1. SAP STOP ASSESS PLAN

3. Stop, Assess Plan is one the most important maxims of the Auxiliary, that is designed to keep our own personnel and vessels safe, and other people and vessels with whom we interact or might interact, positively or negatively.

4. Prior To Departure Stop, Assess, Plan

5. The first place to invoke Stop, Assess Plan is prior to leaving the dock. Stop, Assess, Plan

7. 1. Coxswain to take charge Stop, Assess, Plan

8. 2. Has everyone left their names ashore? Stop, Assess, Plan

9. 3. Have crew been briefed as to the mission and what to expect? Discuss and obtain feedback. Stop, Assess, Plan

10. 4. Is rescue vessel in all respects ready to depart? Discuss and obtain feedback. Stop, Assess, Plan

11. 5. Are all crew properly dressed equipped and ready to depart? Mutual check. Stop, Assess, Plan

12. Once this stage has been reached the vessel may proceed. Stop, Assess, Plan

13. In Transit Stop, Assess, Plan

14. During the passage to (or from the casualty), if at any time there is serious doubt by anyone on board as to the safety of the vessel, due to: Stop, Assess, Plan

15. 1. doubts of own vessels position, 2. intentions and proximity of traffic, 3. weather (wind and visibility) conditions, 4. condition of navigational aids, Invoke SAP Stop, Assess, Plan

16. Be aware that ever worsening conditions during a Search and Rescue operation may cause the coxswain and crew to stay out beyond the capabilities of the vessel and crew. Stop, Assess, Plan

17. More accidents occur on the return to base, as the adrenaline has stopped, coxswain and crew relax and their vigilance level drops. Stop, Assess, Plan

18. Arrival at the Distress Stop, Assess, Plan

21. SAP 100 is to be used in any situation where a team is approaching an unknown and possibly dangerous scene. Stop, Assess, Plan

22. The rescue vessel must be stopped at least 100 feet away from the distress. Stop, Assess, Plan

24. This is to be outside the area where the coxswain and crew will get emotionally involved with anyone in distress. There is always enough time. Stop, Assess, Plan

25. The coxswain and crew will all inspect the distressed vessel or persons, observe and discuss and particularly pay attention to hazards such as: Stop, Assess, Plan

26. 1. Direction of wind, waves and swell Stop, Assess, Plan

27. 2. Available depth of water and state of tide Stop, Assess, Plan

28. 3. Details of the distressed vessels construction that may be a danger Stop, Assess, Plan

29. 4. Details of the distressed vessels construction that may be a danger, e.g 150 foot disabled steel vessel rolling heavily Stop, Assess, Plan

30. 5. Particular hazards around the vessel that may be hazardous, e.g lines or sails trailing in the water, the anchor is down, people in the water Stop, Assess, Plan

31. 6. What is the apparent distress visible, e.g fire, smoke, vessel heavy in the water Stop, Assess, Plan

32. 7. What hazards may that apparent distress present to the rescue vessel, e.g fire - any gas bottle visible smoke - choking fumes prevent ideal approach vessel heavy in the water - if it sank or capsized mid operation, what effect would that have on your plans Stop, Assess, Plan

33. The Coxswain and crew are to actively discuss everything that they see, so that the fullest appreciation and assessment of the situation is made. Stop, Assess, Plan

34. Make and discuss the plan. Everyone has input but the coxswain has the final word. Make the necessary preparations. Stop, Assess, Plan

35. Inform Joint Rescue Co-ordination Centre Stop, Assess, Plan

37. Proceed Stop, Assess, Plan

38. Rushing in may not be the best idea!!

39. During The Rescue Operation Stop, Assess, Plan

41. If at any stage during the rescue operation the coxswain and crew realize something is not right, a form of SAP may be invoked to gain insight Stop, Assess, Plan

42. You have been called to a vessel adrift. It is a motorboat about 28 foot long, with a fully fastened cover over its cockpit and after deck. Stop, Assess, Plan

43. There are no signs of a dragging anchor or broken mooring lines. Stop, Assess, Plan

44. You go alongside Stop, Assess, Plan

45. What do you do? Conduct a SAP Stop, Assess, Plan

46. It could be that the vessel is adrift because the person on board has had a heart attack or may have been asphyxiated due to a a gas leak or carbon monoxide Stop, Assess, Plan

47. If a crew member charges on board, adrenaline flowing, he could end up being a casualty rather than a rescuer Stop, Assess, Plan

48. If properly used at the appropriate time, the SAP procedure will introduce safeguards for the vessel and the crew Stop, Assess, Plan

49. You’ve carefully thought out all the angles… You’ve done it all a thousand times before… It comes so naturally to you You know what you’re doing, its what you’ve been trained to do your whole life… Nothing could possibly go wrong, right?