You are proceeding to rescue survivors from a vessel about to break into 2 , your action ?

45
FOLLOW

Onboard preparation will depend upon the emergency organisation onboard the ship, whether the master has been nominated the OSC and any instructions form the SMC. Some aspects of seamanship have been added as command position will have to order the same.

The participating vessels should establish a traffic co-ordinating system among themselves. A vessel responding to a SAR incident should make preparations on board. It would be preferable to raise alarm for mustering all concerned, i.e. emergency, engine room, back up and first aid parties. Additional officer(s) and lookouts should be summoned to the bridge. There should be two-way communications between the bridge and all parties involved on board.

After deciding to proceed, course should be adjusted and the engine room should be advised to make good all available speed and be ready for manoeuvring in the vicinity of the SAR area.

BRIDGE/NAVIGATION
Watch officers and lookouts to be briefed and advised.
Up to date weather information for the route and the distress position.
Determine datum and update it as necessary (see note later).
Operate radar(s) specially (X band, 3 cm).
Call or designate a communications officer.
Binoculars.
Plot position of own ship frequently to maintain quickest route to scene.  Make course adjustments as necessary.
Plot positions of other ships attending distress.
Consider using search or deck lights during hours of darkness.

COMMUNICATIONS
Monitor all distress frequencies.
Try to maintain continuous contact with ship in distress.
Update CRS/RCC with any developments and obtain current information from the service.Have copies of International Code of Signals handy.
Daylight signalling lamp. Search lights.
Flashlights.
Hand held VHF radios.
Loud hailer.
Establish communications with emergency/deck (rescue) team.

ENGINE ROOM
Advise to maintain maximum possible speed.
Advise when engine(s) are to be on stand by and ready for manoeuvring.
Order other services, e.g., fire pump, power for deck machinery, etc., in good time.

DECK
Rescue boat (and life boat if required) to be prepared for launching (subject to weather condition).
Have a life raft ready (without inflating it) and consider using it, if required, as a boarding station.
Rig scrambling nets on both sides of the ship.
Rig rope ladders on both sides of the ship.
Rig boat ropes on both sides of the ship.
Have life jackets and life buoys in readiness.
Have heaving lines, rescue quoits, line throwing apparatus and messenger ropes in readiness.
Rig man ropes on both sides.
Survival/immersion suits for the crew of rescue boat or those who may be required to enter water.
Boat and grappling hooks.
Hatchets.
Rescue baskets and litters.
Fire fighting equipment.
Cargo lifting appliances (crane, derrick, gantry, etc.) on each side of the ship with cargo net and spreaders for recovery of survivors.

MEDICAL ASSISTANCE
Stretchers.
Blankets.
Medical supplies, first aid kits, resuscitator and medicines.
Dry clothing.
Food and hot drinks.
Hospital.
Shelter.