Page 32 - NSRI_ORC140 USER MANUAL

6.20. ORC 140 ABANDON SHIP
The instruction to ABANDON SHIP will be done as a last resort, if all other efforts to keep the
vessel afloat or stay with the vessel are deemed to be unsafe by the Coxswain.

• A MAYDAY must be sent on VHF radio by pushing the RED Distress button for 5 seconds. A
Mayday can also be issued on Channel 16. The vessel’s position should be relayed to Cape Town
radio and the rescue base, and any other shipping possible.
• Take all survival equipment on the vessel to the forward deck where the life raft is. Be sure to
include:

o VHF handheld radios
o EPIRB
o Emergence evacuation canister with the vessel flares, rations etc
o Freshwater
o Blankets
o Torches
o Spare life jackets.
• All crew to gather on the forward deck to abandon ship.
• Ensure the life raft’s painter is attached to the vessel to stop it drifting away. On instruction from
the Coxswain, the life raft must be launched on the windward side of the vessel.
• Crew to enter the life raft, trying to keep as dry as possible.
• Once all crew are in the life raft, cut the painter line.
• Set out the sea anchor to slow your drift.
• Arrange a look out to keep watch for rescue vessels or aircraft.

6.21. ORC 140 FLUSHING OF EACH AIR CONDITIONER UNITS
The ORC 140 has two air conditioners fitted, one 20 000 BTU air conditioner in the wheelhouse
with the controls fitted above the navigator’s seat, and a 6 000 BTU air conditioner in the forward
cabin with the controls fitted next to the watertight door into the tank space.
To flush the cooling water systems for the air conditioner in the wheelhouse do the following:
• The vessel must be in the boathouse connected to shore power.
• Open the engine room deck on the starboard side
• Switch on the air conditioner isolator on the 220 V AC panel.
• The wheelhouse cooling water pump is fitted on the starboard or port side in the engine room,
with its cooling water sea valve and strainer between the ZF gearbox and bulkhead.
• Open the water strainer lid and insert the freshwater hose pipe or connect up the fresh water hose
pipe.
• Open the freshwater to the pump, and have a crew member start the air conditioner in the wheel-
house. Control the water flow to the strainer to ensure that there is sufficient freshwater to not run
the pump dry. There will be some water spillage.
• Run the air conditioner as normal for a few minutes to flush the system.
• When finished, replace the strainer lid and make sure it is secure for normal operations.

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