Marine Rescue Operations

Section 2 - EMERGENCY OPERATIONS

PURPOSE:

The Maitland Fire Rescue Department Marine Rescue unit is maintained to provide surface water rescue capability in the numerous bodies of water within the City of Maitland. The Marine Rescue unit is composed of on duty shift personnel who are trained to operate the unit. The Marine Rescue team will work in conjunction with all agencies that request services for marine related emergencies.

PROCEDURE:

Marine Rescue Boat

• The Marine Rescue Boat is to be operated only by Maitland Fire Rescue Department personnel trained and assigned to carry out such tasks.
• The Marine Rescue Boat is to be checked each morning to insure all systems are operational and all safety equipment is accounted for. Fuel level is to be no less than one half (1/2) full.
• The Marine Rescue Boat is to be towed only by Department approved towing vehicles. Rescues 45 and 47, as well as staff vehicles with proper trailer towing equipment, can be utilized.
• When connecting the Marine Rescue Boat to the towing vehicle, two (2) persons must verify proper connection of the coupler, safety chains, and lights. The coupler is to be “pinned” via a padlock or approved pin mechanism.
• The boat is to be secured to the trailer via the front winch hook and “tie down” straps near the rear of the boat. Personnel must ensure both are in place prior to towing.
• A back up guide shall be used at all times when backing the Marine Rescue Boat. Disconnect the trailer wiring harness before backing the boat into the water.
• All personnel shall wear U.S.C.G. approved flotation devices while conducting marine rescue activities, operating, or riding as a passenger in the Marine Rescue Boat.

Operations

• Launch sites for marine rescue operations shall be determined by the incident commander.
• Factors to be considered prior to launching the Marine Rescue shall include:
  • Time of Day
  • Weather
  • Personnel Safety - The Incident Commander is responsible for making the determination to launch based on the above factors.
• Marine Rescue operations shall be limited to surface water rescue only when the victim is visible.
• Victim assistance is to be administered via throw devices. Only personnel with water rescue training shall enter the water to attempt a “hands on” rescue.
• Personnel may enter the water with mask, fins, and snorkel for the purpose of locating a victim and/or vehicle when the exact location is known. Upon locating such, the area is to be marked using a floating device, and secured until proper resources arrive to mitigate the situation. All persons entering the water to perform surface water procedures shall wear a buoyancy compensation device and be tethered to a shore line attended by an individual on shore or in the boat.
• Personnel shall only enter the water after the boat has been launched and adequate persons are in the boat to render assistance.
• A minimum of one person in the boat shall monitor a portable radio on the assigned channel for that incident.
• At no time shall personnel be in the water while the outboard motor is running.

During summer months when the water temperature may exceed 80F, the use of nose plugs shall be mandatory to protect against water born illnesses such as amoebic meningitis. Only necessary personnel should be allowed to enter the water to effect rescue efforts during these periods of increased water temperature.