Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment
SEA SURVIVAL
The afternoon is spent aboard the motor yacht 'Sydneysider” on Sydney Harbour at Gore Bay near Greenwich. Here you will jump into the water and learn survival drills and techniques. This is a must for anyone who enjoys boating in open waters and a requirement for commercial off shore racing crew.
What do you do when your boat is sinking? ...Prepare to abandon ship.
During all shipboard drills and emergency operations, guests and crew must wear their life jackets. It's one of the most important pieces of equipment for your survival in the water. Next, get away from the vessel and swim as slowly as possible toward the survival craft. DO NOT swim or thrash about any more than you need to because:
- You will lose body heat
- You will lose strength
FUNCTION
- Active participation in regular mustering drills
- Operating life saving equipment and knowledge of survival techniques
- For off shore and in shore commercial crew; and recommended for recreational boaters
CONTENT
- Operating survival equipment and knowing its function
- Prepare to abandon ship and the procedures
- What's in the grab bag and what's not
- Jump in the drink fully clothed and complete survival drills
- Search and rescue
COURSE
This intensive course operates every month on Sydney Harbour departing Pyrmont and combines:
- Half day: 12noon to 5pm
On board and in water practical, plus completion of theory and workbook
Training cost 1 unit: $195
TIMETABLE - Click here for course dates and arrival times
ENROLMENT - Click here to enrol
By enrolling ON LINE your booking (or enquiry) will be automatically sent to our Help Desk; we will then telephone you directly and discuss your preferred payment method, and/or answer all your questions.
Once your booking has been processed you will be sent by email an enrolment and payment form, OHS requirements and directions to the venue
BRING
- For sea survival: old sandshoes that can get wet; layered clothing, t shirt, long sleeved shirt and trousers, towel, change of clothes, hat, big warm jacket, sun-block
- Money for lunch at Sydney Fish Markets pre-departure at 11.30am or BYO lunch box. Afternoon tea provided.
- You must be able to swim; advise the school of any health or heart condition that may be exacerbated by shock and cold water
- To gain endorsement the candidate must successfully complete one (1) unit of competency, as listed below.
- You are then awarded a Statement of Attainment in Sea Survival
- This unit is a requirement for Certificate I, II, III in Maritime Operations and Marine Engineering
| TDMMEF1101A | Statement of Attainment | |||
| FIELD | No. | Unit Code | Element of Competency | |
| F | Operational Quality and Safety | 1 | TDMMF1101A | Survive at sea in the event of vessel abandonment |
| Elements required for completion of the qualification = 1 | ||||
GETTING STARTED
Why not learn about how to right a life raft, everyone must demonstrate this ability in the water so get ahead of the rest! The following is an extract from our Sea Survival course:
RIGHTING AN OVERTURNED LIFE RAFT
If a capsized raft can be righted (turned right side up) before the inverted (upside down) canopy fills with seawater, one person can easily right it using the following procedure:
- A righting strap is fitted on the underside of the raft to right the raft if it capsizes or inflates upside down. The righting strap runs the full width of the oval or round raft.
- Swim to the side marked "RIGHT HERE." If it is not marked, go to the side where the CO2 cylinder is located. Reach up and grab the righting strap. Start pulling yourself up onto the raft. It may help to kick your feet out as if swimming. If this does not work, try putting your feet or knees into the external lifelines to help you pull yourself up on the raft.
- Stand on the very edge, where the CO2 cylinder is located. Lean back with all your weight while pulling on the righting strap
- If the canopy is clear of water, the raft will begin to follow you. If the raft is large, it will land on your head unless you bend your knees and spring backwards just as the raft begins to free-fall. This should allow your head to clear the raft.
- Do not panic if the raft does land on top of you. Because the bottom of the raft is soft and flexible, you can create an air pocket by pushing your arms or head against the floor. This will give you a chance to catch a breath of air. Use your arms and swim face up to get out from underneath the raft. If you try to swim out face down, the raft may hang up on the back of your life preserver. If this happens, it will be difficult for you to get out from underneath the raft.
- If one person cannot right a capsized raft, the canopy probably has filled with seawater that cannot escape. Try two persons pulling on the righting strap. If this does not work, then get several persons in the water on the opposite side of the raft. These persons should work the water out of the canopy by pushing up on the canopy while two people pull on the righting strap. It may take several persons to right a large raft.