Unanticipated falls into the water aren’t just a problem for the commercial fishing industry; it can be a serious problem for a harbor. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Alaska Sea Grant and Alaska Marine Safety Education Association (AMSEA) teamed up to produce an excellent video on how to prevent and respond to man overboard situations. Many of the strategies and procedures documented in this video could be considered for use in a marina.
Many floating docks can have significant freeboard, limiting the chances of successful self-rescue from the water. Combined with the effects of cold water, a fall into the waters of a harbor could prove deadly to crew and customers alike. Getting someone out of the water is more difficult than most people can imagine. Having the right equipment in place, like ring buoys and safety ladders, combined with staff rescue training can make all the difference with an unplanned fall into the water. Watch this informative safety video and be more prepared on the water, both in and out of the harbor.
