In January we started a review of dealing with a MOB, Man Over Board.
Once someone is in the water, there are two challenges. The first is just to find them. Of course you throw a float, shout "MAN OVERBOARD," and keep track of where your friend is.
It is time to start your recovery maneuver. There are many ways to turn back. If you lose sight of the casualty, due to poor visibility, or heavy weather and sea state, the 'Williamson turn' is a good way to get on to a reciprocal course which will take you back down your track. This is a "precision maneuver" similar to those used in airplane instrument procedures.
Note your heading, then put your
helm hard over to the starboard, and change course by 60°. Then immediately put
the helm hard to port. When the compass reads original course + 180°, steer a
reciprocal course and the casualty should be ahead of you.
Do not waste time while the boat is turning to approach the person in the water - prepare for the recovery.
Which side will you approach?
The initial approach to the person in the water will vary depending on weather/sea conditions and the type of boat. Let the weather help rather than hinder - stop upwind and drift down.
If you are concerned about drifting onto the person in the water, bring your stern into the wind.
Have a heaving line ready. If you're not confident with your boat handling skills, or if it looks likely that the boat could come down on top of the person in the water, throw them the heaving line and pull them alongside to a safe place for recovery.
Ensure the propeller is not turning when you are alongside the person in the water.
The final challenge is getting the victim back aboard. It may be best to get
spectators below. Everyone on deck should wear a lifejacket and lifeline,
otherwise someone may get pulled on top of the person in the water. Consider
using a swim platform, dinghy, or halyard as an aide in recovery from the
water.
Cdr Thomas W. Martin, AP Happy New Year!
The Mountaineer Power Squadron begins with our Change of Watch, which takes place on Saturday 20 February. Two musical groups are expected, The Elizabethans, a renaissance music group from East Fairmont High School, and Catch A Wave, our "house band" from Harrison County. If you've postponed making reservations, do it now. The deadline is 10 February.
While the "new" bridge has not met yet, there is always enough carry over from year to year to provide continuity, and "next year" received most of the attention at the January Executive Committee meeting. Since things have been going well, the primary thought is "more of the same."
P/C Joe Silbaugh, N, gave an enthusiastic report on some back-room meetings he attended at Orlando. There will not be a District 7 rendezvous this year. Instead, D/7 will join with several others (including one in Canada) for a rendezvous at Port Huron, Michigan during the first week of July. Plans are to have space for 200 boats available, and for about four days of activity. You can boat in from anywhere on the Great Lakes, or launch trailerboats locally. Several Mountaineer captains immediately decided to consider going. It wouldn't be surprising if several area boats launched in the Sandusky, Ohio area for a big water adventure. Incoming Commander Jack Stemple wants to get a group to start from his home marina in Northeast, PA.
Lt/C Alan Smith, JNOur spring Boat Smart class will begin on Wednesday, 14 April. We will meet at the YWCA in Fairmont. Start telling your friends and neighbors.
Piloting started at the YWCA in Fairmont on 25 January. This is the course you need before tackling the coast or big lakes. It's not too late to catch up. Contact me if you would like to enroll.
I'm A Member!
I'm a member of the Power Squadron now!
I took the first boating course,
Attended classes,
Studied hard,
Passed the test,
Paid my dues,
Signed my name,
Was sworn in, solemnly,
By Tom, our able commander,
And now I'm officially
A member of our
Mountaineer Power Squadron.
See how my halo of duty
Is shining around
My horns of pride!
What's this I hear?
Don's ashes,
All places they are scattered,
Are all rolling over in laughter.
Who would have ever thought
That I, would become a member......
P.S. But I'm glad I did!
-- Melba Dungey
The DNR has introduced length limits on boats docked at the marina at Stonewall Jackson State Park. No new boats over 35 feet long will be accepted, and new boats may not exceed slip length by more than 5 feet.
The changes are because docks were damaged by boats larger than designed for.
1985 Bayliner Ciera 2450 Sun Bridge
LOA: 25', Beam: 96", Weight: 6000 lbs
Engine: 230 OMC/5L V8
Cruising: Approx. 22 MPH
Sleeps 2 in full size berth, plus 2 in dinette berths, for a total of 4 berths. The master berth is aft under cockpit with hatch. Includes carpeting, drapes, dinette and cushions and pillows. Large stowage area in cabin bow.
Galley: refrigerator/freezer 12V or 120V (new 1997), 2 Burner 120V or alcohol stove; hand pump water system to sink.
Electronics: Depth sounder (new 1996); VHF marine radio(new 1996); compass; tachometer and speedometer, (both new 1997); AM-FM radio with tape deck; trim tabs, (new hydraulic pistons 1997).
Electrical System: 12 Volt DC; 120 Volt AC; 2 batteries; dockside cables.
Deck & Hull: White with maroon accent stripe; walk-thu windshield, swim ladder, swim platform.
Additional Equipment: Fenders; PFDs, dock lines; 2 anchors; extra prop; fire extinguishers; OMC service manual and owners manual
Dual axle trailer with surge brakes.
Price: $10,000 firm - bought bigger boat.
Contact Harry Matthews, 10 Camp Road, P. O. Box 106, Kingmont, WV 26578, Phone (304) 366-7222