Rescue services or self help - Results

[roly_voya]

About 100 replies of which just over half had called for assistance and only a very low number of these where at mayday level (13%). 43% where assised by other boats and the other 57% by the rescue services but this may not be accurate as only half the people who responded indicated which. On the last question over 3/4 of rrespondents had given assistance which probably reflects a reletevly high level of experience among forum users.
Some interesting comments but will not attempt to summerise them.

From this I think it suggests that when looking at rescue kit we should bear in mind that we are far more likely to use it to rescue someone else that for our own salvation and that it is more likely that a 'rescue' will involve everyday vessels rather than designated rescue services though not by a huge margin. I think this may have implications for equipment/training in that the current emphasis is very much on self help/summoning help rather that giving assistance but its nice to know lots of people to do it. In my own case last season I helped someone who had gone aground, no danger to life but possibly some to the boat. The main thing I provided apart from tea and simpathy was a decent set of portable lights, sometimes it is the simple things that make a difference! Anyway thank to those who responded and hope it was interesting.

 

[alan006]

I had an old pilot boat which I have since sold and often was waved at by boaters on the river who were in minor difficulties. I asked one of them why he had waved at me in particular when some new boats had just passed him.
He explained that as mine was a traditional old boat I was probably always doing running repairs to her and so was very likely to have a large toolkit onboard.
Infact he was quite right I was always having to fix something or other. However I think these days most boats carry a good selection of tools and sundries for repairs.

 

[Oldhand]

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About 100 replies of which just over half had called for assistance and only a very low number of these where at mayday level (13%).

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13% at mayday level "a very low number"?! That's 13% in imminent and life threatening danger, not just calling out the "AA". A very disturbing number IMHO. I suggest an analysis on the basis of anyone who goes to sea on a boat should take every possible step not ot require outside assistance is required.

 

[mixmaster]

Just to play devils advocate. Are there are other reasons besides imminent and threatening danger for calling assitance? For example, running aground where the boat is likely to be destroyed but the crew are safe (close to land). What's the opinion out there.

 

[Shorn100]

Yes - engine failure in a position that does not put you in grave and imminent danger. In theory, one of the main reasons for a PanPan call.

Non life threatening or unknown medical problem - broken arm, stomach pains? etc Although consideration needs to be given to Shock.

Dismasting - possibly - depending on conditions

Steering failure

Unsure of position?

None of these are Mayday situations but do require assistance.

Shorn

 

[SunyBay]

Well, depending on the circumstances, they may not need outside assistance.

For instance, to expand on Shorn100's examples:

#1 - engine failure. If you are in a sailing boat with a decent wind and a competent crew and have a harbour nearby that you can sail into, there's nothing stopping you from sailing into the harbour and anchoring. And perhaps then you could find out what was wrong with your engine, assuming it didn't require a major overhaul (I'm always of the opinion that a sailor should have a basic understanding of how an engine works and the basics of how to fix it, because after all, the emergency services can't get to you instantly.).

#2 - something like a broken arm or stomach pains or something else that isn't lifethreatening. If the person in question isn't an integral part of the crew, or if the rest of the crew can sail the boat without them, and the boat isn't too far from a port, then probably getting into harbour would be just as easy.

#3 - dismasting is much more serious, as this tends to happen when the weather is rubbish! (Although I do know of one instance on a friend's boat when it wasn't.) This would entirely depend on the circumstances, as if the debris can be cleared and the boat powered by engine without any danger of the propellor getting fouled, then they could limp into port without a huge amount of bother (although it would probably be uncomforable!).

#4 - steering failure is pretty much something you have to call for help for, unless you fancy the idea of leaping over the side to fix your rudder. Although I suppose if it is a problem that could be fixed from somewhere on the boat, then perhaps that would help. However, this would definitely be a circumstance when I'd call the Coastguard, who would get a lifeboat out at least to escort you into port, just in case you needed a tow!

#5 - being unsure of your position doesn't really require a Pan Pan. That's definitely extreme! It would be much easier to call the Coastguard and ask them to give you a couple of DF bearings from their aerials. Assuming that you had been plotting your position as you've been sailing, and you know how fast you've been going etc, that combined with your DR position should give you some idea. And landmarks should help. (Assuming it's not foggy, in which case, just go very carefully!)

My point in all this is that really I don't believe that sailors should rely on the RNLI and the Coastguard too much. If you can help yourself, you'll be better off. Also, the lifeboats can't get to you instanteously, and their solution might not be the one you were expecting! It's also worth noting that the lifeboat is not obliged to come out to you unless life is in danger. They almost always will, but if circumstances dictate that they are needed somewhere else, they will go and leave you to fend for yourself.

My parents always seem to be involved in rescuing other people (possibly something to do with owning an ex-lifeboat!). Certainly I would agree that as a sailor, you are probably more likely to help someone else than get into trouble yourself (assuming you are an experienced sailor who uses common sense!). HOwever, most modern boats just aren't equipped to be a rescue boat (and I'm not referring to the equipment onboard, but rather to the design of the vessel itself). This has to be taken into consideration when helping other people. You don't want to get into trouble yourself because you didn't think the plan through!

In my experience, a lot of people call for help when they really shouldn't need it, if they didn't panic and had enough experience to sort it out themselves. Sailing a boat involves a lot of different things that can wrong, and it's not like driving car: you can't just pull onto the hard shoulder and get out!

 

[gandy]

[ QUOTE ]
Just to play devils advocate. Are there are other reasons besides imminent and threatening danger for calling assitance? For example, running aground where the boat is likely to be destroyed but the crew are safe (close to land). What's the opinion out there.

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My understanding is that Mayday is appropriate if the vessel is in serious danger, even if life is not. Maybe someone has the exact wording to hand.

 

[SunyBay]

The exact wording is that a distress situation exists (and that refers to a Mayday situation only) when: "a vessel or person on board is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance".

Frankly, I can't see how a vessel can be in serious danger and the people on board not be!!