The Multihull Emergency Procedures

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In this article, we will discuss the essential emergency procedures for multihull sailing. As you embark on your sailing adventures, it is crucial to be prepared for any situation that may arise. By understanding and practicing these procedures, you can ensure the safety of your family and your vessel.

Table of Contents

• Introduction to Multihull Emergency Procedures
• Man Overboard Recovery
• Fire Onboard
• Taking on Water and Hull Breach
• Dismasting
• Capsize and Inversion
• Abandoning Ship
• Conclusion

Introduction to Multihull Emergency Procedures

Multihull vessels, such as catamarans and trimarans, offer many advantages over their monohull counterparts. They provide more stability, increased living space, and faster sailing speeds. However, they also present unique challenges and potential emergencies that require specific knowledge and skills to address.

In this article, we will cover the following emergency procedures:

1. Man Overboard Recovery
2. Fire Onboard
3. Taking on Water and Hull Breach
4. Dismasting
5. Capsize and Inversion
6. Abandoning Ship

By familiarizing yourself with these procedures, you can be better prepared to handle any emergency situation that may arise while sailing your multihull vessel.

Man Overboard Recovery

One of the most critical emergencies that can occur while sailing is a person falling overboard. The following steps outline the procedure for recovering a person in the water:

1. Raise the alarm: As soon as you realize someone has fallen overboard, shout “Man Overboard!” to alert the rest of the crew.
2. Assign a spotter: Designate a crew member to keep constant visual contact with the person in the water.
3. Deploy a lifebuoy: Throw a lifebuoy or other flotation device to the person in the water, ensuring it is attached to the boat with a line.
4. Start the engine: If necessary, start the engine and disengage the autopilot to maneuver the boat.
5. Maneuver the boat: Turn the boat around and approach the person in the water from downwind, keeping them on the leeward side of the boat.
6. Recover the person: Use a rescue sling, lifesling, or other retrieval device to bring the person back on board.

Remember, practice makes perfect. Regularly rehearsing man overboard drills with your crew will ensure everyone is prepared in case of an emergency.

Fire Onboard

A fire onboard your multihull can be a catastrophic event. The following steps outline the procedure for handling a fire onboard:

1. Raise the alarm: Shout “Fire!” to alert the crew and identify the location of the fire.
2. Shut down the source: If possible, shut off any fuel or electrical sources feeding the fire.
3. Retrieve fire extinguishers: Ensure all crew members know the location of fire extinguishers and how to use them.
4. Fight the fire: Use the appropriate fire extinguisher to combat the fire, aiming at the base of the flames.
5. Evacuate if necessary: If the fire cannot be controlled, prepare to abandon ship and ensure all crew members have life jackets and know the location of the life raft.

Regularly inspect and maintain your fire extinguishers and other fire-fighting equipment to ensure they are in good working order.

Taking on Water and Hull Breach

A hull breach or damage to your multihull can result in taking on water and potentially sinking. The following steps outline the procedure for handling a hull breach:

1. Identify the source: Locate the source of the water ingress and assess the severity of the damage.
2. Slow the water ingress: Use damage control materials, such as wooden plugs, softwood wedges, or even pillows and blankets, to slow the flow of water into the boat.
3. Pump out water: Use manual or electric bilge pumps to remove water from the boat.
4. Make repairs: If possible, make temporary or permanent repairs to the damaged area.
5. Monitor the situation: Continuously monitor the damaged area and water ingress to ensure the situation is under control.

Regularly inspect your boat’s hull and fittings for signs of wear or damage, and address any issues promptly.

Dismasting

Dismasting, or losing your mast, can be a dangerous and disorienting event. The following steps outline the procedure for handling a dismasting:

1. Ensure crew safety: Check that all crew members are safe and uninjured.
2. Cut away rigging: If necessary, cut away any rigging or lines that may pose a hazard or cause further damage to the boat.
3. Secure the mast: If possible, secure the mast to prevent it from causing additional damage or injury.
4. Assess the damage: Determine the extent of the damage and whether it is possible to make temporary repairs.
5. Set up an emergency rig: If necessary, set up an emergency rig using a spinnaker pole or other available materials to maintain steerage and propulsion.

Regularly inspect your rigging and mast for signs of wear or damage, and address any issues promptly.

Capsize and Inversion

While multihulls are generally more stable than monohulls, they can still capsize or invert in extreme conditions. The following steps outline the procedure for handling a capsize or inversion:

1. Ensure crew safety: Ensure all crew members are accounted for and wearing life jackets.
2. Activate EPIRB: Activate your Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) to alert rescue authorities of your situation.
3. Attempt to right the boat: If possible, attempt to right the boat using the vessel’s righting lines or other available methods.
4. Seek shelter: If the boat cannot be righted, seek shelter in the inverted hull or on the trampoline, if available.
5. Wait for rescue: Conserve energy and resources while waiting for rescue.

Regularly practice capsize drills and ensure all crew members are familiar with the righting procedures for your specific multihull.

Abandoning Ship

In extreme situations, it may become necessary to abandon your multihull. The following steps outline the procedure for abandoning ship:

1. Don life jackets: Ensure all crew members are wearing life jackets and have personal locator beacons (PLBs), if available.
2. Prepare the life raft: Inflate and secure the life raft to the boat using a painter line.
3. Gather supplies: Gather essential supplies, such as water, food, flares, and a VHF radio, to take with you in the life raft.
4. Board the life raft: One by one, have crew members board the life raft, ensuring it remains secure to the boat.
5. Cut the painter line: Once all crew members are safely in the life raft, cut the painter line to release the raft from the boat.
6. Activate EPIRB: Activate your EPIRB to alert rescue authorities of your situation.

Regularly inspect and service your life raft and ensure all crew members are familiar with its deployment and use.

Conclusion

Sailing a multihull vessel offers a unique and rewarding experience for those seeking adventure on the open sea. However, it is essential to be prepared for any emergency situation that may arise. By familiarizing yourself with these multihull emergency procedures and regularly practicing them with your crew, you can ensure the safety of your family and your vessel as you embark on your sailing adventures.

Remember, knowledge is power, and preparation is key. Fair winds and following seas!