Sea survival.

[Solitaire]

I always read the MAIB reports as there is often some very useful stuff which helps broaden knowledge.

I have just been reading the report of an MOB fatality from a yacht. Of particular interest is page 23 and the relevance of spray hoods. The rest of the report also makes sobering reading. Particularly the need to read flare firing instructions before having to use them in an emergency. I wonder how many buy a flare pack and never open it!

The number of times I've done courses on people's own boats and when I've opened the flare box, it's still stuffed full of the polystyrene packing bits.

It is always advisable to read what it says on the side of a flare before it may be needed in an emergency.

The report

 

[fireball]

Whats wrong with the polystyrene packing bits ? - it stops them knocking around in the tub ....

 

[Alrob]

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"I wonder how many buy a flare pack and never open it!"

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Guilty as charged

will read instructions at weekend

 

[rickp]

Surely the big leather gauntlets do that just as effectively?

Rick

 

[fireball]

Doesn't stop them bouncing on the bottom of the drum ... I don't expect much damage anyway, but I couldn't see the point in throwing away the inside packaging just for the sake of it... unless someone has a good reason?

 

[jhr]

I agree - mine still have the packaging inside as well; can't see a reason not to retain it.

I've read the instructions - but not recently. /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif. Nor have I explained how they work to my crew /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif

 

[Solitaire]

Getting that stuff out would be a pain in the dark. It makes a mess and there is a lot of it! Why not put a bit of foam in the base of the container, plus a welders glove or a gardening glove would prevent the flares rolling about. Note that in the report it said that the owner burnt his hands and was unable to fire the remaining flares. Remember that it may be fine doing a drill, but life is not always that easy.

 

[Phoenix of Hamble]

I have to say, adding a welders glove the flare box was one of the best bits of advice i've had on here.......

 

[old_salt]

May I add the glove should be of the long "Gauntlet" type.
it will give more protection of the fore arms.
In the days of club sailing with Barclays bank Alec Newbury who some on the Solent may know of would go though all the safety procedures before setting off every time, and always a MOB drill at the first opportunity sail and motor.

 

[gjgm]

a while back I was at a RNLI chartity do, where I ended up participating in a (white)flare demo. Pretty alarming, even on a jetty in good weather. This thing is DAMN hot, with molten lava type foam spewing put of it , and there is no way to put it out. I can well imagine the severe damage it could do, used in less perfect conditions. Heavy duty glove was the first thing I next put on the boat. Pretty scary device, believe me, if you havent used one.

 

[sarabande]

[ QUOTE ]
Heavy duty glove was the first thing I next put on the boat. Pretty scary device, believe me, if you havent used one.

[/ QUOTE ]

The RYA will now probably do Glove Training courses: shorebased, then a practical exam.

Powerskipper has details.

 

[tazzle]

Welders gloves now ordered - at £3.20 a pair delivered from here it's nonsense to wait

Thanks for the heads up all.

 

[Vanilla]

Many Happy Returns! /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

 

[Solitaire]

[ QUOTE ]
Welders gloves now ordered - at £3.20 a pair delivered from here it's nonsense to wait

Thanks for the heads up all.

[/ QUOTE ]

Good value! I've just ordered a couple of pairs for boats we are coding.

 

[davedpc]

£3.20 a pair ! ! ! Being a bit tight can I team up with someone who is left handed? Dave.