Collision with submerged object
(Initial actions)
If safe to do so, reduce engine rpm, place in neutral, and notify crew of casualty.
Determine what was hit, where it is located, and if it can still be seen.
Verify current position, depth of water, evaluate situation, and notify the Unit/Operational Commander of the casualty.
Collision with submerged object
(Follow up actions)
Crewmember checks the bilge for flooding and the outboards for obvious damage.
Check for proper engine cooling water circulation by inspecting the discharge indicator.
Coxswain trim engines up completely. Crew members inspect lower unit and propellers for damage.
If required, check aft engine well void and forward void spaces for flooding via screwed in access hatches, if practical and safe to do so.
Coxswain checks for steering damage or limitations.
Coxswain checks engine rpm on both engines in gear at various speeds, while crewmember checks for vibration or flooding and to assess damage to the propulsion system.
Return to unit at reduced speed, if warranted, to prevent additional damage or vibration.
Coxswain reports status of casualty to Unit/Operational Commander. Coordinates with unit for tow or other assistance when risk assessment indicates crew or vessel safety will be jeopardized through continued operations.
After returning to base, the boat should be trailered or hoisted to determine the extent of damage, especially if there is a vibration.
Damage to collar
(Initial actions)
Coxswain notifies and directs the crew to investigate the casualty and report status.
Coxswain notifies the Unit/Operational Commander and continues to steer the boat on course, as directed
Damage to collar
(Follow up actions)
Crewmembers should check the physical condition of the collar.
Crewmembers check bolt ropes and screwed down plates to ensure they are securely holding the collar in place.
Crewmembers report all findings to the Coxswain.
After damage has been assessed, Coxswain reports status of the casualty to the Unit/Operational Commander and determines whether it is safe to proceed with the mission or return to the unit.
Engine Fire
(Initial action)
Reduce RPM to neutral on both engines.
Notify crew of casualty.
Verbally identify affected engine.
Secure affected engine.
If possible, secure fuel to the engines by closing the fuel shutoff valves.
Crew member check outboard engine and assess situation.
Engine fire
(Follow up actions)
Inform Unit/Operational Commander of situation and current position.
Secure non-vital electrical power.
On coxswain command, crew member combat fire using portable fire extinguisher.
Crew member rigs the anchor, as directed by the coxswain.
Discuss abandon boat options. Ensure all crewmembers are accounted for and have PPE/survival gear.
Discuss operation of Personal Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (P-EPIRB).
Inform unit/Operational Commander as situation/risk changes.
Engine high water temperature
(Initial action)
If safe to do so, reduce engine rpm to clutch ahead. Verbally identify affected engine.
Check engine gauges for general alarms. If temperature is not reduced, place affected engine in neutral.
Coxswain notifies and directs the crew to investigate the casualty and report status.
If safe to do so, have crewmember check for cooling system indicator flow/overboard discharge.
Secure affected engine if necessary.
Warning: Do not turn the wheel while crewmembers are standing in the engine well.
Verify current position, evaluate situation, and notify the Unit/Operational Commander of the
Engine high water temperature
(Follow up action)
Crewmembers ensure fire extinguisher is readily available.
Crewmembers carefully check engine cover with the back of the hand to ascertain any abnormal temperature.
Crewmembers check around engine cover for evidence of steam.
Crewmembers, if safe to do so, tilt engine forward and check cooling water intake screen for obstruction.
Crewmembers rig the anchor, as directed by the Coxswain.
Crewmembers report all findings and estimated time to repair, if applicable, to the Coxswain.
Correct the problem, if possible. Report status of the casualty to the Unit/Operational Commander.
Return to unit at reduced speed and/or using a single engine, if required. Coordinate with unit for tow or other assistance when risk assessment indicates crew or vessel safety will be jeopardized through continued operations.
Loss of control of engine RPM
(Initial action)
If safe to do so, attempt to reduce rpm to clutch and place in neutral. If engine rpm cannot be reduced, secure the engine using the ignition key switch or by tripping the emergency kill switch. If necessary, stop fuel to the engine using the fuel shutoff valves.
Check engine gauges for throttle or general engine alarms.
Coxswain notifies and directs the crew to investigate the casualty and report status, cause and, if applicable, estimated time to repair.
Verify current position, evaluate situation, and notify the Unit/Operational Commander of the casualty.
Loss of control of engine RPM
(Follow up action)
Crewmembers check if Coxswain inputs at the gearshift and throttle control lever correspond to cable movements at the engine throttle arm. If not:
Check throttle and shift control cables for damage, including cut cables or binding.
Check throttle arm on engine for damage.
Check throttle connections on the gearshift and throttle control levers at the port console.
Crewmembers check for blown fuses on the engine.
Crewmembers report all findings to the Coxswain.
Rig the anchor, if applicable.
Correct the source of the problem, if possible. Report status of the casualty to the Operational Commander.
Coordinate with unit for tow or other assistance when risk assessment indicates crew or vessel safety will be jeopardized through continued operations.
Loss of fuel Oil pressure
(Initial action)
If safe to do so, reduce rpm to clutch and place in neutral. Verbally identify affected engine or engines.
Verify the fuel tank level at the gauge on the Coxswain’s console.
Coxswain notifies and directs the crew to investigate the casualty and report status.
Verify current position, evaluate situation, and notify the Unit/Operational Commander of the casualty.
Loss of fuel oil pressure
(Follow up actions)
Check engine gauges for fuel pressure or general engine alarms.
Crewmembers have fire extinguisher on scene/ready.
Crewmembers check status of all fuel cut-off valves.
Crewmembers check throttle linkages.
Crewmembers check the condition of the fuel filters. Replace if suspect and re-prime the fuel system.
Crewmembers check the bilge and the engine well deck for fuel.
Crewmembers check for the presence of fuel around the engine cover.
Crewmembers check engine fuel lines for holes or loose connections.
Crewmembers check for blown fuses on the engine.
Crewmembers report all findings to the Coxswain.
Rig the anchor, if applicable.
Correct the problem, if possible. Report status of the casualty to the Unit/Operational Commander.
Coordinate with unit for tow or other assistance when risk assessment indicates crew or vessel safety will be jeopardized through continued operations.
Loss of lube oil pressure
(Initial action)
Coxswain immediately checks gauges for oil pressure or general alarms, reduces rpm to neutral and secures the affected engine.
Verbally identify affected engine.
Coxswain notifies and directs the crew to investigate the casualty and report status.
Verify position, evaluate situation, and notify the Unit/Operational Commander of the casualty.
Loss of lube oil pressure
(Follow up action)
Crewmembers have fire extinguisher on scene/ready.
Crewmembers check the engine well and engines for oil.
Crewmembers rig the anchor, as directed by the coxswain.
Crewmembers verify oil level on dipstick.
Crewmembers check that spin-on oil filter is tightly installed.
Crewmembers check oil drain fitting is secure.
Crewmembers report all findings and estimated time of repair, if applicable, to the coxswain.
Correct the source of the problem, if possible. Report status of the casualty to the Unit/Operational Commander.
If the cause is not correctable, do not restart the engine.
Return to unit at reduced speed and/or using a single operable engine, if required. Coordinate with unit for tow or other assistance when risk assessment indicates crew or vessel safety will be jeopardized through continued operations.
Steering Casualty
(Initial action)
If safe to do so, reduce rpm to clutch and place in neutral.
Coxswain notifies and directs the crew to investigate the casualty and report status, cause and, if applicable, estimated time to repair.
Verify current position, evaluate situation, and notify the Unit/Operational Commander of the casualty.
Steering casualty
(Follow up actions)
Check the 50 amp POWER STEERING circuit breaker on the distribution panel in the aft starboard deck locker to see if it has tripped.
Check for steering fluid in the engine well deck, around the front and back of the helm pump, and in the bilge around the steering HPU
Test engines for complete range of motion (full port to full starboard).
Ensure that all lines and fittings in the steering system are installed and tight.
Report all findings to the Coxswain. Rig the anchor, if applicable.
Correct the source of the problem, if applicable. Report status of the casualty to the Unit/Operational Commander.
Coordinate with unit for tow or other assistance when risk assessment indicates crew or vessel safety will be jeopardized through continued operations.
Capsizing
(Actions)
In situations where the cabin floods immediately:
Remain Calm.
Maintain handhold when going over/brace for impact.
Maintain physical reference point.
Locate nearest egress to open water.
Release seat belt/restraint system.
Maintain orientation to the vessel
Exit craft via nearest egress point.
Inflate personal flotation device, if required.
Swim clear of boat/debris if necessary.
Muster the crew and passengers and account for any missing occupants.
Remain upwind/up current to prevent ingestion of gasoline that may be present.
Attempt to climb aboard the inverted hull.
Check for injuries and administer first aid to the best of your abilities.
Conduct an inventory of signaling equipment. Activate Personal Locator Beacon (PLB).
Check for presence of gasoline in the water before activating pyrotechnic signaling devices.
Flooding
(Initial action)
Notify crew of casualty. Ensure bilge pump circuit breakers are turned ON and control switches are set to AUTO
Verify current position, evaluate situation, and notify Unit/Operational Commander
Flooding
(Follow up actions)
Crewmembers should attempt to find the cause and take corrective actions necessary to control or stop the flooding. Check engine mounts, trim tab mounts, drain plug fittings, and the transducer for obvious leaks.
Crewmembers report all findings to the Coxswain. Rig the anchor, if required.
Switch the electric bilge pumps to manual operation if they have not activated. Deploy and operate the portable, manual bilge pump if required.
After damage has been assessed, Coxswain reports status of casualty to the Unit/Operational Commander and determines whether it is safe to proceed with the mission or return to the unit
Hard grounding
(Initial actions)
Reduce engine rpm to idle and place in neutral.
Notify crew of casualty and assess condition of the crew.
Verify current position and depth of water, evaluate situation, and notify the Unit/Operational Commander.
Hard Grounding
(Follow up actions)
Coxswain monitors the bilge high water alarm. Crewmembers inspect bilge spaces for obvious flooding and damage.
Check for proper engine cooling water circulation by inspecting the discharge indicator.
Rig the anchor, if required.
Crewmember takes depth sounding all around the boat. Coxswain determines the deepest water, extent of grounding, and potential for underwater damage.
Consider present and future state of tide, current, or other weather conditions with regard to re-floating or salvage operations.
Coxswain determines the safest direction to deep water, and the method for extracting the boat safely with the least damage.
Coxswain trims engines up completely. Crew member inspects lower unit and propellers for damage.
Conduct a check of propulsion system integrity prior to attempting re-floating or salvage. Take caution to reduce further damage.
Conduct check of steering system integrity. Check for limitations. Take caution to reduce further damage.
Coxswain maneuvers into safe water and conduct steering check. Identify limitations and isolate areas of damage.
Coxswain checks engine rpm in both neutral and engaged at various speeds.
Return to unit or appropriate haul-out facility at reduced speed to prevent additional damage, if necessary.
