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| Beloved Dog Lost |
A beloved Great Dane named Tiger was trapped on a boat as it sank at Pier 4 in Toronto, as his owner and fellow boaters looked on helplessly. Pier 4 dock master for 17 years, Helmut Dressler, and Tiger, were sleeping in his 32-foot Chris Craft when it began taking on water early in the morning. "I woke up in water," said Dressler, 64, who managed to get off the boat while Tiger was caught in the cabin. Other boaters, Toronto Fire Services and the police marine unit could not keep the craft from submerging."Never mind the boat, I lost my dog," Dressler said, still in shock over the tragedy."He was like family to everybody here." Carla De Olivera, a security supervisor for Harbourfront Security, said the loss is difficult for everyone who knew Tiger. "He was like a monument. `He would walk around (the docks) and do his own thing," she said. "He was very loyal to Helmut. That was his family, his one and only family."
Neighbouring boater Lex, who did not want his last name used, said he was awoken at 4:15 a.m. to sounds of commotion and banging. |
| Before You Head Out |
| MOST PEOPLE DON'T PROPERLY EQUIP THEIR BOATS BEFORE HEADING ON THE WATER, WHICH CAN LEAD TO INJURY OR EVEN DEATH IF AN EMERGENCY SITUATION ARISES |
"One minute you can be out there on a beautiful day and all of a sudden rain rolls in, the winds pick up and the next thing you know you're out there in 2 metre waves," says Constable Richard Baker of the Toronto Police Marine Unit. In an emergency, you will likely get back to shore safely if you have the right equipment on board including:
You should also have on board:
Make sure automatic bilge pumps and alarm systems are in top condition and operating correctly before you embark. Test your bilge pumps by switching from the automatic to manual position on the bilge pump switch and check to see whether the pumps are operating. |
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| Maritime distress flag. |
| Person Overboard! |
The first action to take when discovering a person overboard is to quickly alert the vessel operator by shouting 'Man Overboard!' and assign a crew member/passenger to keep a visual on the P.O.B. and to continuously point (with their hand) toward the P.O.B. so that the operator is aware of the P.O.B.'s location at all times. Throw a life ring to the person to further assist in spotting and to help keep the person afloat. As soon as the operator is aware that a person has entered the water, s/he should immediately reduce speed and come about (around) the person overboard. Always come from downwind, or into/against the waves to avoid drifting into/over the P.O.B. When coming alongside, apply a small amount of rudder in the direction of the P.O.B. The reason for doing this is to direct the vessels bow toward and propellers away from the person overboard and further avoid injury. When alongside, stop the engine and assist the person aboard. To retrieve the person from the water, use buoyant heaving lines and life buoys. Prevent persons falling overboard by not allowing anyone on board to:
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| Capsizing and Swamping |
Capsizing is when a vessel turns on its side or turns completely over. Swamping is when a vessel fills with water.To reduce the risk of capsizing or swamping, follow these rules:
If you should capsize or swamp your vessel, or if you have fallen out and can't get back in, stay with the vessel. Your swamped vessel will signal that you are in trouble. Use other devices available (visual distress signals, horn, mirror) to signal for help. Take a head count. Reach, throw, row or go to anyone in distress. If the vessel remains afloat, try to reboard. If the vessel is overturned or swamped, hang onto it. It will support you, saving loss of energy from treading water. If possible, climb onto the bottom of an overturned vessel. It is important to get as much of your body as possible out of cold water. If the vessel sinks or floats away, don't panic.If you are wearing a PFD, make sure it is securely fastened, remain calm and wait for help. If you aren't wearing a PFD, look for one floating in the water or other buoyant items (coolers, oars or paddles, decoys, etc.) to use as a flotation device. Make sure others are wearing PFDs or have a buoyant item. If there is no other means of support, then you may have to tread water or simply float. In cold water, float rather than tread to reduce hypothermia. |
| Running Aground |
A vessel is grounded (runs aground) when it gets stuck on the bottom. Never assume that water is deep enough just because you are away from the shore. Also, don't presume that all shallow hazards will be marked by a danger buoy. If you run aground while traveling at a high speed, the impact not only can cause damage to your vessel but injury to you and your passengers. Knowing your environment is the best way to prevent running aground. Become familiar with the locations of shallow water and submerged objects before you go out. Be aware that the location of shallow hazards will change as the water level rises and falls. Learn to read a chart to determine your position and the water depth. If you run aground, check for leaks. If the impact did not cause a leak, follow these steps to try to get loose: Don't put the vessel in reverse. Instead, stop the engine and lift the outdrive. Check to make sure your vessel is not taking on water. Shift the weight to the area farthest away from the point of impact. Try to shove off from the rock, bottom or reef with a paddle or boathook. If this fails, use your visual distress signals to flag down help from another vessel. Call for assistance using your VHF marine radio. |
| In Case of Fire |
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Many vessels have burned to the water line needlessly.
To help prevent a fire:
If fire erupts while your vessel is underway, immediately stop the vessel and have everyone who is not wearing a PFD put one on. Once everyone has been accounted for, follow these steps: RESTRICT the fire:
If unable to control the fire, prepare to abandon ship. |
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| Fire can engulf a boat in moments, leaving the occupants with very little time to collect themselves and abandon shi |
| Collisions |
A boat collision is when your boat collides with another boat or with a fixed or floating object such as a rock, log, bridge or dock.Collisions can cause very serious damage, injury or even death. Collisions are becoming more common due to faster vessels and increased traffic on our waterways. It is every boat operator's responsibility to avoid a collision. Operators should:
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| Use Your Distress Signals |
As per the Collision Regulations, with Canadian Modifications, a Distress Signal is:
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| Dye marker indicatess your position to aerial searchers. |
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| While a capsized boat is not generally a cause for major concern, it can still be a dangerous situation if the water is cold and those on board are far from rescue. Knowing how to right your capsized sailboat will minimize the risk of injury and damage to your boat. |
| In An Emergency... |
Do you know what to do in an emergency in order to save yourself and your loved ones? Whether you're in a canoe or a houseboat, unexpected situations can arise putting everyone on board at risk. Know what situations you may encounter on the water and how to handle them safely and calmly. Practice safety drills, so that in the case of emergency, you will be prepared! |
| Sail Plan |
Small vessel operators are encouraged to file a sail plan with a responsible person on shore, such as a person from their corporate office or a local marina, before heading out. If this is not possible, a sail plan can be filed with any Canadian Coast Guard Marine Communications and Traffic Services Centre by telephone, radio, or in person. A sail plan is a voyage itinerary that includes travel route and basic details about your vessel. For long voyages, it is recommended that you file a daily position report, especially if your planned route or schedule has changed. Be sure to deactivate the sail plan you have filed by reporting that you have returned or completed your trip to avoid an unwarranted search for your vessel. The person holding your sail plan should be instructed to contact the Rescue Coordination Centre if you are overdue. |
| Rough Expedition Ends in Tragedy |
The search for two men missing off the northwestern coast of Oregon after a charter fishing boat carrying 19 people capsized in high surf ended unsuccessfully and was called off a week after it had begun. Barry Sundberg of Cheney, Washington, and Tim Albus of Madras, Oregon, are presumed dead in the accident that claimed nine other people. The 32-foot Taki Tooo capsized when a large wave swept over its side as it slipped into the Pacific Ocean by way of a narrow channel cut through the bar that separates Tillamook Bay from the larger body. Eight people were taken to Tillamook County General Hospital, where seven were treated and released. One person was hospitalized overnight in stable condition. A small craft advisory was in effect when the Taki Tooo set sail but the charter was allowed to sail anyway. Ten- to 15-foot swells broke over the narrow bar Saturday morning as the Taki Tooo left the bay, Juarez said. Master Chief Lars Kent, the officer in charge of the Coast Guard at Tillamook Bay, said the vessel carried enough life jackets for everyone, but he noted that neither passengers nor crew are required to wear them while moving out from shore. The boat's captain, Doug Davis of Garibaldi, Oregon, was among the fatalities. Willy Rogers, a commercial fisherman, arrived at the scene moments after the boat capsized. "Bodies laying on the beach, people dragging bodies on the beach," Rogers said. "There were two kids in life jackets -- they survived." Mick Buell, the boat's owner, told the AP the boat flipped so quickly the passengers probably didn't have time to jump clear. |
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| The Taki Tooo fishing boat capsized in rough waters, killing 11 and injuring several others. |
| Breakdowns, Hull Leaks and Flooding |
In the event of a breakdown while cruising, the boater should be aware of the following actions:
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| Severe Weather |
The big waves and heavy winds brought on by severe weather often results in unprepared boats becoming unstable. Of all accident types, founderings and capsizes caused by a loss of stability are the most likely to lead to a fatality on the water. Many of these accidents could have been avoided if operators took the necessary precautions and observed the warning signs. |
| What to Do if Caught in Foul Weather: |
Have everyone put on a life jacket or PFD. If a PFD is already on, make sure it is properly secured. Keep a sharp lookout for other vessels and floating debris. If there is fog, sound your fog horn. If your vessel has more than one fuel tank, switch to a “full” fuel tank. Head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach. If already caught in a storm, it may be best to ride it out in open water rather than try to approach the shore in heavy wind and waves. Reduce speed and head the bow into the waves at a 45-degree angle. PWC's should head directly into the waves. Close all hatches, windows, etc. to reduce the chance of swamping. Reduce speed, but keep enough power to maintain headway and steering. Proceed with caution, watching for debris, shoals or stumps. Seat passengers on the bottom of the vessel, close to the centerline. Seek shelter in advance of a storm to minimize the danger of having your vessel struck by lightning. If caught on open water during a thunderstorm, stay low in the middle of the vessel. If there is lightning, disconnect all electrical equipment. Stay as clear of metal objects as possible. Secure loose items. Have emergency gear ready. Keep bilges free of water. Be prepared to remove water by bailing. If the engine stops, drop anchor from the bow. If you have no anchor, use a “sea anchor,” which is anything (a bucket on a line, a tackle box) that will create drag, hold the bow into the wind, and reduce drifting while you ride the storm out. Without power, most powerboats will turn stern to the wind and waves, and could be more easily swamped. |
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| Getting caught in rough waters can quickly become a dangerous situation. Pay attention to weather forecasts and use your common sense when deciding if it's safe to go out. |
| Abandon Ship! |
The decision to abandon ship is usually very difficult. In some instances, people have perished in their life raft while their abandoned vessel managed to stay afloat. Other cases indicate that people waited too long to successfully get clear of a floundering boat. Once the decision is made:
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| Call for Help |
YOUR BEST CHANCE FOR SURVIVING AN EMERGENCY SITUATION IS TO SUMMON HELP AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. KNOW THE PROPER EMERGENCY PROCEDURES TO ENSURE THAT YOU ARE RESCUED IN TIME! There are many ways to initiate a distress call. A distress call can be signalled by visual or audio means, by the spoken words MAYDAY by radiotelephone (Marine VHF), by Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons (EPIRB), or even by Cellular Telephone. Distress calls should be made on Channel 16 (156.8 MHz) VHF. The basic calling procedure is:
After transmitting MAYDAY, stand by on Channel 16 for a reply, and if no reply is given, repeat the message as required. If you need assistance, but are in no immediate danger, (i.e.: you can't start your motor to get back to shore and the weather conditions are good), use Channel 16 and repeat 'PAN PAN' three times, then give the name of your vessel, your position, and the nature of your problem and what assistance is required.
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Windsurfing is a fun and exciting summer sport, but it can be difficult and dangerous for beginners. Your best bet for avoiding injury is to take lessons from a professional and wear your safety gear |
| Windsurfing Wisely |
Heed this advice on how to stay safe while slicing through the waves Windsurfing is a popular sport that puts you at one with the wind and the water. All you have to do is make sure you don't also become at one with the emergency room.< Here are some guidelines for safe windsurfing: First, like any sailor, windsurfers should study local water conditions and wind patterns, and pick a locale that matches their ability. Beginning windsurfers should stick to protected waters, and watch for unexpected winds that can pick up quickly on a small lake or river. Check wind direction. Listen to weather reports. When in doubt, don't go out. Before you sail, practice unrigging and furling, or rolling up, the sail while on the water. This is so that if the winds become too strong when sailing, you can furl the sail, take down the mast and center it on the board while you paddle to safety. Beware of other boat traffic. The Coast Guard considers a sailboard a vessel and its operator responsible for obeying the rules of the waterways, so windsurfers can be fined for violations. Stay out of the way of other boats, especially big vessels that can't stop or turn quickly if you sail across their bows. Be cautious, too, around high-powered motorboats. The two most common injuries sustained in windsurfing are head injuries from the falling rig of the sailboard, and ankle and foot injuries from getting your foot stuck in the foot straps on the board. If you capsize, try to protect your head with your arms and make sure the foot strap is loose enough to release your foot |
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| Continuous sounding of foghorn, bell or whistle indicates distress, as well as a gun or explosive sounded at 1 minute intervals. |
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| S.O.S, (dot-dot-dot, dash-dash-dash, dot-dot-dot) is the universal sign of distress |
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| This signal indicates a need for assistance. |
Locate the source of the leak/flood