What the Examiner Is Really Testing
At command level the examiner is not checking whether you can read a hydrostatic release label. They want evidence that you have commanded the abandonment — that you understand when survival craft transitions from a drill into a life-or-death decision, how you organise the crew and vessel before leaving, what you do once waterborne, and critically, that you hold the legal and tactical picture as the Master. A watchkeeper answer describing how to pull the painter scores poorly.
Pre-Launch: The Master's Decision and Preparation
Abandonment is a last resort. The Master retains command throughout and is last to leave. Before ordering launch:
- MAYDAY transmitted on VHF Ch 16 and/or MF/HF DSC; EPIRB activated (or confirmed auto-release).
- Position, time and nature of emergency recorded; relevant documents (certificates, crew list, ORB, log extracts) bagged if time permits — these protect crew legally and aid SAR.
- Ship's position broadcast to all craft; course and speed to zero or minimum steerage if practicable.
- Muster stations: all persons accounted for against muster list; immersion suits and lifejackets correctly donned and checked by watch-leaders.
- Survival craft made ready: lashings off, launching equipment checked, painter secured inboard on a long scope, SART and handheld VHF taken into the craft.
Survival Craft Carriage Requirements (REG YC / SOLAS Context)
Candidates should be able to quote the applicable carriage rules for the vessel they are likely to command. Under the REG YC (Large Yacht Code) framework:
- Liferafts: 100% of total persons on board capacity must be provided on each side of the vessel (i.e., 200% total), all readily launchable from either side. For passenger yachts under 500 GT carrying fewer than 200 persons, the SOLAS alternative threshold arrangements may apply — the total capacity must still be 200% but specific side-by-side distribution requirements may be met by Administration-approved equivalence.
- Rescue boats: Vessels under 500 GT must carry at least one rescue boat. Vessels 500 GT and over must carry at least one rescue boat on each side, unless an Administration equivalence has been granted.
These figures align with SOLAS Chapter III requirements as applied to yachts in this category and are the figures an MCA oral examiner will expect a Master to quote.
Launch
Liferafts: hydrostatic release auto-deploys at 1.5–4 m depth, or manual wet launch — heave clear of the vessel, painter taut, sharp pull or activation line triggers inflation. Board from the water or a boarding ladder; keep clear of the vessel's side when sea is rough. Davit-launched liferafts and lifeboats follow the prescribed embarkation procedure in the SMS; never descend the falls with slack in the painter.
Lifeboats: lower to embarkation deck, embark, release gripes, lower under control, cast off falls once waterborne and clear.
Immediately after launch: move clear — at least 100 m upwind/upcurrent of the casualty to avoid suction, fire risk or debris. Stream the drogue into the wind.
Managing the Survival Craft
- Activate SART and handheld EPIRB; keep VHF watch on Ch 16.
- Ration water from the outset; no food for first 24 hours (seasickness reduces metabolism).
- Maintain lookout watch; use flares — parachute for aircraft/distant vessels, hand-held for close approach — at maximum range for type.
- Huddle, minimise movement, bail/ventilate as appropriate; record headcount and injuries.
- Preserve the boarding ladder or rope for recovery.
Recovery at Sea, Beaching, or Landing
Recovery at sea: confirm the rescuing vessel's intentions on VHF; approach from leeward; use a heaving line; never attach the painter to the rescue ship until personnel are ready to climb; assist weak survivors with a bowline.
Beaching: select a sheltered beach with a gentle gradient if possible; approach bow-on using the drogue astern to control the approach angle and reduce speed; time the surf if present; once grounded, exit promptly to avoid the craft rolling and trapping persons.
Landing a lifeboat: approach controlled under engine or oar, same drogue technique; beach on the crest of a wave and hold.
Structuring Your Spoken Answer
Lead with decision and command authority: "As Master, abandonment is my decision and last resort." Then walk through the sequence — prepare/communicate, launch, clear the vessel, manage waterborne survival, recover. Drop in tactical detail at each stage. If asked about a specific scenario (fire, sinking, man unconscious in survival craft), apply the same framework but focus on what changes that particular scenario demands.