RYA sea survival

[powerskipper]

who has done the course?

what did you think of it?

I did the course and throughly enjoyed it, jumping in a pool and trying to get into a life raft was a real eye opener.

Has anyone on here had to do it for real?

 

[studgies]

ooh, Jim is doing it tommorrow!! He has got a stinking cold so I think I may ask if I can go along to watch!!

 

[leadersail]

Capsized twice.
Sank once

Never had a Life Raft back then but have one now !

RYA course not done.

 

[mirage]

I did it about a year ago, it was great fun & I learnt some valuable & not obvious lessons.

 

[leadersail]

When you say pool, is it heated ?

The most valuable thing I learned was the ice cold water froze my entire body.

I am a good swimmer, a mile in a pool is not a problem but in the sea it is different

If you imagine a ratchet strap being tightened around your chest and when you try to move it is like wearing a suit of concrete.

Outside of August and September I think you need to wear drysuits or a life jacket wouldn't do you a lot of good, I am not sure if I could climb out of the water into a liferaft in cold water.

 

[powerskipper]

yes, it was a pool, I have been in cold water, and you are right it literally takes your breath away.

 

[Ocean_Driver]

I did the course some years ago. Luckily in a flat and heated Med pool!
I've been in the professional game for 25 years, and the only time I ever felt getting into a liferaft was likely to happen, I also knew there would not be a living hope in hell of actually achieving it! Imagine, dark night, force 11, and 7 mtr rolling breakers..........don't do it!

 

[powerskipper]

you could take some photoes HEHE

 

[office_sailor]

I've done the commerical version - a real eye opener and worth doing. Jumping in the water from a height wearing a life jacket is interesting. Righting a life raft and trying to get it in alone, in a darkened pool, with some git spraying you in the face with an ice cold hose, highlights the problems with liferafts. Glad I've never done it for real.


Edit for typo

 

[Renegade_Master]

I had to do it back in May, got really hot in wetsuit and life jacket standing at edge of pool about 28c, finally got to jump in the pool (also about 28c)

Mind you would not want to be in sea for several hours, even out here

 

[Nautical]

Did the commercial thingy a few years ago with some military bods, not a fun experience. We all thought we had finished the course and were getting changed in the locker rooms when all of a sudden all the lights went out, bells and sirens started going and over the tanouy ' Abandon Ship, Abandon ship' had to scramble in the pitch black to get our dry suits back on and L/jackets race to the top gantry over the pool where some other instructors had the fire hoses on us then jump in from about 25' to icy water (wave machine was doing its stuff) and try and get into the liferaft. Must have swallowed a gallon of water and near had a heart attack.

What I had'nt reckoned on was how the cold affected me so quick, I was the last one into the liferaft and I was useless I could'nt move my arms or legs, had to be dragged in by the scruff of the neck.

I just hope that I never ever have to do it for real.

A very valid point one of the instructors made, never ever get off a ship or boat that is still floating (unless its on fire or just about to sink) lots of peeps have never been seen again because they abandoned their boat too quick, boat found several days later still afloat but nobody on board.

 

[D3B]

I take it thats a recommendation to do one /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

Will need to investigate when it gets a bit warmer /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

But think it is a good idea

 

[studgies]

he would kill me, currently he is feeling very sorry for himself so looks like a good time to kick him while he is down!! :OP

I am ment to be doing chrimbo shopping while he is on the course but I am easily distracted!

 

[timgriffin]

Done commercial and leisure both a great laugh /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
Hope never have to use the knowledge though

 

[Solitaire]

I'd better keep an eye on him tomorrow then - I'll be in the water all the time in case of problems!

 

[timgriffin]

The tune of Baywatch is playing in my head as Lifeguard Dave is running along the beach /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[whisper]

Yup, did it about 4yrs ago and it made a real impression.
Would dread to think how hard it would be to right and get into a liferaft in "real" conditions. Will try to avoid at all cost /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif
Very educational and highly recommended.

 

[Solitaire]

[ QUOTE ]
The tune of Baywatch is playing in my head as Lifeguard Dave is running along the beach /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Well lucky old you!! /forums/images/graemlins/cool.gif

 

[studgies]

I have checked our insurance, what is it worth for you to turn a blind eye? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Solitaire]

[ QUOTE ]
I have checked our insurance, what is it worth for you to turn a blind eye? /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

LOL - now steady! /forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif