Emergency Procedures

Woody Point Yacht Club – Emergency Procedures

Each boat should prepare an emergency procedures plan which is specific to their vessel as each boat differs in its operation. This checklist is to provide some guidance to boat crews when preparing their Emergency Procedure, which should be documented and displayed in a prominent position.

In Case of Emergency:

  1. Establish if anyone is injured on your boat or another vessel.
  2. If someone is injured either remove the source of danger or move the injured person to a safer environment, to prevent further injury.
  3. Assign a competent person to carry out emergency communications.

Radio call signs:

    • “Sécurité, Sécurité, Sécurité” – General marine safety issues not affecting the direct safety of the vessel.
    • “Pan, Pan, Pan” – Used when a vessel requires assistance but is not in grave or imminent danger or to clear radio for urgent message following.
    • “May Day, May Day, May Day” – Only used if vessel or person is in grave and imminent danger and requires immediate assistance.

Emergency Contact Numbers:

a. 000 (or 112 – mobile phones only) – Ambulance, Police, Fire 24 hours
b. 0432 576 942 – Start Boat – during races
c. 0412 162 093 / 9910 7899 – Water Police
d. 9999 3554 – Marine Rescue
e. 9998 0699 – Mona Vale Police

Radio Channels:

    • VHF 73 – Start Boat
    • VHF 16 – Emergency and general calling

4. First Aid Procedure – Assess condition of injured person/s

“D R S A B C D”

D = DANGER – remove any danger
R = RESPONSE – check patient for any response
S = SEND – if no response, send for emergency help
A = AIR – check airway
B = BREATHING – check breathing
C = COMPRESSION – begin resuscitation
D = DEFRIBULATOR – if available

5. Start engine/furl sails and return to the nearest public wharf, notifying emergency services and Start Boat of your intentions.

6. Maintain resuscitation if no sign of response, until advised to stop by medical staff – regularly rotate resuscitators to avoid fatigue.

7. Attend to other first aid procedures (bleeding/broken bones) in accordance with your first aid training.

8. Handle patient/s carefully and gently – plan any move well ahead.

9. Keep patient warm and place in recovery position when vital signs are restored.

10. If the injured party is on another vessel offer them assistance as needed and remain in proximity with engine operating and communications at hand.

Injury or Substantial Damage

There is an RMS requirement for persons in charge of vessel to report incidents if they occurred during an on-water Club event within 24 hours of the occurrence if there was:

a. any person injured and medical treatment was required.
b. damage that affected any of the involved vessels’ seaworthiness.
c. a commercial vessel was involved.
d. damage exceeding 10% of the value of ANY vessel or over $5,000.

An RMS Incident Report Form must be completed by all parties involved and is available online at https://roads-waterways.transport.nsw.gov.au/documents/about/forms/45065752-vessel-incident-report.pdf.
For more information: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/submit-vessel-incident-reports

The above procedures are general in nature and are not intended to be specific to particular situations. Each boat must determine the best course of action in a given situation and act accordingly.

Other Incidents

Report any on water incidents to wpyc.results@gmail.com within 24 hours of the incident.

Owner’s responsibilities

Participation in sailing events of any kind may carry risks to your life and property. By taking part in sailing events you accept those risks. These risks include, but are not restricted to:

  • Collision with other vessels, the shore, structures or objects in or near the water.
  • Falling from your vessel into the water.
  • Bad weather damaging or sinking your vessel.
  • Being struck, falling, subjected to fire or heat, chemical action or injured operating
    equipment on board the vessel or while embarking or disembarking from the vessel.
  • Before participating in WPYC yachting events you must meet all current regulatory requirements of Transport for NSW, Maritime.
  • Ensure your vessel is properly maintained and that all gear and equipment is in good working order.
  • Crew must be appropriately trained and have relevant experience for the conditions likely to
    be encountered.
  • Brief your crew on emergency procedures.
  • Crew should know CPR procedures and be able to implement them.
  • Practice Man Overboard procedures including location of last sighting.
  • Crew should be competent with Marine Radio Operations and hold relevant qualification.
  • Comply with rules associated with your event and any special requirements.

DECISION TO RACE – The responsibility for a boat’s decision to participate in a race or to continue racing is hers alone.

Woody Point Yacht Club in no way accepts responsibility for the safety of any person, their vessel or their property who participate in sailing events organised by the Club.