South of Heaven
Guru
- Joined
- May 11, 2017
- Messages
- 1,167
- Location
- USA
- Vessel Name
- Slow Lane
- Vessel Make
- 2005 Silverton 35 Motoryacht
On Hobo, the forward hatch is over the bed but it is still too high to pull ourselves up and out. We never really thought much about it till the Conception sank. As a suggested on the Forum, we bought a collapsable ladder for $70. As with all our safety gear, hopefully we’ll never need it.
Where did you get it?
This post makes a very good point.
I think the point about ensuring adequate egress from all cabins is often overlooked on many pleasure boats.
This post makes a very good point.
Until now I had the attitude that I'm guessing many had... this situation is a terrible example of what can go wrong on a commercial vessel and something should be done so it doesn't happen again. What took way to long for me is that it applies equally to recreational vessels!
I feel bad that as a volunteer USPS Vessel Safety Examiner, I didn't make the recreational boater connection sooner and without this posts provocation.
Thanks guys... I got the message now and will take some appropriate action to pass it on the fellow examiners to include with their other discussion items with owners.
Many experienced boater, even many here on TF, are pretty vocal about how useless USPS / USCG Aux Vessel Safety Checks are and that would not allow a VSE aboard. I think some of these safety related discussion are possibly more important that simply checking whether boat owners carry the required equipment. The discussions helps encourage the proper mindset re: safety vs just having the right equipment to avoid a summons and fine. Safety goes WAY beyond just having the right equipment.
THANKS AGAIN
I think the point about ensuring adequate egress from all cabins is often overlooked on many pleasure boats. I used to keep my dink on davits over my forward hatch. After it was pointed out here on TF that my egress was now restricted, I devised plan B for dink storage on the swimstep.
My fwd steps are held in a latch, not hinged, so they can be repositioned and used to assist in exiting thru the fwd hatch.
I wander if I can push hard enough to rip the canvas cover that is holding my hatch from opening . Maybe I should move the snaps to above the base
To me there were really a few key issues that should have been addressed:
4) The vessel owner should have never placed a bunk below the auxilliary escape hatch. That should have been an open space with a vertical ladder and adequate lighting, along with a safety debriefing that advised of its location and use.
#4 is really key, as it is my understanding that most didn't know that hatch was there, or how to find it in the dark and smoke.
So what are Olebird's PSA rules for boating:
Always safety brief new guest and crew and expect a brief from Capt on unfamiliar vessels.
Demo & locate fire & CO alarms, engine shut down, First aid kits, fire extinguishers, Life jackets, smoke hoods, hatchet, and radio DSC operations (helm and hand held). Explain whistles and flash lights on PFD's. Bilge pump manual switches
Brief on emergency exits, fire fighting at the dock and on open water. What to tell 911 if you need help - XXX Marina - 100 Lake view Rd "E" dock slip 19 - access code is 123 (briefing card back pocket of helm seat - with CPR instructions) request alert State Troupers and fire department to launch safety and fireboats asap) - dry stand pipe on the dock. How to disconnect shore power lines safely
Know who can and cannot swim! Know who requires glasses or contacts to see (or legally blind - wife) Brief on throw ring, what to do and expect if you are forced into the water. Rally point if separated. Main electrical panel. Dock side main power breaker/disconnect Electrocution hazard of water around dock.
Agreed - "Bad Captain" assumes facts not in evidence or unknowable motives. It also suggests accountability rest with a single individual. I strongly believe accountability rest with nearly everyone involved - divers, crew, captain, owners and regulators. We should not contribute to scape goating the captain.
How about "Avoiding another Conception Tragedy - 34 SOB RIP"