Safety First

[Old Scaley]

I have been thinking a bit lately about safety on the water. There have been too many deaths and close calls reported lately, and I want to do my best to make sure that I am not one of those tragic statistics in the future and likewise that anyone on my tinny is as safe as possible. Here are a few things that I have done and decisions I have made to try to be as safe as possible.

Lifejackets: I have one auto jacket that I self service every year. As an additional measure I inflated it the other day to see how long it would stay inflated - 2 days so far so I think it is reliable enough. I also have a few of the block types. Last week when I was offshore with Mark, I elected to wear one of his block type jackets and I struggled to get it on, so I have got mine out and untangled all the straps and the strings that attach the whistle. Then I practiced putting it on quickly so that I can do it quickly in an emergency. I will wear my auto jacket when I am on my own and make sure the jackets are on deck and easily accessed when I have passengers onboard. It is good to be compliant by having the right gear, but more important to have it available quickly and knowing how to use it. 

Killswitch lanyard: I am trying to get into the habit of wearing the killswitch lanyard. Especially with a tiller steer, if you hit a submerged object or unexpected wake at speed, you could easily  lose contact with the tiller, or worse still be bumped overboard, and you don’t want the boat doing donuts around you or disappearing into the distance.

Ladder:  I did fall out of the boat once when I was out on my own, and struggled to get back in. So I got a step welded onto the transom. But it was still not easy to get out of the water and back into the boat. It won’t get any easier as I get older and some of my regular deckies aren’t getting any younger and aren’t great athletes and would definitely struggle to get back in and I would struggle to drag them up over the gunnel. So today I picked up a 3 step telescopic ladder which I have now attached to the step. Big thanks to Lance (@aussie123) from reeltackle.com.au who hooked me up with the right ladder at the right price. Pretty confident now that anyone could get back onboard safely.

Some other things I have done include checking the safety gear (intend to keep the grab bag on deck in easy reach now); replaced the ancient first aid kit; checked the trailer bearings and tyre pressures, and tested the navigation and anchor lights. Next step is to join the local VMR or Marine Rescue. 

Anyway, just thought I would throw this up here to jog people’s memory to take care of the little things in the hope we can all stay safe and really enjoy our time on the water. Feel free to toss up other safety ideas.

Stay safe everyone. 

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

Hey Steve

Great thread. Very good idea to give people a timely reminder.

My dad and I always where our block jackets on the yak, not that we have been in very bad weather ever/that much. 

The one time when it got slightly hairy (even though it wasn't to windy a bit of chop makes it uncomfortable in a kayak), we got back in quiet quickly. I think it's important people can judge well when the weather is bad if they think it is not safe for them to stay out. 

I probably need to practise getting back into the yak myself. I can do it but don't know how easy it'd be for me to do it loaded up with gear if I went overboard.

Cheers Hamish

[ellicat]

With my first solo trip coming up this week I too have been thinking about the safety issue. I'll be using the kill switch lanyard for the first time and considering donning a life jacket as physical exertion is not my forte anymore either. I only have the block LJ's so will see how comfortable I can move around the boat with one of them on before I go. I may get a new canister for the self inflating one I have.

I like your idea of getting a step ladder. It's hard enough to get in a boat when it's on land let alone in the water weighed down with winter clothing.

Good thread, Steve.

[Angry51]

Yeah, None of us are getting any younger.

Although we haven't been out for yonks, that was one thing that went on before

even getting in the boat, the life jackets.

We got the auto inflate ones years ago and don't regret it.

Flat out climbing out of bed so I like to see a video on me getting back into

a boat.

[benno573]

Simple one for everyone. Tell someone where you are going, who you are going with and when you plan to be back. Tell them which ramp you will be launching from and expected route. Make sure they know who to contact if you go outside time and where they could start looking. 

[ellicat]

Yes, I do this for every trip in the Bay.

I create a 'Path' on Google Earth, then in the description I put who I'm fishing with, their contact numbers as well as their emergency contact person and numbers. Also include time expected to be back at the ramp. Then I print it out and hang it on the fridge.

I'm also signed up with Coastguard Manly.

[rayke1938]

with the non auto inflatable ones it is very important to remember where the lanyard is and if you are supplying them to deckies  tell them where it is when you do your safety brief/ ( Who does this?) Re the block jackets my opinion is if your life is worth $10 use them otherwise spend a few bucks and get a decent jacket that is comfortable to wear all the time Another check item turn on your bilge pump you should be able to hear it run nothing worse than forgetting your bungs and then find bilge pomp does not work or worse still taking a green on on board and having to bail with a bucket. Square bucketsare better to have on board not only do they stow better they are easier to bail with. Also re bilge pump a 500 gph  one may be ok in a 12ft tinny but if your boat is larger consider a 2000 gph if you cop a green one you need something to clear the boat quickly not one that will take half an hour.

Cheers Ray

[Drop Bear]

Good call... Ok I will do better. 

I don't know how to do the lanyard thing. I suppose I will get used to it. I was thinking about it the other day when I did a solo mac trip. It was a little windy and I like to keep the engine in gear while I pull in a fish so it doesn't tangle with the other line. Not sure what to do here. Perhaps I will need to shut it off when I get up? 

Are there block type jackets that comply that are comfortable or just the inflation types? Although I can climb into my boat using the motor as a step it is a bit tricky. @aussie123 I will hit you up for advice on a ladder this week. I checked my inflating ones and they are all corroded so need replacing. 

Also I have a bilge to put in that is faster than the one they put in. 

Looks like Friday will not be a fishing day but a boat fixing day. 

[ellicat]

37 minutes ago, rayke1938 said:

when you do your safety brief/ ( Who does this?)

I do. At the same time I tell them where the emergency chocolates can be found. haha

[Junky]

5 hours ago, ellicat said:

I do. At the same time I tell them where the emergency chocolates can be found. haha

I also do it. Takes 2 minutes and could save a life. 

 

Flares are a big one for me. 

The amount of times I've seen flares submerged in water inside a bucket or just thrown willy nilly in the bilge. Does my head in. 

Also get to know how they work. 

A mate gave himself a good burn on the finger a few years back using the old flares at new years. 

These were the hand-held type but 2 were extendable handles. He didn't extend the handle. The whole housing melted into a mess on the grass. .

 

I do a lot of solo fishing up at rainbow beach and 1770.

The amount of times I've had dramas with boat.....nil. 

The one and only trip that pulled me up early  saw me get what they call fish handelers disease. So I would include a pair of leather riggers gloves in the safety kit if your handling a lot of reef fish in hot weather. 

I could not touch anything. My fingers were so sore. Had to travel 70k back to ramp....load boat.....derig for road....drive back to Brisbane from 1770 with a tyre change on the trailer at Childers just before midnight.

I was spent when I got home.  It required a very strong course of antibiotics. 

All because I forgot my gloves. 

 

 

[samsteele115]

Lanyards on tiller steer are a must. It took one close call without lifejacket or lanyard to realise I was very close to being without boat or jacket. 

Next close call was trolling, hooked up, turned around and used my other hand to drop speed to idle and neutral. Turned tiller the wrong way (doh) being my opposite hand but was very easy to do in the fishing panic. Got knocked over after a couple of speedy circles at full speed and thanks to lanyard the motor was killed. 

Even at a gentle speed, wear it. Get used to wearing an inflatable all day too, it's easy. 

Check cheap block jacket straps, they get brittle and tear very easily with any sort of sun and water exposure. In an emergency, those straps need to be strong and are easy to rip brand new let alone damaged. Even better upgrade to quality ones and save some space whilst doing so. 

@AUS-BNE-FISHO definitely learn to get back on your own mate! You won't be able to flip it on your own but maybe it would be worth a practice run? 

[samsteele115]

Also if solo, invest in a small pair of bolt cutters. Got some on my kayak. A set of hooks in an awkward place could not only end your trip early but also prevent you from controlling your vessel back to safety. At least you've got a better chance of unhooking yourself 

[Do$tylz]

Great thread guys.

I've started packing a spare powerbank for my phone as well in a tupperware container. I thrown my phone in there as well. I don't get offshore so am always within range and 4g/3g. If I'm solo fishing i make sure my location is shared with the mrs on my android so she can see where i am if needed.

And you're right - 2 minutes for boat safety briefing is something everyone should get in the habit of doing. I've been asking my deckies to test fit the lifejacket to make sure it fits them as the strap sizes keep varying based on the size of my deckie.

 

[jon]

22 hours ago, benno573 said:

Simple one for everyone. Tell someone where you are going, who you are going with and when you plan to be back. Tell them which ramp you will be launching from and expected route. Make sure they know who to contact if you go outside time and where they could start looking. 

That’s such a straight forward one but one I am far too guilty of not doing. I’m gonna start making a habit of this on my solo missions. A good reminder

[Hweebe]

On 07/09/2020 at 7:06 PM, ellicat said:

I'm also signed up with Coastguard Manly.

Hey @ellicat what made u go coastguard vs VMR? I’m trying to decide which one to sign up to but both organisations have very limited information on their websites regarding what u get for the marine rescue / tow service / coverage range / costs.

I mainly launch from Manly.

 

 

[AUS-BNE-FISHO]

Thanks for bumping this thread Hweebe.

One thing I just thought of, I can't remember if I mentioned before, but one of those hypothermia blankets would be nice. Just for Winter - I know if I fell in, and even at the local park, I get absolutely freezing, so I can't imagine it would be too nice to be soaking wet on the boat without something to warm you up.

Just like those ones, so you warm up quicker.

Cheers Hamish 

P.S. They are five dollars online.

[ellicat]

I have a couple in the 1st aid kit.

37 minutes ago, Hweebe said:

Hey @ellicat what made u go coastguard vs VMR? I’m trying to decide which one to sign up to but both organisations have very limited information on their websites regarding what u get for the marine rescue / tow service / coverage range / costs.

I mainly launch from Manly.

 

 

I went based solely on the fact that Manly has the Coastguard and that's where I like to launch.

[Hweebe]

No worries. I mainly launch from manly but will launch from POB, Clontarf, Scarborough, of Goldie from time to time. 
just wondering if Coastguard have affiliate marine assist services at no cost when other coast guards provide assistance?

 

I know under VMR membership they will cover any VMR costs from other squadrons where u may not be a member. Wondering if coastguard has the same system. 
Other factors I’m comparing is VMR will cover up to 2 hrs towing With membership but I can’t find what Amount of towing Coastguard provides free with membership.

[ellicat]

Here is the official spiel from Coastguard-

Sorry for my lack of tech. 

[GregOug]

So basically, you’re pretty well covered as long as you are on the boat, and you’re not a complete idiot.

[Hweebe]

Awesome @ellicat sounds like the go and good to know they have reciprocating membership with other flotilla if I launch anywhere in QLD. 

nb better to be safe and scrub your personal details at top of the letter But appreciate the low tech but effective photos

 

[ellicat]

6 hours ago, Hweebe said:

scrub your personal details

Oops, thanks for that.

[Hweebe]

https://www.facebook.com/166166056258/posts/10158850976061259/?d=n

I’ve never thought about an electrical fire. How would you deploy an electric anchor winch in that scenario? I’m guessing there is no way to deploy the anchor without power? Makes me think if I should carry a spare anchor and rope? 

[Ed.]

I don't know about all anchor winches as I have only ever added one to a boat of mine, but the one I put one had a clutch which you could release and the anchor would free fall down without power.

[GregOug]

7 hours ago, Ed. said:

I don't know about all anchor winches as I have only ever added one to a boat of mine, but the one I put one had a clutch which you could release and the anchor would free fall down without power.

Yes. I had one on my flybridge cruiser and when it gave out one day we were able to disconnect the gear and pull it up by hand. Luckily I had about six strapping lads onboard at the time and they bought it in. They were all totally knackered when it was finally on board but you can do it manually. 

[Ed.]

On the one that I had you could also apparently winch the anchor up by hand too, it came with a star shaped winch handle which you could use to release the clutch or use it in the opposite direction to winch the chain up using the gearing of the winch, I say apparently because I never had the need to try it so can't say for certain. It had a Capstan and a Gypsy on it to do chain and rope.