AMSEA Receives Funding for Cold Water Safety in the Schools project
AMSEA recently received funding from the US Dept. Of Health and Social Services, Rural Health Outreach program for a three year project to integrate cold water safety programs in schools.
Drowning accounts for about 8,000 deaths each year in the United States with approximately 55 to 60% of these deaths occurring in children and young adults less than 20 years old. This astonishing figure makes drowning the second leading cause of accidental death in children nation wide, and the leading cause of unintentional injury death in Alaska's children under the age of 19.
AMSEA's three year project will focus on providing school teachers with the training, curricula and equipment resources they need to integrate life-long cold water safety and outdoor survival skills into everyday school programs.
At the core of the program is AMSEA's partnership with school districts to hold workshops which give teachers hands-on background in cold water safety curricula, lessons, activities, and equipment. Participants in the workshops will receive continued support from AMSEA in the form of equipment loans, co-teaching resources and curricula updates as they integrate this important information in their classrooms and field activities.
Twelve of these workshops will be held in hub communities throughout Alaska during the first two years of the project. In this first phase of the project, our goal is to work with teachers and the AMSEA instructor network to reach 7,500 school children. In the final year of the project, these workshops will be expanded to other states as well.
"This is an exciting and ambitious project for AMSEA" says AMSEA Acting Director Dan Falvey. "I look forward to the day when cold water and boating safety are as integrated into schools as physical fitness and personal health are now".
Marine Safety Training Available
DRILL INSTRUCTION COURSES IN ALASKA
Bristol Bay area - BBEDC, (800) 478-4370
Homer - Ocean Safety Services, (907) 235-7908
Juneau - AMSEA, (907) 747-3287
Ketchikan - Contact: Southeast Ocean Survival, (907) 225-8985
Kodiak - Joycrafts, (907) 486-6293
Naknek - Sue Aspelund, (907) 246-6640 or Debby Robertson, University of Alaska, (907) 246-4292
Prince of Wales Island - Pete Willburn, (907) 828-3924
Seward - AVTEC, (800) 478-5389 (Also classes in license preparation, coastal and celestial navigation, commercial fishing methods, net repair, radar observer and more)
OUT-OF-ALASKA AMSEA DRILL INSTRUCTION
Bellingham & Seattle, WA - Fremont Maritime Services, (206) 522-5377
California - Coastwise Marine Safety, (707) 464-2934
Eastern U.S. - Mid-Atlantic Safety & Survival, Bob Alexander, (410) 631-5167
Hawaii - Life Support Systems, (808) 836-3669
New Jersey - Thompson Maritime, (908) 899-7990
Oregon - Clatsop Community College, (503) 325-0910 or, in Newport, Ginny Goblirsch (503) 265-3463
Rhode Island - Vessel Safety Corp., Paul Helland, (401) 783-5616
Seattle, WA - Washington Sea Grant, (206) 543-1224
Texas - Israel Linarte, (210) 943-7935
Westport, WA - Washington Sea Grant, (360) 875-9331
What's New on the AMSEA Web Site
A web site, much like evolution, is never really done. It's always happening in the background, mostly as time and opportunity allow. This column will be a regular feature to keep you informed of new developments on AMSEA's little plot of internet real estate--www.uaf.edu/seagrant/amsea
Here are some basic information the site has RIGHT NOW:
< Information on the programs AMSEA offers and fun pictures of classes;
< Updated lists of our equipment and teaching supplies for loan and for sale.
You Can Also:
< Submit requests to borrow AMSEA equipment such as PFDs, liferafts, immersion suits, signaling devices, videos, slides, and displays for your classes;
< Link to related sites for information on weather, safety rules, and training opportunities;
< And best of all, AMSEA instructors can now fill in and submit their Course Monitoring forms on-line (these are the very important forms we ask all instructors to send in so we can report hard numbers to our granting agencies)
Visit the AMSEA site and let us know what other features you would like to see.
Director's Corner
The coming of summer marks a time when AMSEA staff begins developing new training materials and resources for the coming year.
One of the most exciting of these projects is the publication of a cold water outdoor survival "lessons and activities manual" to compliment the AMSEA instructor manual. The new manual draws on the lessons and activities created and field-tested by AMSEA's instructor network. Each lesson has guidelines for complying with and connecting to current State of Alaska educational standards, and is arranged by age-level and topic.
To help gather additional activities for the new manual, I am pleased to announce a drawing to give away prizes for those who submit a lesson or activity. For more information on the manual and the drawing, read on in the newsletter.
Working together we can continue to develop and share hands-on learning techniques for real-life emergencies. I look forward to receiving your ideas.
Dan Falvey, Director
New Immersion Suit Video Available
AMSEA's newest video, When Seconds Count: Care and use of Immersion Suits has just been completed and in available for sale or loan. Filmed in Alaska, this 16 minute video contains up-to-date information on the storage, donning, maintenance and use of immersion suits. Copies are available from AMSEA for $15 plus shipping.
GMDSS is Coming
By Jerry Dzugan
What it is-
Global Marine Distress and Safety System or GMDSS is an integrated maritime communications network that comes fully into effect on Feb. 1, 1999.
The advantage of this system is its reliability and the fact that messages are almost instantaneous. GMDSS is supported by the INMARSAT (International Maritiem Satellite) system of four working and several standby satellites that are in a geostationary orbit (synchronised with the earth's orbit). There is no waiting for the satellites to move into your position. Distress messages are automated. A touch of the button sends vital information to rescue personel, and other ships in your area. The greatest disadvantage is that the system does not work above 70 degrees latitude. So it is not applicable in arctic regions.
A MAYDAY sent out on GMDSS will be relayed to a major Marine Rescue Coordination Center (MRCC). The MRCC will in turn quickly notify all ships in the area of the need for assistance, no matter how far these ships may be from the MRCC.
Distress capabilities are only one of many capacities of the GMDSS system using INMARSAT. The white dome on top of ships identifies an INMARSAT unit. INMARSAT comes in a number of system with different capabilities, applicabilities and costs. They are known as INMARSAT A,B, C, M or Mini- M systems and incorporate the GMDSS integrated structure. These INMARSAT systems can be used for phone and fax. The nine GMDSS functions include:
1. Distress alerting- ship to shore
2. A A - shore to ship
3. A A _Ship to ship
4. SAR coordination
5. On Scene Command function during SAR
6. Locating signals
7. Transmitting and receiving maritime safety information (weather routing, electronic chart updates)
8. General communications
9. Bridge to bridge communications (port operations, sea lanes etc)
What it Means for You-
After Feb. 1, 1999, all passenger vessels carrying more than 12 persons and other commercial vessels of over 300 gross tons are required by the IMO to carry GMDSS radio equipment. Fishing vessels are exempt from GMDSS requirements as well as pleasure vessels, warships and wooden vessels of primitive construction (primitive meaning by third world standards). However, the European Union (EU) is requiring GMDSS on any fishing vessel in EU waters in February 1999, no matter what the nation of origin.
For U.S. fishers and recreational boaters there will be no new requirements, just important considerations. One of these considerations is that the vessels required to have GMDSS will no longer be required to monitor 2182 kHz (SSB). In the future these vessels may not even be required to monitor VHF channel 16, although that decision has been delayed. The Coast Guard will continue to monitor channel 16 and 2182, however because of this change, there may be difficulty in establishing contact between GMDSS and non-GMDSS vessels. Non GMDSS vessels may want to voluntarily equip themselves to avoid this problem.
By the way, who is INMARSAT?
INMARSAT is an intergovernmental agency that is coordinating and funding the project. With the cost of placing each satellite in orbit at 400 million dollars, the costs of such a system are high. The owners are therefore the nations (such as the U.S.) that have invested in the system. There are plans to at least partially privatize INMARSAT in 1999.
A GMDSS SUCCESS STORY
One of the limitations of using a VHF or SSB radio is that it can only be picked up by vessels or rescue resources in your area. VHF is relatively limited (15 to 20 miles). SSB is better at several hundred miles (but only if someone is tuned in to it). But what if there are no rescue resources near you, like off the horn of Africa?
The passenger vessel Archille Lauro with 2,000 passengers caught fire off Eriteria not long ago. A morse code SOS was sent off which was picked up by the Hawaiian King. They in turn alerted the MRCC in Stavanger Norway. Within 10 minutes, the MRCC sent an alert out to all vessels within a 150 mile radius. Within 2 hours there were 16 vessels on scene, and within six hours all 2,000 passengers were rescued. All of this occurred despite the fact that there were no dedicated professional rescue services in the area. GMDSS more effectively coordinated the rescue and shorten the time gap.
GMDSS AND EPIRBS
There are actually two 406 EPIRB systems available now. One is the older SARSAT/COSPASS 406. This is the familiar EPIRB that has been required on many fishing vessels for some time now. This is a GMDSS system, but it operates using polar orbiting satellites, which theoretically can take as long as 45 to 90 minutes to be in a position to be useful. They provide a position fix within a 3 KM radius. This system has saved hundreds of lives in the years it has been in use. The newer INMARSAT 406 EPIRBs are also part of the GMDSS system but they make use of the four stationary INMARSAT satellites. This results in a more instantaneous satellite relay, and a more exact position fix using GPS. However, they will not work above 70 degrees latitude, since INMARSAT does not work above that latitude.
Currently, there are only three companies producing the INMARSAT 406 system. They are Dornier, Fastnet and OHB-Systems. By years end, the prices of INMARSAT 406 EPIRBs are expected to be about the same as SARSAT/EPIRBS at just around 1,000 dollars U.S.
Rent an EPIRB
BOAT/U.S. is offering 406 EPIRBs for rent for $30 a week (plus shipping) by calling 1-888-66-EPIRB. All rentals are offered for a minimum of six weeks. EPIRB rental is a great option for people who boat infrequently but want the protection of this world wide rescue signal should they get into trouble.
NOAA has a toll free number for vessel 406 EPIRB registration. This number is 1-888-212-7283. You can also reach the Federal Communication Commission on other matters at 1-888-225-5322.
USCG Clarifies Regulations on Flare Replacement in Liferafts
The U.S. Coast Guard has clarified its policy on replacing dated flares during liferaft repacks.
In a recent letter, the Coast Guard notes that "A pyrotechnic distress signal (or any other expiration-dated item) must be replaced when its expiration date has passed. That means that if a raft is serviced in April 1998, and the year of expiration on a signal is May 1998, the signal may go back into the raft for another year. If the signal is [dated] April 1998 or earlier, it should be replaced."
The Coast Guard Chief of Lifesaving and Fire Safety Standards Division further wrote that "We expect liferaft owners will get at least three years of use our of their pyrotechnics, and this replacement policy should accomplish that."
Kids Don't Float Program Saves a Life
By Tom Fazzini, Kotzebue, Alaska
The Kids Don't Float program is credited with saving a Child's life. Second creek, a popular swimming area for local kids, was the location of the save. On June 22, around 8:00 PM, 10 year old Radar Lambert and a few friends were enjoying a sunny day by swimming at second creek. Fortunately, the day before, Chris Kittrel buzzed by Hansons Eagle Hardware and grabbed a few PFDs from the Kids Don=t Float display, and stashed them under a boat so kids could use them while swimming out there. Chris said " the current is fast out there. We need the vests so we can swim there."
While playing around on the beach, Radar heard Robin Mitchell yelling. Looking into the direction of the voice he saw his friend 12 year old Pamela Smith going under the water and being taken out by the current. Radar, who is a non-swimmer, grabbed a Kids Don=t Float PFD, quickly put it on and doggie paddled about 35 yards grabbed his friend, who by this time had gone under for the second time and started back to shore. As they struggled to fight the current Radar said, "I used every muscle in my body to get to shore." Once on shore a boater was flagged down and Pamela was rushed to the Maniilaq Health Center where she was treated and released.
When Radar was asked why he put the vest on before you went out, Radar replied: "I knew it would keep me afloat." Radar is an admirable kid, one who doesn=t talk much, especially about himself. When asked, "what were you thinking as you struggled out to Pamela, " He just shrugged his shoulders and said, "she's my friend. I have to help her."
Acknowledgments:
Homer Volunteer Fire Department
Communities of Kachemak bay
Alaska Safe Kids
Alaska Department of Health and Social Services
US Coast Guard
US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Alfred Gregg, for the construction of the Kids Don=t Float display boards
Hansons Eagle Quality Center
Lynden Transport
Might Have Been Rescued in a Flash
The day started out nice enough, clear skies and calm seas--a perfect day to go beachcombing or so it seemed to a couple from Southeast Alaska this summer. While they were beachcombing, however, the wind picked-up and turned the quiet beach into a surf zone. The couple wisely decided not to try to launch their skiff through the waves and settled down to wait for the weather to improve or friends to pick them up. As it was getting dark, friends and family noticed they were overdue and began searching for them.
From the beach, the couple could see the boats searching for them but noise of the waves drowned out their shouts and they could find nothing to signal with. After a cold night on the beach, dawn's light helped searchers find the couple and everyone was able to return home safely.
When unpacking from their adventure, the couple realized that the perfect means for a signal was with them all the time. The camera they carried had a built-in flash. All they had to do was to take a picture of the searchers as they went by, and they could have easily been found.
New Brochure on Dive Safety
AMSEA's new dive safety brochure, "Responding to Dive Emergencies in Alaska" provides a handy reference to the signs and symptoms of common dive emergencies and hypothermia. It also contains emergency contact information, a guide for writing a float plan and much more. Single copies are available for free. Orders of 25 or more are available at a nominal charge. Call AMSEA at 907-747-3287.
Commercial Fishing Vessel Industry Advisory Committee Meeting Notes
There was a changing of the guard at the recent meeting of the U.S. Coast Guard Commercial Fishing Industry Advisory Commissee (CFIVAC) during their recent meeting in Washington D.C. Longtime members Peggy Barry, Joe Easley and Richard Hiscock retired from the committee and were awarded certificates of appreciation for their productive efforts to increase safety within the fishing industry.
Jim Herbert from Seward, AK was elected chairman, with Pete Aparicio of Victoria, TX elected vice-chair.
During the two-day meeting , the committee refined their tasks and agreed to focus on:
The CFIVAC will be active between now and their next meeting (springtime) and hopes to communicate with fishermen, community and industry leaders, as well as trade publications to help distribute news of their work and receive input to committee members.
Alaskans should contact committee members Jim Herbert at P.O. Box 889, Seward, AK 99664, (907) 224-3322 or Jane Eismann at P.O. Box 192, Kodiak, AK 99615, (907) 486-9211
LORAN SYSTEM SAVED
Boat/U.S. Foundation reports that Loran-C, a navigation system used by over 1 million mariners, has been saved from a shut-down until 2008. Wide spread use of Global Positioning Systems (GPS) for navigation and budget cuts caused the Loran network to be scheduled for shut-down as early as the year 2000. However, a campaign ;launched by Boat/U.S. and other users of this navigational system were effective in delaying the shut-down of this reliable navigation system.
This page was updated 6/30/00.