LIFEJACKETS

Each crew member must have a life jacket and know how to use it. They vary slightly in design, but basically go over the head and are held on with straps that are buckled or tied at the sides. Some inflate automatically but most have to be blowm up by mouth.

	IN THE WATER By adopting this position in the water the body loses less heat and the hands keep the spray out of the nose and mouth.
	OTHER FORMS OF BUOYANCY Buoyancy aids (A) are floating waistcoats normally worn by dinghy sailors. Float coats (B) are jackets with some form of buoyancy built into them. Both are comfortable to wear but neither one is as good as a lifejacket in an emergency.

Man overboard equipment needs to be used fast, as a boat travelling at only 3 knots will be 50 feet away in 10 seconds!

So, get this lot over the side, shout 'MAN OVERBOARD',
AND DON'T TAKE YOUR EYES OFF HIM

	The skipper will take control and bring the boat back to the casualty. Carry out his orders as fast as you can without endangering your own life. A wet adult is extremely heavy so once he's secured alongside some form of crane might have to be constructed to get him onboard again. THE BEST THING IS TO MAKE SURE IT NEVER HAPPENS TO YOU]

FIRE