Safety Seminar @ Eagle Enterprises

The second event in the WHSYC Winter Series was held at Eagle Enterprises on Thursday December 8th.  The event was well attended with many members braving the icy roads to learn a little more about boating safety equipment.  Store manager, Gary Melven graciously demonstrated a life raft deployment by inflating an actual Switlik 6-man offshore raft that was due for its 5-year “self-inflation” test.  Shop managers Dan and Marilyn went on to explain components in the different packs (A-Pack, B-Pack) that are found in life rafts containing different amounts of water, supplies and gear, and a little about the difference between coastal and offshore models and answer other questions.  They also talked about a small raft called a “Rescue-Pod” which would be quite suitable for coastal use on smaller boats and is easy to store because of its small size. Gary outlined the yearly raft re-packing requirement and the 5-year comprehensive self inflation test stressed the importance of a regimented schedule to assure your raft is in usable condition when you need it. 

Next, we talked about the 406 EPIRBs including two models from ACR, the Globalfix Category I (self deploying) marine model with built-in GPS and also a land-use TerraFix model.  After a brief discussion on the older EPIRB (emergency beacon) technology common to airplanes, Gary emphasized the importance of getting an up to date 406 EPIRB with built-in GPS for the quickest response, should you need it.

Before breaking, he talked a little about survival suits and the older “Gumbi-Suits” compared to the newer Mustang Ocean Commander suit which has become the Coast Guard standard.  This new suit has separate gloves (attached on the sleeves) and allows you to have the use of your hands to possibly remedy a problem before entering the water, where they can be donned at the last minute. 

There was not really an opportunity to shop as everyone seemed eager to get home after the long day, but the event was a success and a lot of good questions were posed by attendees.  Many thanks to Gary, Dan and Marilyn for hosting this educational event and who knows, maybe Santa will bring some safety gear to put under the tree this year!

Mark Ward

Trustee

S/V Radiance