Elements and Performance Criteria
- Respond to emergency
- Emergency situation is correctly recognised
- Muster and abandon vessel signals are activated according to organisational procedures
- Prompt, accurate and clear information is given on raising alarm
- Instructions are provided to crew and passengers to maximise chances of survival
- Emergency position indicating radio beacon (EPIRB) is operated to transmit distress signal
- Distress calls are made using radio equipment on distress call frequency to communicate nature of emergency
- Launch survival craft and rescue boats
- Preparations for the launch of the survival craft or rescue boat are made according to organisational procedures and manufacturer instructions
- Appropriate launch strategy is adopted following an assessment of the weather and sea conditions, and the nature of the emergency
- Launching equipment is operated according to organisational procedures and manufacturer instructions
- Survival craft or rescue boat is launched smoothly according to organisational procedures and manufacturer instructions
- Pre-start checks are conducted on the engine of the survival craft or rescue boat
- Survival craft or rescue boat engine is started according to organisational procedures and manufacturer instructions
- Operate survival craft and rescue boats
- Orders are given to survivors to board the survival craft or rescue boat using appropriate means
- Survival craft or rescue boat is cleared of the vessel and operated according to organisational procedures and manufacturer instructions
- Sea anchors and drogues are used to assist in remaining within the vicinity of the abandoned vessel and to minimise the effects of adverse weather and sea conditions
- Exposure cover is deployed on an open lifeboat according to manufacturer instructions
- Operate lifesaving and survival equipment on board survival craft and rescue boats
- Assume responsibility for survival of crew and passengers
- Survivors are checked for signs of hypothermia or other injuries and first aid is applied where necessary
- Water and food is rationed
- Lookout for vessels and aircraft in the vicinity is maintained and distress signals are released on sighting
- Instructions given by rescue personnel are followed to safely access rescue craft
- Persons are disembarked from survival craft or rescue boat according to organisational procedures
- Survival craft or rescue boat is recovered and checked for signs of damage