Specifications

Defender Class Operator’s Handbook
Chapter 7
Emergency Procedures
Introduction
Responding to equipment casualties and emergencies aboard Defender Class
boats should be second nature to all members of the crew. The ability of
crewmembers to take immediate action to control emergency situations is
critical, to prevent a bad situation from getting worse. While every event is
different, step-by-step procedures help gain control of the casualty and aid in
troubleshooting.
The first step in responding to all casualties is to protect the immediate safety
of all crewmembers and to communicate the nature of the casualty to the
crewmembers. It is the coxswain’s responsibility to keep the Operational
Commander informed of all emergencies encountered during the operation
of the boat.
The coxswain and crew should work together to determine if equipment
casualties can be safely repaired while underway. The coxswain must decide
whether a casualty has impacted the ability of the boat and crew to complete
the mission. The coxswain should not make the decision in a vacuum; input
from other crewmembers, as well as communication with the Operational
Commander, should be used to determine whether to continue with the
mission. The following factors should be considered:
Factors
1 The safety and physical condition of the crew and vessel.
2 Equipment limitations due to the casualty.
3 Current and forecasted weather and sea conditions.
4 The urgency of the mission.
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