeat step is here to remind you that it's OK if that
happens. Just take it from the top again. It's not unusual or dangerous. You may go through several
cycles, and you just need to repeat the AWARE steps again, as often as you need.

End
This is here to remind you that your panic attack will end; that all panic attacks end; that they end
regardless of how you respond; that it's not your job to make the attack end; and that your only job is to
make yourself as comfortable as possible

CREW DUTIES TO PASSENGERS

Warning the passengers
Seeing that they are suitably clad and have donned their lifejackets correctly
Assembling passengers in their muster station
Keeping order the passageways, stairways
Ensure that supply of blankets/food is taken to survival craft
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MASTER'S ORDERS TO ABANDON SHIP

NO SHIP IS ABANDONED EXCEPT BY ORDER OF THE MASTER
The order “ABANDON SHIP” will be done ONLY by master or his deputy
ABANDON signal MUST always be confirmed by word from the Master

MEANS OF SURVIVAL essential for survival after the ship has been abandoned
Keep afloat
Keep warm
Drinking water and food
Communicate with ships or rescue services

KEEPING YOUR SURVIVAL CRAFT AFLOAT

Stream the anchor

Check the survival craft if there is any damage

Bail water out

Keep safe distance from the ship

KEEPING WARM IN SURVIVAL CRAFT

Dry wet clothes
Use thermal protective aid
Avoid unnecessary movements
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SURVIVAL CRAFT & RESCUE BOATS

It is a craft capable of sustaining the lives of persons in distress from the time of abandoning the ship
Kinds of Survival Craft:
Liferaft
Lifeboat
Rescue boat

Lifeboats
Lifeboat is one of the most important life-saving
equipment onboard a ship, which is used at the
time of extreme emergencies for abandoning a
ship.

Lifeboat is a smaller rigid vessel, secured onboard

into davits so that it can be launched over the side
of the ship with least time and mechanical
assistance possible for an early escape of the crew
from the ship.

Types of lifeboat
open
As the name suggests, the open lifeboat has no roof and is normally propelled by manual power by
using hand propelled ores. Compression ignition engine may also be provided for the propulsion
purpose. However, open lifeboats are becoming obsolete now because of stringent safety norms,
but one may find them on older ship.

partially enclosed
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self-righting partially enclosed

totally enclosed
Closed lifeboats are the most popular lifeboats that are used on ships, for they are enclosed which
saves the crew from sea water, strong wind and rough weather. Moreover, the water tight integrity
is higher in this type of lifeboat and it can also get upright on its own if toppled over by waves.

totally enclosed with a self-contained air support system

The self-contained air support system shall be so arranged that when proceeding with all entrances
and openings closed, the air within the lifeboat remains safe and breathable and the engine runs
normally for a period of not less than 10 minutes.

During the period described (10 min) the atmospheric pressure inside the lifeboat shall never fall
below the atmospheric pressure, nor shall it exceed it by more than 20 m/bar. The self-contained
air support system shall have provided visual indicators to indicate the pressure of the air supply
within the system at all times.
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fire-protected
The lifeboat, when waterborne shall be capable of protecting the number of persons it is permitted
to accommodate, when subjected to a continuous oil fire that envelops the lifeboat for a period of
not less than 8 minutes.

Water spray system A lifeboat that has fitted a water spray system shall comply with the following
(a) water for the system shall be drawn from the sea by a self-priming motor pump, and it shall be
possible to turn "on" and turn "off" the flow of water over the exterior of the lifeboat;
(b) the sea water intake shall be so arranged as to prevent the intake of flammable liquids from the
sea surface; and,
(c) the system shall be arranged to allow flushing with fresh water, and complete draining.

FREE-FALL LIFEBOAT
A free-fall lifeboat shall be totally enclosed. A lifeboat arranged for free-fall launching shall be so
constructed that it is capable of rendering protection against harmful accelerations resulting from being
launched when loaded with its complement and equipment, from at least the maximum height at which it is
designed to be stowed above the waterline with the ship in the lightest seagoing condition, under
unfavorable conditions of trim of up to 10° and with the ship listed not less than 20° either way.

Free fall lifeboat is similar to an enclosed lifeboat but the process of launching is entirely different. They are
aerodynamic in nature and thus the boat can penetrate the water without damaging the body when
launched from the ship. The free fall life boat is located at the aft of the ship, which provides a maximum
clear area for free fall.

CARGO SHIPS
Cargo ship other than oil tankers, chemical tankers shall carry:
one or more totally enclosed lifeboats
capacity on each side of the ship will accommodate the total number of persons on board

SOLAS Chapter III, Section III, Regulation 31/1.1

for cargo ships the capacity of the lifeboats is generally twice the number of persons on board
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PASSENGER SHIPS
Shall carry:
partially or totally enclosed lifeboats
capacity will accommodate not less than 50% of the total number of persons on board.
may permit the substitution of lifeboats by life rafts of equivalent total capacity provided that there
shall never be less than sufficient lifeboats on each side of the ship to accommodate 37.5% of the
total number of persons on board.

SOLAS Chapter III, Section II, Regulation 21/1.1

for passenger ships the capacity of the lifeboats is generally sufficient for every person on board

LIFEBOAT EQUIPMENT
buoyant oars

two boat-hooks

a buoyant bailer and two bucket

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a survival manual

compass

sea-anchor

painters
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two hatchet

dipper with lanyard

graduated drinking vessel

Water ration
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food ration

Pyrotechnics

electric torch

Heliograph
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copy of life-saving signals

one whistle

first-aid

anti-seasickness medicine
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jack-knife

tin-openers

rescue quoits

manual pump
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fishing tackle

tools for minor adjustments

Portable fire-extinguisher

Searchlight
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Radar reflector

Thermal protective aids

LIFE RAFTS
are floats made of wood ,metal ,rubber , or plastic enclosing hermitically sealed air space
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LIFE RAFT EQUIPMENT

1 buoyant rescue quoits
1 Knife
Buoyant bailer
2 sponges
2 sea anchors
2 buoyant paddles
3 tin-openers and a pair of scissors
three tin-openers an
one whistle
4 rocket parachute flares
6 hand flares
2 buoyant smoke signals
1 electric torch
radar reflector
1 daylight signaling mirror
1 copy of the life-saving signals
1 set of fishing tackle
food ration
fresh water
Graduated drinking vessel
anti-seasickness medicine
 Basic Training

instructions on how to survive

instructions for immediate action
Thermal protective aids

LAUNCHING METHOD OF LIFE RAFT

Throw Overboard Launch Life rafts
Float free Method Launch Life rafts
Davit Launch Life rafts

THROW OVERBOARD LAUNCH LIFE RAFTS

How to launch:
1. Release Manual slip hook
2. Made fast painter
3. Check area if clear and throw
4. Pull the painter until life raft inflates and pull it alongside.
Basic Training

FLOAT FREE METHOD LAUNCH LIFE RAFTS

Climb down the ship or installation side to the vicinity of the liferaft.
Step directly into the entrance of the raft if you are within about 2 meters range.
Do not attempt to jump into the liferaft from any greater height than this or you will probably injure
yourself on the buoyancy ring chambers of the liferaft.

RESCUE BOATS
is a boat designed to rescue persons in distress and to marshal survival craft.

Cargo ships shall carry at least one rescue boat .

Passenger ships of 500 gross tonnage and over shall carry at least one rescue boat
Passenger ships of less than 500 gross tonnage shall carry at least one rescue boat
 Basic Training

LIFEBOAT AS RESCUE BOAT

A lifeboat may be accepted as a rescue boat, provided that it and its launching and recovery
arrangements also comply with the requirements for a rescue boat.

PERSONAL LIFE-SAVING APPLIANCES

LIFEBUOYS
A ring shaped life preserver constructed of
inherently buoyant materials.
have an outer diameter of not more than 800
mm and an inner diameter of not less than
400 mm;
constructed of inherently buoyant material
capable of supporting not less than 14.5 kg of
iron in fresh water for a period of 24 hours
have a mass of not less than 2.5 kg
continue melting after being totally enveloped
in a fire for a period of 2 seconds
be constructed to withstand a drop into the water from the height at which it is stowed above the
waterline in the lightest seagoing condition or 30 m, whichever is the greater, without impairing
either its operating capability or that of its attached components;

MINIMUM REQUIRED LIFEBUOYS

SOLAS Chapter III, Part B/Regulation 7-1
distributed as to be readily available on both sides of the ship and as far as practicable on all open
decks extending to the ship’s side; at least one shall be placed in the vicinity of the stern; and
so stowed as to be capable of being rapidly cast loose, and not permanently secured in any way.
Each lifebuoy shall be marked in block capitals of the Roman alphabet with the name and port of
registry of the ship on which it is carried.

Cargo ships

Passenger ships
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ADDITIONAL EQUIPMENT ATTACHED TO LIFEBUOYS

Self-igniting lights
− cannot be extinguished by water
− white color
− luminous intensity of not less than 2 cd
− 50 flashes and not more than 70 flashes per min
− Works for a period of at least 2 hours

Self-activating smoke signals

− not ignite explosively or emit any flame
during the entire smoke emission time of
the signal
− be capable of withstanding the drop test
into the water from the height at which it
is stowed above the
− waterline in the lightest seagoing
condition or 30 m, whichever is the
greater, without impairing either its
− operating capability or that of its
attached components

Buoyant lifelines
− be non-kinking;
− have a diameter of not less than 8 mm;
and
− have a breaking strength of not less than
5 kN.

LIFEJACKETS
Lifejackets shall be so placed as to be readily accessible and their position shall be plainly indicated.
Requirements for lifejacket
− shall not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally enveloped in a fire for a
period of 2 seconds.
− at least 75% of persons, who are completely unfamiliar with the lifejacket, can correctly don
it within a period of one min without assistance, guidance or prior demonstration;
− after demonstration, all persons can correctly don it within a period of one minute without
assistance;
 Basic Training

− it is clearly capable of being worn in only one way or, as far as is

practicable, cannot be
donned incorrectly;
− it is comfortable to wear;
− it allows the wearer to jump from a height of at least 4.5 m into the
water without injury and
without dislodging or damaging the lifejacket.
− shall have buoyancy which is not reduced by more than 5% after
24h submersion in fresh water.

A lifejacket shall be provided for every person on board the ship.

a sufficient number of lifejackets shall be carried for persons on watch and for use at remotely
located survival craft stations. (Bridge, Engine room, Forecsatle)
if the adult lifejackets provided are not designed to fit persons weighing up to 140 kg and with a
chest girth of up to 1,750 mm, a sufficient number of suitable accessories shall be available on
board to allow them to be secured to such persons.

Lifejackets Carriage Requirements as Per SOLAS Chapter III, Part B, Regulation 7

ADDITIONAL FOR PASSENGER SHIPS

Lifejackets Carriage Requirements as Per SOLAS Chapter III, Part B, Regulation 7 paragraph 4
a number of lifejackets suitable for children equal to at least 10% of the number of passengers on board
shall be provided or such greater number as may be required to provide a lifejacket for each child;

With voyages less than 24 h, a number of infant lifejackets equal to at least 2.5% of the number of
passengers on board
With voyages 24 h or greater, infant lifejackets shall be provided for each infant on board;

TYPES OF LIFEJACKET
Inflatable
A lifejacket which depends on inflation for buoyancy.
Usually inflated by CO2.
Inflate automatically on immersion, be provided with a
device to permit inflation by a single manual motion
and be capable of being inflated by mouth
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Inherent buoyancy
Made of buoyant material which does not depend on
inflation for buoyancy.

LIFEJACKET EQUIPMENT
Flashing light with o.75cd. Which will last for 8 hours
Whistle firmly secured by a cord

IMMERSION SUITS
immersion suit/AES should be available to every person assigned to crew the rescue boat
for passenger and cargo ships with non-enclosed lifeboats at least three immersion suits/AES shall
be earned for each lifeboat
If the ship is constantly engaged in warm climates*
where, in the opinion of the Administration thermal
protection is unnecessary, this protective clothing
need not be carried.
An immersion suit which has buoyancy and is
designed to be worn without a lifejacket shall be
fitted with a light and the whistle complying with
the requirements for life-jackets. If the immersion
suit is to be worn in conjunction with a lifejacket,
the lifejacket shall be worn over the immersion
suit. A person wearing such an immersion suit
shall be able to don a lifejacket without assistance.
 Basic Training

ANTI-EXPOSURE SUIT (AES)

provides inherent buoyancy of at least 70 N;
is made of material which reduces the risk of heat stress during
rescue and evacuation operations;
covers the whole body with the exception of the head and hands
and, where the
Administration so permits, feet; gloves and a hood shall be provided
in such a manner as to remain available for use with the anti-
exposure suits;
can be unpacked and donned without assistance within 2 min;
does not sustain burning or continue melting after being totally
enveloped in a fire for a period of 2 seconds;
is equipped with a pocket for a portable VHF telephone;
Has a lateral field of vision of at least 120°.

THERMAL PROTECTIVE AIDS

it is a bag or suit made of water proof material with low thermal conductivity.

PYROTECHNICS
Hand Flares
− luminous intensity of not less than 15,000 cd
− burning period of not less than 1 min
− continue to burn after having been immersed for a
period of 10s under 100 mm of water
Basic Training

Rocket Parachute Flare

− luminous intensity of not less than 30,000 cd
− burning period of not less than 40 s
− rate of descent of not more than 5 m/s

Smoke Signal
− emit smoke not less than 3 min when floating in calm
water
− continue to emit smoke when submerged in water for
a period of 10 s under 100 mm of water.

Line Throwing Appliance

− not less than four projectiles each capable of carrying the line at least 230 m in calm
weather;
− not less than four lines each having a breaking strength of not less than 2 kN;
− have brief instructions or diagrams clearly illustrating the use of the line-throwing
appliance.
 Basic Training

MARINE EVACUATION SYSTEM

The Marine Evacuation Chute (MEC) System is the most efficient, easy-to-use, flexible, and cost-
effective Marine Evacuation System available in the world today. As a gravity launch system, the Marine
Evacuation System evacuates passengers and crew with the utmost safety in the shortest possible time.

Normally found on Passenger Ships.

SURVIVAL AT SEA

SURVIVAL
the state or fact of continuing to live or exist especially in spite of difficult conditions

DANGERS TO SURVIVORS
Health Hazard
− Immersion Foot- condition when the temperature of the tissues of the limbs remains sub
normal but above freezing for a long period.
− Hypothermia-lowering of body temperature due to exposure to cold air or water or a
combination of low temperature and wind.
− Frostbite- when tissue fluids freeze in localize areas of the body
− Heatstroke- response to heat characterized by extremely high body temperature and
disturbance of the sweating mechanism.
− Heat Exhaustion- response to heat characterized by fatigue, weakness and collapse duet to
inadequate intake of water to compensate for loss of fluid to sweating.

Environmental Hazard
Bad Weather/climate
Sea Creatures (sharks, sting rays, poisonous fish)
Other water hazards (toxic substances in the water)

Sea sickness - is a form of motion sickness characterized by a feeling of nausea and, in extreme cases,
vertigo, experienced after spending time on a craft on water.

Sea sickness symptoms:

− nausea
− vomiting
− pale skin
− dizziness
− cold sweat
− headache
− increased salivation
− fatigue
Basic Training

Behaviour - The more energy you use in cold water, the more your body cools off. If you cannot climb out
of the water, conserve body heat by remaining as still as possible and reducing the amount of your body
exposed to the water. Protect your critical heat loss regions: the head, sides, armpits, and groin. Do not
swim unless shore, a raft, or an overturned boat is nearby. Swimming accelerates heat loss. Remaining still
in the water increases your survival time. The Heat Escape Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.) can be used only
if you are wearing a personal flotation device.

Work/rest cycle - Plan to adjust work/rest schedules according to broadcast humidex or temperature
ratings. Plan heavy or outdoor work for early or late in the day.

SURVIVAL AT SEA
DEHYDRATION
Failure to maintain body fluids correctly
Drinking sea water
HYPOTHERMIA
is a medical emergency that occurs when your body loses heat faster than it can produce heat,
causing a dangerously low body temperature. Normal body temperature is around 98.6 F (37 C).
Occurs as your body temperature passes below 95 F (35 C).

Preventing hypothermia:
- Clothing - No cotton. When wet it is worthless as an insulator and heavy. Savvy outdoors
enthusiasts know that insulating critical heat loss regions (head and neck, sides of chest, armpits,
and groin) forestalls hypothermia, frostbite, or simple cold discomfort. Layering appropriate fabrics
helps preserve body heat.

- Flotation - Wear a personal flotation device (PFD). For the greatest protection against
hypothermia, insulate the critical regions of your body with specifically designed PFD. A vest PFD
offers more protection than a collar-type, and will improve your chances of survival. Insulated
flotation jackets protect more of your body than vest or collar-type PFDs. A hood protects the head
and neck area, and a removable seat panel reduces heat loss in the groin area.

- Behaviour - The more energy you use in cold water, the more your body cools off. If you cannot
climb out of the water, conserve body heat by remaining as still as possible and reducing the
amount of your body exposed to the water. Protect your critical heat loss regions: the head, sides,
armpits, and groin. Do not swim unless shore, a raft, or an overturned boat is nearby. Swimming
accelerates heat loss. Remaining still in the water increases your survival time. The Heat Escape
Lessening Posture (H.E.L.P.) can be used only if you are wearing a personal flotation device.

Preventing heat stroke:

- Drink plenty of water
- Work/rest cycle

PRIORITIES DURING SURVIVAL

Protection- is the ability to shield oneself from injury and exposure
Detection- you must be; seen and heard ;stay together
Sustenance- anything that will support or uphold life- courage and faith/ sense of humor
 Basic Training

Medical treatment –keep your medical skills current

General Health – physical and mental well being
Training and Preparation – training is not only part of preparation but could also give a person
strong psychological support under survival conditions

BEST USE OF SURVIVAL CRAFT FACILITIES

Your survival at sea depends upon:
Your knowledge and ability to use the available survival equipment.
Your special skills and ability to apply them to cope with the hazards you face.
Your will to live.

As a survivor on the open sea, you will face waves and wind. You may also face extreme heat or cold. To
keep these environmental hazards from becoming serious problems, take precautionary measures as soon
as possible. Use the available resources to protect yourself from the elements and from heat or extreme
cold and humidity.

Protecting yourself from the elements meets only one of your basic needs. You must also be able to obtain
water and food. Satisfying these three basic needs will help prevent serious physical and psychological
problems. However, you must know how to treat health problems that may result from your situation.

CLEARING THE SHIP’S SIDE

The period of launching is potentially one of the most hazardous that the boat and its crew will pass
through.

Once a surface is reached and the falls are about to be released (aft fall first) the floating blocks/linkage on
the end of the fall becomes a real danger to personnel inside the boat. This danger is increased
considerably if the sea conditions are “choppy” and if a swell is present, causing excessive, violent motion
of the boat.

The bow of the boat should be retained by the temporary painter and the engine should be operational. The
bowman should be employed constructively to bear away by means of the boathook, while the coxswain
should move ahead and away by pushing the tiller towards the ship’s side. Extreme care must be taken to
ensure that persons are sitting low down in the boat to avoid contact with the floating blocks, once
released.

As the boat clears the side, weight will be seen to come on to the painter and this should be slipped as
soon as possible once sea room is obtained so that the maneuver will keep the propeller clear of the
slipped painter.

It is always desirable that the mother ship should provide a “ lee” when a boat is launched. However, there
may be occasions when this is not possible.

Neither must it be assumed that the parent vessel is always stopped; it could very well have limited
“headway” when engaged on a launching operation.
Basic Training

How to get clear of the ships' side in a lifeboat

Using the engine
Oars

The painter is very useful during maneuvering to assist in clearing the ship’s side by pulling it.

using the paddle

using the sea anchor

WATER AND FOOD DISCIPLINE

Water should be drunk slowly. Holding water in the mouth and gargling before swallowing helps in keeping
the value of water

Issue rations after 24 hours except for injured and the children
Water should be issued at sunrise, midday and sunset
0.5L per person per day

OIL BURNING ON WATER SURFACE

Discard your shoes and buoyant life preserver.
Cover your nose, mouth, and eyes and quickly go underwater.
Swim underwater as far as possible before surfacing to breathe.
Before surfacing to breathe and while still underwater, use your hands to push burning fluid away
from the area where you wish to surface.
Once an area is clear of burning liquid, you can surface and take a few breaths. Try to face
downwind before inhaling.
Submerge feet first and continue as above until clear of the flames.

If you are in oil-covered water that is free of fire, hold your head high to keep the oil out of your eyes. Attach
your life preserver to your wrist and then use it as a raft.

SHARK INFESTED WATERS

Precautions:
− Stay with other swimmers. A group can maintain a 360-degree watch. A group can either frighten
or fight off sharks better than one man.
− Always watch for sharks. Keep all your clothing on, to include your shoes.
Historically, sharks have attacked the unclothed men in groups first, mainly in the feet. Clothing
also protects against abrasions should the shark brush against you.
− Avoid urinating. If you must, only do so in small amounts. Let it dissipate between discharges. If
you must defecate, do so in small amounts and throw it as far away from you as possible. Do the
same if you must vomit.

If a shark attack is imminent while you are in the water, splash and yell just enough to keep the
shark away

When you are in a raft and see sharks:

Do not fish. If you have hooked a fish, let it go. Do not clean fish in the water.
 Basic Training

Do not throw garbage overboard.

Do not let your arms, legs, or equipment hang in the water.
Keep quiet and do not move around.
Hit the shark with anything you have, except your hands.
Strike with an oar but be careful not to lose or break it.

Shark repellent
- any method of driving sharks away from an area. Shark repellents are a category of animal repellents.

USES OF SEA ANCHOR

Can be used to control the speed of boat
Can be used behind a towed vessel to maintain tension on the towing line.
Aid vessels in heaving to in heavy weather
Reduce the speed at which a vessel will drift with the wind
Provide directional control of boat in case of steering failure

DUTIES OF A LOOKOUT
The importance of a good lookout cannot be overstated. Remember, when in a life raft, you are so small
and the sea is so big that it is very easy for a search ship or plane to overlook you. An alert lookout will
make the difference in survival. Once you have sighted a rescue ship or aircraft, use these
Listen for whistle
Look for survivors
Look for signaling light
Look out for danger
Look for incoming rain or fish in area
Look for passing ship or aircraft

FACILITATING DETECTION BY OTHERS

Equipment that may aid in detectability and location of survival craft:
EPIRB
SART
Radar Reflector
VHF Radio
Basic Training

Whistle
Signaling mirrors
Pyrotechnics

DISTRESS SIGNALS

MAINTAIN GROUP MORALE DURING SEA SURVIVAL

Maintain positive attitude
Do some activities to cure depression
Have a strong determination and will to survive
Follow the group leader and cooperate

ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN ONBOARD A SURVIVAL CRAFT

Maneuver the survival craft - clear off the ship through the use of engine, oars and paddles.

Close up the access points - to restrict incoming water and protect from exposure / erect canopy of boats/
install canvass on open lifeboats to protect against cold and extreme heat

Stream the sea anchor - to reduce the risk of capsize and reduce the rate of drift.

Issue anti-sea-sickness pills - it is imperative that all survivors take the seasickness medication as soon
as practicable after boarding. Seasickness will incapacitate a person, and to be useful a survivor needs to
be both mentally and physically aware. Also helps prevent dehydration
 Basic Training

Post look-outs - establish a lookout on the exterior of the liferaft .The lookout should listen and watch for
other survivors and locate other survival craft if possible. An inside lookout should also be established to
continually check the buoyancy compartments of the liferaft and watch out for damage being accidentally
caused. The internal lookout can also keep a regular check on the condition of casualties.

Treat injured persons - the welfare of injured parties should be considered as soon as practicable, but not
to the detriment of the well-being of the life raft. Use of the first aid kit is limited to the prevailing conditions.

Dry out the survival craft - bale out loose from inside the life raft/lifeboat with balers provided. Employ one
or two sponges to mop up dregs.

Facilitate detection by others – through the use of signaling equipment and pyrotechnics

ACTIONS TO TAKE WHEN IN THE WATER

A person should never enter the water without a lifejacket
Immersion Suit, TPA, or anti-exposure suit should be worn as appropriate
Anything buoyant will help a survivor in the water

Pointers before jumping overboard:

have lifejacket securely tied on and hold down by crossing the arms over the chest
blocking off the nose and mouth with one hand
keep your feet together, check that it is all clear below;
look straight ahead and jump feet first
do not look down when jumping as it makes you unstable and likely to fall forward
do not jump into the boat or life raft
jump into the water as close as possible to the boat or raft

While waiting for rescue:

remain passive in the water
Do not swim
protect your airway from “wave slap”

MEANS OF SURVIVAL IN WATER

- H.E.L.P – Heat escape Lessening Posture
- Huddle to maintain body heat
Basic Training

HELP POSITION
bring your arms close to the side of your body
cross your ankles
keep your legs closed and pull your knees
hold your hands underneath the knee joints

HUDDLE POSITION
wrap your arms around each other form a circle facing the others
keep bodies as close as possible together
fill up the inner circle
do not change anymore

HUDDLE Position: if you are with more persons in the water the
Huddle position help in some cases (moral, injured persons,
etc)

HUDDLE position reduces heat loss by limiting the body surface

exposed to the water and helps SAR-units in locating you
swimming
 Basic Training

EMERGENCY RADIO EQUIPMENT

PORTABLE RADIO APPARATUS FOR SURVIVAL CRAFT

Two portable VHF transceivers for use in survival craft if under 500 GRT,
three if over 500 GRT. The portable radio use very height frequency band
for emission/reception communication between ship and survival crafts or
between survival crafts.

Channel 16 (156,8 MHz) are used as distress channel cover a distance

about 40 Nm. Another channel is used for normal communications.

The portable radio battery must be used 8 hours: 80% stand-by 10%
emission 10% reception / There must be a spare battery for each portable
radio

EMERGENCY POSITION-INDICATING RADIO BEACONS (EPIRBS)

is a safety device carried by a vessel to alert search and rescue
services and allow them to quickly locate you in the event of an
emergency.
− ready to be manually released and capable of being carried
by one person into a survival craft;
− capable of floating free if the ship sinks and of being
automatically activated when afloat(HRU when submerged
at least 4.5 meter under water)
− capable of being activated manually
Basic Training

Manual activation:
If vessel is not sinking but there is a imminent danger, then remove the EPIRB from its bracket and activate
it manually as show below. Note that once activated it will flash immediately, but it will not transmit a
distress call for 50 seconds. This give you a chance to turn it off if you activated it by error.

Automatic Activation

Hydrostatic activation:
If the ships sink, at about 4 m depth the hydrostatic release unit will free E.P.I.R.B. capsule and this will
float free starting transmission

Deactivation:
If the E.P.I.R.B. was activated by mistake or if the emergency ends then the E.P.I.R.B. can be reset back to
its “ready” state as follows:
− remove E.P.I.R.B. from any water and dry its sea switch contacts
− wait 8 seconds for sea switch to turn off
− if E.P.I.R.B. is still flashing then it must have been turned on manually
− slide the switch cover fully to the right
− press and release “READY” button

EMERGENCY POSITION-INDICATING RADIO BEACONS (EPIRBS)

What if an EPIRB is accidentally activated?
The most important thing to do is switch off the beacon and notify the Rescue Coordination Centre.

How does an EPIRB work?

406 MHz EPIRBs work with the Cospas-Sarsat polar orbiting satellite system, giving true global coverage.
There is an alert delay of about 45 minutes dependant on when the satellites come into view on the
horizon.

The satellite can determine the position of your EPIRB to within 5km (3 miles). The coded message
identifies the exact vessel to which the EPIRB is registered. This information allows the rescue services to
eliminate false alerts and launch an appropriate rescue.
 Basic Training

GPS-enabled EPIRBs have a built-in transmitter which will typically alert the rescue services within 3
minutes and to a positional accuracy of +/- 50 metres (updated every 20 minutes) given a clear view
skywards.

Some EPIRBs also have a secondary distress transmitter. This transmits on 121.5 MHz and is used for
"homing" purposes. When the rescue services get close, this allows them to direction find on the signal.
Some EPIRBs also have a high brightness LED flashing light that aids final visual location.

SEARCH & RESCUE TRANSPONDERS (SARTS)

is used to locate a survival craft or distressed vessel
by creating a series of dots on a rescuing ship's radar
display.
One SART if under 500 GRT, 2 SARTs if over 500
GRT.-demonstrate how they are activated
Located at the bridge
Basic Training

A SART will only respond to a 9 GHz X-band (3 cm wavelength) radar.

Activation:
- Remove the S.A.R.T. from it's container
- Pull the safety pin from the S.A.R.T.
- Check the RED light is on
- In onboard the vessel, try and get it as high as possible
- If in a Liferaft, mount it on top of the liferaft

What if a SART is accidentally activated?

− Switch off the SART immediately.
− Transmit a DSC Safety Alert on VHF CH 70
− Transmit a safety broadcast by RT on VHF CH 16 to all stations indicating your ID, position
and that you wish to cancel your false alert which was transmitted in error

Difference between SART & EPIRB

An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) is used to alert search and rescue
services in the event of an emergency.

SART the purpose is to allow other vessels in the vicinity to see your distress signal, so they can
come and help you.
 Basic Training

HELICOPTER ASSISTANCE
A helicopter may be used to supply equipment and rescue or evacuate persons.
Red - medical supplies and first-aid equipment
Blue - food and water
Yellow - blankets and protective clothing
Black - miscellaneous equipment such as stoves, axes, compasses, cooking utensils, etc.

COMMUNICATING WITH THE HELICOPTER

It is important that information is exchanged between the vessel and helicopter, and that it is
understood.
A direct radio link should be established between ship and helicopter. This is usually accomplished
by having the helicopter equipped with a marine VHF FM radio able to transmit and receive on at
least Channel 16 and preferably on two other simplex working frequencies.
The exchange of information and instructions about rendezvous positions, etc., may be established
through shore-based radio stations.
Unless other arrangements have been agreed upon in advance, the ship should monitor VHF
Channel 16 for the arrival of the helicopter.
When the helicopter is equipped for DF, it can identify the ship and home on it by using the ship's
radio transmission on an agreed frequency.

EVACUATION FROM SHIP & SURVIVAL CRAFT

When evacuating from ship this should be kept in mind.
Clear area – Get clear of any obstruction. Secure anything that might be blown away. Never go
near the after part of the helicopter as the propeller might hit you
Lighting Obstruction – Such as Mast and funnel light at night may distract helicopter crew.
Search light is provided in the helicopter
Fire-fighting equipment ready – explains the need to have a pick-up space on the ship which is
clear of masts, rigging and other impediments

Precautions against being turned over in a life raft by the helicopter ground effect:
Maintain balance in the life raft
Deflate the life raft canopy
Basic Training

EQUIPMENT FOR HELICOPTER PICK-UP

Rescue Sling
Rescue Basket
Rescue Litter/Stretcher
Rescue Net
Rescue Seat

RESCUE SLING
The most widely used means for evacuating persons is the rescue sling.
Slings are suited for quickly picking up uninjured persons, but are unsuitable for persons with
injuries.

DOUBLE LIFT METHOD

This method is suitable for pick-up of
incapacitated persons from land, water, or
the deck of a vessel; if they are not injured
badly enough so that a litter has to be used.
The helicopter crewmember puts the person
into the sling and conducts the wincing
operation.
 Basic Training

RESCUE BASKET
To use the basket, the person merely climbs in, remains seated and holds on.

RESCUE LITTER/STRETCHER
Injured persons will in most cases be disembarked by means of a rescue litter.

RESCUE NET
The rescue net has a conical "bird cage" appearance
and is open on one side.
To use the net the person merely enters the opening,
sits in the net, and holds on.
Basic Training

RESCUE SEAT
The rescue seat looks like a three-pronged anchor with two flat flukes or seats.
Persons to be hoisted merely sit astride on one or two of the seats and wrap their arms around the
shank.
This device can be used to winch two persons at once.

HAND AND ARM SIGNALS FOR SAFE LIFTING

Hoist - Arm raised above horizontally – thumbs up
Do not hoist - Arms extended horizontally – fists clenched

CORRECT USE OF HELICOPTER HARNESS

The person using the sling must face the hook. Hands should be clasped in front as shown.
The sling is put on in much the same way as
one puts on a coat, ensuring that the loop of the
sling passes behind the back and under both
armpits.
The person must not sit in the sling, nor should
the sling be unhooked.
 Basic Training

REMEMBER!
obey instructions given by helicopter pilot or deputy
It is always the decision of the pilot on how the operation should be carried out
Basic Training