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NavalOverboard and Mayday Steps (46 CFR 28.265)
Twenty flashcards on the posted emergency steps of a U.S. fishing vessel: person overboard and the radio distress call.
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20 cards
- Someone falls overboard: what is the first step of the posted procedure?
- Throw a ring life buoy as close to the person as possible.
- What keeps the person in the water from being lost from view?
- A lookout posted only to keep the person in sight.
- How is the person picked up?
- Launch the rescue boat and maneuver it to pick up the person in the water.
- How does a crewmember get ready to help in the water?
- Puts on a lifejacket or immersion suit, is clipped to a safety line and stands by to jump in if needed.
- What if the person is not found right away?
- Notify the Coast Guard and the other vessels nearby.
- When does the search end?
- Only when the Coast Guard releases the vessel; until then the crew keeps searching.
- What is the first step of a distress call?
- Make sure the communication equipment is on.
- Which frequencies does the rule name for a distress call?
- 156.8 MHz (VHF channel 16), 2182 kHz, or the distress frequency used in your area.
- What are VHF channel 16 and 2182 kHz reserved for?
- Emergency and calling purposes only.
- How do you open the call?
- Press the microphone button and say "Mayday—Mayday—Mayday" slowly, clearly and calmly.
- What do you say right after the Maydays?
- "This is the M/V" followed by the vessel's name, repeated, then "Over."
- No one answers: what next?
- Release the button briefly, listen, and repeat the Mayday and the vessel's name.
- How do you give your position?
- With latitude and longitude, or range and bearing from a known point.
- After the position, what do you report?
- The nature of the distress, how many people are aboard and any injuries.
- What must you tell rescuers about the vessel itself?
- How seaworthy it is now and what it looks like: length, color, hull type, trim, masts, power and other features.
- How do you close the message?
- Say which channel you will listen on, then "This is" with the vessel's name and call sign.
- What do you do after the call, if the situation allows?
- Stand by the radio; if no one answers, repeat, then try another channel.
- What is the first action the rule lists for every person in an emergency?
- Making a distress call.
- Where must the emergency instructions be?
- Posted in conspicuous places that the crew can reach.
- When may the instructions be kept readily available instead of posted?
- On a vessel with less than 4 people aboard; on any vessel, for the overboard, fire, rough-weather and anchoring steps.
Official sources
U.S. Coast Guard, via eCFR
46 CFR Part 28: Requirements for Commercial Fishing Industry Vessels
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