1. Introduction and safety

1.1 Introduction

Rescue Boat Muster list^[1]

Where vessels that are required to carry a rescue boat, the master shall ensure that a Rescue boat Muster list is in Place which will have the following information on it:

• A description of the signal that will be sounded to muster the rescue boat crew to its designated position
• The members of the rescue boat crew who are to report to the designated position
• The duties to be performed by each member of the rescue boat crew when that signal is sounded.
• In preparing a rescue boat muster list, the master of the vessel shall ensure that the number of certificated persons required to be on board and employed for each rescue boat under section 209 of the Marine Personnel Regulations are assigned to that rescue boat.
• The master of a vessel that is equipped with rescue boats that are not lifeboats shall ensure that a rescue boat drill is held, separately from any other drill, at least once every month.
• During a rescue boat drill, the members of the crew of each rescue boat shall launch and maneuver the rescue boat in the water.
• When the vessel is under way, the master of the vessel shall ensure that, during a rescue boat drill, the launching and maneuvering of a rescue boat are carried out in sheltered waters and under the supervision of an officer experienced in launchings and maneuverings while a vessel is under way

All Safety Rules laid down by the instructor must be adhered to at all times for the Safety of students and Property.

All PPE must be worn at all times and safe working practices for boat and equipment such as Pyrotechnics. This also includes having the correct PPE doned correctly.

In all aspects of the course the exercises and simulations will be as close to reality as rescue boats shall encounter. The instructor is always in charge and shall take over, in any immediate dangerous situation to persons or property.

1.2 Principles of safety^[2]

The environment in which FRCs crews operate would be considered a high-risk area, with threats of injury coming from the following:

• Risk of capsizing of the boat.
• Risk of falling overboard both when alongside and in the open sea.
• Risk from losing grip and being thrown against a rigid part of the boat
• Risk of slipping when moving about in the boat and striking a solid part of the boat
• Risk of injury and of being thrown overboard due to the violent movements of the boat
• Risk of injury from high ‘g’ forces when operating in waves
• Risk of head injury from objects falling from above when alongside or from being struck by the lifting hook or striking the head against a solid part of the boat
• Risk from fatigue, cold and seasickness
• Risks emanating from the incident, e.g., Fire etc.
• Risk of finger/hand entrapment or pinching during hook on & release

To counter these risks the following are required either in the boat or as part of the crew’s personal equipment:

• Suitable protective clothing that is both waterproof and provides immersion protection at least to SOLAS standards.
• Head protection in the form or a safety helmet with side impact protection.
• Handholds were located in the boat at all points where the crew might have to operate.
• Toeholds adjacent to any seating
• Shock mitigating seating that also provides good location for the occupant.
• Non-skid deck material. This can also incorporate a shock-absorbing capability.
• The removal or padding of all sharp edges is likely to cause injury.
• Hull design that cushions the ride of the boat in waves.
• Engine and steering controls that allow easy and sensitive control of the boat.
• Hook design to reduce or remove entrapment risk.

1.3 Overview of Documents

• LSA Code- Life Saving Appliance Code (IMO)
• TP-14335- Winter Navigation on the St Lawrence River
• IAMSAR- International Aeronautical Maritime Search and Rescue Vol. III is to assist vessels and aircraft in the performance of a search, rescue or on-scene coordinator function and with aspects of search and rescue (SAR) that pertain to their own emergencies. It is intended to be carried on board rescue units, aircraft, and vessels.