(NOTE: At this time, the formatting, photos and graphics found in the Marine Safety Update are not available here, our apologies for the lack of artistry. We'll keep working on it!)
New Alaska Dive Emergency Guidelines Published
Alaska has seen an increase in commercial dive activities and emergencies. There is also potential for more recreational and guided dives in Alaska. This increase in activity created the need for emergency guidelines that were recently developed by the State of Alaska Section of Community Health and EMS. Diving Emergencies Guidelines are, in part, the result of the AMSEA/Marine Advisory Program conference on dive emergencies, held in Sitka in July 1997. Matt Anderson of the state EMS office was especially key in their formation.
The new guidelines include two components: emergency contacts and communications; and emergency care. The emergency contact and communications guidelines state that when medical assistance is needed, the U.S. Coast Guard can be summoned via VHF on channel 16 or 22a, on SSB at 4125, by telephone at (800) 478-5555, or by cellular telephone at *CG (*24). On shore, rescue or EMS are available in many communities by phoning 911. The Diver's Alert Network at (919) 648-8111 also offers assistance and advice.
At minimum, the following information should be provided when requesting assisstance:
1. Location including GPS coordinates, if possible;
2. Patient's status: Conscious? Breathing? Pulse? Vital signs? Other problems?
3. Cause of the emergency;
4. Emergency care being provided;
5. Destination and ETA if en route.
When a cell phone is used to call 911 from at sea, accurate information about vessel position is vital. Many calls are routed through a dispatch center that is neither nearby nor familiar with the area. If the dive vessel is not transporting the patient to shore, it is best to contact the Coast Guard, which can also assist or provide emergency transportation.
The emergency medical care component of the guidelines urges the following:
1. Suspect a dive-related emergency whenever signs/symptoms develop within 24 hours of a dive;
2. Also consider other causes such as allergies, heart attacks, etc.;
3. Perform initial assessment and initiate rescue breathing, if needed;
4. Administer oxygen by any delivery system with a good mask seal and a high concentration;
5. Remove patient's dive gear and suit carefully;
6. Prevent heat loss and rewarm as appropriate;
7. Evaluate condition frequently, paying attention to level of consciousness and breathing. Record rates and changes;
8. Obtain and record information on patient's dive profile;
9. Transport diving equipment with patient, leaving it in the condition in which it was found.;
10. Transport patient in a level position, laying on his/her left side. Transport patient by ground, in pressurized aircraft, or in aircraft at altitude under 1,000 feet.;
11. The Divers Alert Network may be contacted by on-scene medical personnel or by the physician remotely managing the case;
12. Be prepared to provide personnel investigating the incident with detailed information about events and observations.
When a dive emergency patient is acutely ill:
1. Rapid transport to medical facility is the primary concern;
2. Continue oxygen until patient reaches the medical facility;
3. Appropriate IVs should be started by qualified personnel;
4. Rescuer should document changes in victim's signs, symptoms and vital signs en route;
5. Seizures should be anticipated and treated by protecting the patient during the seizure and resuming delivery of oxygen when possible.
When a dive emergency patient is in stable condition:
1. If patient is not receiving IV fluids, give warm, non-alcoholic fluids if this can be done without interrupting oxygen delivery. Plain water is best. Avoid drinks with large amounts of sugar or caffeine due to their diuretic potential;
2. Continue oxygen until reaching medical facility;
3. Perform a baseline neurological examination, testing orientation,
eyes, facial movement, hearing, sensory perception, and balance and coordination;
4. Transport patient to a medical facility for further evaluation and treatment. The full text of Diving Emergencies Guidelines is available from the State of Alaska Community Health & EMS, P.O. Box 110616, Juneau, AK 99811-0616, or on-line at: hss.state.ak.us/dph/ems/ems_home.htm.
AMSEA Director Jerry Dzugan, on sabbatical in Sweden, can reached by mail at: Henrik Smith Residence, Disponentgatan 6, S-211 57 Malmo, Sweden, or by E-mail at s98110@wmu3.wmu.se
DRILL INSTRUCTION COURSES IN ALASKA
Bristol Bay area - BBEDC, (800) 478-4370
Craig - April 17 & 18. Contact: AMSEA, (907) 747-3287
Homer - Ocean Safety Services, (907) 235-7908
Juneau - AMSEA, (907) 747-3287
Ketchikan - March 27 & 28. Contact: Southeast Ocean Survival, (907) 225-8985
Kodiak - Joycrafts, (907) 486-6293
Naknek - Sue Aspelund, (907) 246-6640 or Debby Robertson, University of Alaska, (907) 246-4292
Prince of Wales Island - Pete Willburn, (907) 828-3924
Seward - AVTEC, (800) 478-5389 (Also classes in license preparation, coastal and celestial navigation, commercial fishing methods, net repair, radar observer and more)
OUT-OF-ALASKA AMSEA DRILL INSTRUCTION
Bellingham & Seattle, WA - Fremont Maritime Services, (206) 522-5377
California - Coastwise Marine Safety, (707) 464-2934
Eastern U.S. - Mid-Atlantic Safety & Survival, Bob Alexander, (410) 631-5167
Hawaii - Life Support Systems, (808) 836-3669
New Jersey - Thompson Maritime, (908) 899-7990
Oregon - Clatsop Community College, (503) 325-0910 or, in Newport, Ginny Goblirsch (503) 265-3463
Rhode Island - Vessel Safety Corp., Paul Helland, (401) 782-2021
Seattle, WA - Washington Sea Grant, (206) 543-1224
Texas - Israel Linarte, (210) 943-7935
Westport, WA - Washington Sea Grant, (360) 875-9331
AMSEA MARINE SAFETY INSTRUCTOR COURSE
Seward - March 23-28, 1998 Cost: $340.
This is AMSEA's 34th U. S. Coast Guard-approved instructor course for anyone interested in teaching marine safety to commercial fishermen, school children, recreational boaters, government personnel, . . . whomever!
For more information or to register, contact AMSEA at 907-747-3287, 907-747-3259 (fax), P.O. Box 2592, Sitka, AK 99835 or at amsea@ptialaska.net
Dug and Susan Jensen, of Educational Training Company, will offer three "Stuff Happens" kayak survival expeditions in Sitka. The five-day courses to be held March 27-31, April 24-28 and May 22-26 include curriculum developed by AMSEA.
Each expedition includes two days of preparation in proven sea and shore survival techniques. A three-day field exercise includes kayaking to a remote beach, "ship wrecking," two nights in small, team-built shelters (no tents or sleeping bags), and no camp fire the first night. This course is equivalent to mandatory survival training for U.S. Coast Guard personnel, also taught by Dug Jensen.
No kayak experience is necessary although the survival course is rated "difficult." Two University of Alaska credits are available for an additional $35. For further information contact Educational Training Company, P.O. Box 464, Sitka, AK 99835 or phone (907) 747-5454.
Many of you know AMSEA's director, Jerry Dzugan, is taking a twelve-month sabbatical to attend the World Maritime University in Malmo, Sweden. While he is gone, Shawn Newell, Michael Jones and myself will do our best to keep the lights on and continue AMSEA's work.
Since I began working as an AMSEA instructor five years ago, I have had the pleasure of getting to know many of the dedicated individuals who provide marine safety education and training in Alaska and across the nation. In the coming year I hope to meet many more of you and listen to your ideas on how AMSEA can better meet the needs of commercial fishermen, recreational boaters, subsistence fishers, school children and other mariners in your region.
The lengthening days Alaska now enjoys also mark the time of year that we begin scheduling our spring classes. All of us here are dedicated to continuing AMSEA's mission of delivering marine safety education and supporting the AMSEA instructor network.
If you are interested in having AMSEA facilitate a course in your area, or if you want to use any of the displays, equipment, videos or co-teaching resources AMSEA has to offer, please don't hesitate to contact us.
AMSEA's strength has always been its ability to lead the way in providing hands-on training that meets the needs of people who work, live and play on the water. Shawn, Michael and myself have many exciting new projects under way to sustain this tradition. We look forward to working with you and meeting your needs!
Dan Falvey
Acting Director, AMSEA
Immersion Suits Offered in Variety of Sizes & Styles
When the immersion suit first appeared over 20 years ago, it was a one-size-fits-all piece of equipment. Now, most leading immersion suit manufacturers offer at least three or four sizes. BayleySuit brand covers the spectrum with eight sizes from toddler to adult oversize.
The other big change is the number of features available on immersion suits. Some brands offer extra pockets, some offer lifting straps, some have three-fingered mitts, five-fingered gloves or even detachable mitts or gloves.
The following table highlights the sizes and features offered by various manufacturers. U. S. Coast Guard regulations now require an immersion suit of the PROPER SIZE for each person on board a commercial fishing vessel in Alaska.
The best way to find the right immersion suit, is to try on various styles and sizes. Most people think nothing of trying on several pairs of shoes before buying. The same effort should be spent on a potentially life saving immersion suit.
IMMERSION SUIT FEATURES To view this chart, you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader.
Recognizing the often high number of deaths in Alaska's fishing industry, the federal Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has issued recommendations for fisheries in cold water regions.
They recommend that:
1. All vessels undergo periodic stability reassessment and vessel inspection;
2. Minimum specifications be established for watertight components and bulkheads;
3. Deficiencies in current training requirements for licensing should be corrected;
4. Watchkeeping and minimum staffing requirement should be established for all vessels;
5. Completion of a basic safety training course, such as AMSEA's, be required before a crew license or fishing permit is issued;
6. All management regimes be examined from a health and safety perspective;
7. Weather information should be more closely heeded;
8. PFDs should be worn by everyone when on the deck of any vessel;
9. Man overboard alarms should be evaluated and required if proven effective;
10. Line handling should be studied to reduce worker exposure to hazard;
11. Dive safety training should be developed.
The text of these recommendations is available in Current Intelligence Bulletin 58: Commercial Fishing Fatalities in AlaskaCRisk Factors and Prevention Strategies. It is available from Publications Dissemination/EID, NIOSH, 4676 Columbia Pkwy., Cincinnati, OH 45226-1998; (800) 356-4674.
Commercial fishing in Alaska became a lot safer in 1997. Only FOUR fatalities were noted by the U.S. Coast Guard's 17th District. This is the lowest annual number of fatalities in Alaska on record.
The 34 vessels lost in 1997 are consistent with the average number of vessel sinkings over the last ten years. The remarkable fact that only four lives were lost demonstrates that lifesaving equipment, and training in the use of that equipment, is proving beneficial.
Fisheries in Alaska show a greater decrease in fatality rate than any other region in the nation. Many people play a role in this positive phenomenon. They include the Coast Guard personnel, marine safety equipment maintenance professionals and marine safety trainers. However, most credit must go to fishermen whose decisions in the wheelhouse have lead to this dramatic decrease in fatalities at sea.
(Table showing number of vessels lost and number of fatalities from 1987 to 1997 is missing from this on-line version.)
Hank Pennington Receives Award
The Commandant of the U.S. Coast Guard recently awarded Hank Pennington the Meritorious Public Service Award. This award was presented in recognition of his strong contributions to the safety and viability of the fishing industry in Alaska over the last twenty years.
Hank was one of the founding members of AMSEA, a 14-agency association that developed a statewide marine safety program, training more than 400 marine safety instructors and 65,000 members of the public. His efforts have, in part, led to the 50% decrease in fishing fatalities in Alaska over the past five years. Hank is now retired from work with the University of Alaska Marine Advisory Program, and spends time at his house in Chiniak on Kodiak Island.
Spring is the time of year when fishermen prepare boats and crew for the upcoming season. During this busy time, it is important not to overlook the need to maintain safety equipment and continue crew training. Use the following checklist to make sure everything is ready when survival depends upon it.
Immersion Suits:
" Check seams and fabric for tears, burns, etc.
" Inflate air bladders or pillows overnight to check for leaks.
" Make sure bladders are securely attached to suits.
" Knobs on bladder hoses should be in operable position and securely attached.
" Zippers must run freely, and be waxed with nonpetroleum-based lubricant, inside and out.
" Store with zippers in the down position, one inch from completely open.
" Operable whistles and lights should be attached to each suit.
" Lights should have fresh batteries installed.
" Make sure there is an appropriate-size suit on board for each crew member. To insure proper fit, try suits on with clothing normally worn for fishing.
" Roll suits, put in bags and lubricate bag snaps or zippers.
" Stow suits in an accessible location.
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Although not required on most commercial fishing vessels, these are valuable for crew working on deck, and useful during medivacs, tows and other situations.
" Check for tears and proper fit.
" Check for broken or rotten straps.
" If kapok filled, squeeze gently to check for leaks.
" If inflatable, inflate overnight to check for leaks. Ensure that CO2 cartridges are unused and securely seated.
" Check lines on throwable PFDs to ensure they are firmly attached and free of snarls.
EPIRB
" Make sure EPIRB is properly registered with a decal affixed.
" Test once a month and log each test.
" Replace hydrostatic release, if outdated.
" Replace battery, if outdated.
" Make sure EPIRB is mounted in a float-free location and condition.
Alarms
" Test bilge alarms.
" Test general fire, smoke and other alarms.
" Log tests.
" Inoperable alarms must be reported and corrected.
Radios
" Call a friend for a radio check of any VHF or SSB radio.
" Check that batteries for hand-held radios are charged.
Fire Extinguishers
" Check gauges.
" CO2 extinguishers should be weighed and refilled, if below minimum. They should be hydrotested every five years.
" Invert dry chemical extinguishers and hit the bottom with a rubber mallet to loosen powder.
" Check mounts for a secure fit. Initial and date the tag on the extinguisher.
Flares
" Check expiration dates. Most flares expire three years from date of manufacture.
" Check that flares in abandon ship kit are current.
Life Raft
" Have raft repacked every year well before fishing season. Remember, most repackers are extremely busy during the weeks just prior to fishing openings.
" Replace hydrostatic release, if outdated.
" Mount in float free location.
" Make sure the hydrostatic release is properly installed and no tie downs are attached to the raft.
Orientation
" Familiarize all crew members with the vessel. See Beating the Odds on the North Pacific or AMSEA's Emergency Instruction & Drill Manual for points to cover in an orientation.
" Log the orientation.
Instructions
" Review emergency instructions in AMSEA's Emergency Instruction & Drill Manual. Documented vessels operating beyond the boundary line are required to have this book on board the vessel.
" Log the instruction.
Emergency Drills
" Drills in fire fighting, flooding, person overboard and abandon ship must be conducted once a month on documented vessels operating beyond the boundary line. Drills must be conducted by a person trained in conducting drills.
" Log each drill.
Marine safety instructors looking for some new or different teaching aids are encouraged to examine the following offerings from Alaska Sea Grant. To order, or for more information, contact Alaska Sea Grant at (907) 474-6285 or fax (907) 474-6707.
BOOKS:
Beating the Odds on the North Pacific: A Guide to Fishing Safety, Second Edition
$12.00
Training and Technology for Safety at Sea: Summary Proceedings
$7.00
Alaska Diving Safety: Workshop Proceedings NEW!
$4.00
Surviving on the Foods and Water from Alaska's Southern Shores
$5.00
Hazardous Materials on Board NEWLY REVISED!
$6.00
Hypothermia
$4.00
Cold Water Near-Drowning
$15.00
Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries
$4.00
Marine Survival Equipment and Maintenance
$4.00
Shore Survival
$3.50
Outdoor Survival Training: Instructor Manual
$8.00
Outdoor Survival Training: Student Manual
Free with purchase of instructor manual
BOOKS FOR NEW READERS:
Cold Can Kill: Hypothermia
$3.00
Cold Hurts: Frostbite, Frostnip and Immersion Foot
$3.00
Dressing For Cold
$3.00
VIDEOS:
Hypothermia
$15.00
Cold Water Near-Drowning
$15.00
Frostbite and Other Cold Injuries
$15.00
Cold Weather Safety and Survival
$25.00
It Could Have Been Prevented
$15.00
Marine Survival Equipment and Maintenance
$15.00
Shore Survival
$15.00
Sea Survival
$15.00
BROCHURES:
Family Boating: Preparing for the Emergency
Free
Tendonitis and Related Afflictions in Fishermen and Processing Workers
Free
Mayday Distress Sticker
Free
We hesitated to tell you about this earlier because we needed confirmation, but it appears that bovines falling out of aircraft represent a new hazard to fishing vessels. First reported in the Alaska Fishermen's Journal, the London Daily Mirror confirmed that a fishing vessel sank quickly when it was holed by a cow falling from an airplane in the Sea of Okhotsk. Actually, not just one cow but a small herd fell out of the sky.
Fortunately no one on board the vessel died, but the crew was arrested when they reached shore due to their story's improbability. However, authorities later reported that Russian military officers had rustled up some cows to supplement their income. The critters were herded into a commandeered aircraft. Once airborne, the cows stampeded and burst through a door of the aircraft. They fell into the sea amidst a Japanese fishing fleet.
This new threat to fishing vessel safety is being met aggressively by AMSEA staff and instructors. Lesson plans and teaching materials on fishing vessel bovine safety will be forthcoming.
Wax Prevents Icing on Equipment
Automobile polish and or wax applied to the plastic surfaces of survival equipment such as EPIRBs and life raft canisters make it harder for ice and freezing spray to accumulate on these important lifesaving devices.
Immersion Suits Best Stored in Accessible Location
Several sudden capsizings this winter have prompted skippers and crew to rethink immersion suit stowage. Protected, outside storage is sometimes the only storage location where crew can retrieve suits quickly in an emergency. Suits stored below deck are often inaccessible when a vessel founders rapidly.
Knots Make Rescue Lines Easier to Handle
Tying a knot every 12 inches in the line of a rescue device, such as a Type IV throw ring or LifeslingJ, will make it easier for rescuers to haul a victim back on board in an emergency. With knots to grasp, two people can lift up to 300 pounds of victim, clothing and water. The knots also help the victim hold onto the line.
The following individuals and organizations are helping AMSEA to keep marine safety training widely available.
1998 Sustaining Memberships:
F/V Cloud Nine, Sitka
1998 Supporting Memberships:
Maritime Enterprises, Homer
Vessel Safety Corporation, Rhode Island
F/V Coral Lee, Sitka
Maniilaq Association, Kotzebue
Southeast Alaska Regional Health Consortium, Sitka
F/V Rocky B, Sitka
UAA North Pacific Fisheries Observer Trainer Program, Anchorage
F/V Kariel, Sitka
Education Training Co., Sitka
Seattle Marine Fishing Supply
F/V EH, Sitka
Southern Region EMS Council, Anchorage
U.S. Forest Service, Chatham Region
LFS, Inc., Bellingham, WA
SEAPRO, Ketchikan
F/V Sequoia, Sitka
Special Expeditions Marine, Seattle
1998 Donor Memberships:
City & Borough of Sitka
F/V Ingot, Petersburg
Randy Henderson, Petersburg
M/V Christian, Wrangell
Nancy Olson, Wrangell
M/V Carpe Diem, Unalaska
F/V Sprite, Anchorage
F/V Flagship, Sitka
F/V Sea Dancer, Sitka
Recent Service & Equipment Donations:
Kettleson Memorial Library, Sitka
White Elephant Shop, Sitka
Don Lane, president
North Pacific Fishermen's Assoc., Homer
Dolly Garza, vice-president
Marine Advisory Program, Sitka
Jim Herbert, secretary-treasurer
AVTEC, Seward
Mike Keiffer
Tanana Chiefs Conference, Fairbanks
Hank Pennington
Technical Advisor, Kodiak
Chuck Lamica
Public Safety Academy, Sitka
Paula Cullenberg
North Pacific Fisheries Observer Trainer Program, Anchorage
Sue Hargis
USCG, Juneau
Shawn Sorenson
SEARHC, Sitka
Ron Perkins
Alaska Area Native Health Service, Anchorage
Larry Bussone
Dept. of Health & Social Services, Juneau
Jennifer Lincoln
NIOSH, Anchorage
John Winther
Petersburg Vessel Owners' Assoc.,
Petersburg
Sue Jorgensen
USGC, Juneau
This page was updated 6/30/00.