Our New York Maritime Accident Lawyers Explain What Offshore Safety Items Are Essential
The open ocean can be unforgiving, and emergencies can arise without warning. Some accidents are inevitable, but the proper safety gear can prevent some injuries. In this offshore safety checklist, we include the essential items you should have before setting sail to keep you safe in the event of a maritime accident or injury.
Type I Life Jackets
Type I life jackets are an essential safety measure for any offshore worker. These jackets are designed to keep your head above water, even if you're unconscious or unable to swim. Your employer should have an adequate number of life jackets on board that are correctly sized for each individual. The jackets need to be inspected regularly to confirm they are in good condition. In an emergency, a properly fitted and maintained Type I life jacket can mean the difference between life and death.
Offshore Lifeboat
A lifeboat can provide a critical lifeline if your vessel goes down far from land and other boats. The lifeboat should be appropriately sized for your crew and adequately maintained. When selecting a lifeboat, your employer should look for features like a canopy for protection from the elements, a boarding ladder for easy access, and an insulated floor to help prevent hypothermia. Before your voyage, your employer should ensure everyone on board knows where the lifeboat is stored and how to deploy it in an emergency.
Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
An Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon, or EPIRB, is a vital piece of safety gear for any offshore vessel. In an emergency, activating your EPIRB sends a distress signal that alerts rescue teams to your exact location, giving you a much better chance of being found quickly.
You may consider carrying two types of EPIRBs: a boat-mounted version with a hydrostatic release and a personal 406MHz beacon in your ditch bag. Having both provides an extra layer of security, ensuring you have a backup if one radio device fails.
Navigation Tools
Reliable navigation tools are essential for any offshore journey. While traditional paper charts are a dependable standby, supplementing them with a digital navigation app on your phone or tablet can enhance your ability to navigate safely. These apps offer real-time data on your location, routes, and potential obstacles, often functioning even when you’re out of cell range using GPS and offline maps.
Having a backup navigation method is crucial, as technology can sometimes fail when you need it most. A secondary navigation system, like a handheld GPS or even basic compass skills, can be a lifesaver if your primary GPS or electronic devices malfunction. Before heading offshore, take the time to familiarize yourself with all your navigation tools so that you’re confident using them under any circumstances.
Ditch Bag Survival Kit
A well-stocked ditch bag is a crucial component of your offshore safety gear. This waterproof bag should contain essential items to help you survive in the event of an emergency. Some essential items to include are:
- Signaling devices like flares, a mirror, a whistle, and a distress flag
- A waterproof flashlight and extra batteries
- A handheld VHF radio
- A personal locator beacon
- A first-aid kit with any necessary medications
- Water and non-perishable food
- Sun protection and insect repellent
Your ditch bag should be easily accessible, and everyone on board needs to know where it's located. Review the contents of the ditch bag regularly and replace any expired or damaged items.
Protect Yourself With the Proper Offshore Safety Gear
You could do everything right. You may work on a safe vessel with all the safety gear described above. Yet, a slippery deck, a gust of wind, malfunctioning equipment, or another unexpected event could cause an accident and injury.
If you’ve been hurt at sea, you have the right to seek a fair recovery.
The experienced New York maritime accident lawyers at Hofmann & Schweitzer are here to help. We have helped many seafarers recover the compensation they deserve. Read the case results on our website to learn more about how we have secured settlements for maritime workers in situations similar to yours.
