Grade 10 marine and fisheries technology Capture Fisheries – Safety and Survival Techniques Notes

1. (a) Identify and outline the sub-sub-strands:
   • Types of accidents and their causes in fishing vessels
   • Safety equipment required in fishing vessels
   • Basic survival techniques in aquatic environments
   • Basic first aid on fishing-related injuries
   • Appreciation of safety and survival practices in fishing environments
2. (b) Describe the types of accidents and their causes in fishing vessels.
3. (c) Identify safety equipment required in a fishing vessel.
4. (d) Practice basic survival techniques in aquatic environments.
5. (e) Carry out basic first aid on injuries related to fishing activities.
6. (f) Appreciate safety and survival practices related to fishing environments.

1. Types of accidents and their causes (common in Kenyan waters)

• Capsizing / swamping — caused by overloading, sudden storms, waves, poor weight distribution, or holes in hulls.
• Man overboard — caused by slipping on wet decks, rough seas, leaning too far when hauling gear, or lack of guard rails.
• Collisions — with other boats, submerged logs or reefs; caused by poor lookout, night operations without lights, or crowded landing sites.
• Entanglement or entrapment — fishing gear (nets, lines) can pull crew overboard or trap limbs in winches and engines.
• Fires / explosions — caused by fuel leaks, bad wiring or careless use of stoves onboard.
• Slips, cuts and punctures — from hooks, knives, fish spines, or wet slippery decks.
• Engine failure / loss of power — leaves vessel drifting, especially dangerous near rocks, reefs or in bad weather.

2. Safety equipment required on fishing vessels

3. Basic survival techniques in aquatic environments

Key principles: stay calm, stay with the boat if possible, use floatation, signal for help, conserve energy.

1. If you fall overboard:
   • Keep calm. Float on your back or use a lifejacket — do not try to swim long distances unless shore is very close.
   • Signal immediately — shout, use whistle, wave arms, point to rescuers.
   • If you see the boat, try to move toward it keeping breaths controlled; the best option is to get back aboard using ladder or lifting line.
2. If the boat is sinking or swamped:
   • Put on lifejackets immediately and stay together as a group (huddle position) to retain heat and be more visible.
   • Keep with the vessel or debris — a partly submerged boat is easier to spot than a lone swimmer.
   • Use any buoyant objects (jerrycans, coolers) to help float.
3. Signalling and staying visible: use flares at night/day, whistle, torch, reflective material and stay in open areas where aircraft or other boats can see you.
4. Decision making: if weather gets bad, head to nearest safe harbor or beach; avoid risky fishing in heavy weather typical during monsoon or short rains.

4. Basic first aid for fishing-related injuries

Always: check scene safety, use gloves if available, call for help if serious, and seek professional medical care when needed.

• Bleeding (cuts, lacerations): apply direct pressure with clean cloth; elevate the limb if possible; clean wound with clean water and cover with sterile dressing. If bleeding does not stop, seek urgent help.
• Puncture wounds and hook injuries: do not pull the hook forcefully. If hook is superficial, cut the line and remove barb only if trained; otherwise seek help. Tetanus protection should be checked at clinic.
• Fractures / suspected broken bones: immobilize the limb using splints (sticks and padding), support with a sling, avoid moving injured person unnecessarily.
• Burns / fuel or engine burns: cool with clean water for at least 10 minutes, cover with sterile dressing; do not apply grease or oils.
• Drowning / unconscious and not breathing: remove from water safely, open airway, check breathing. If not breathing, begin CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths) and get emergency help. Note: formal CPR training is strongly recommended.
• Shock: keep person warm and lying down, raise feet if no head/neck injury, treat cause (control bleeding), get urgent care.

5. Appreciation of safety and survival practices

Following safety rules saves lives, protects livelihoods and reduces loss of gear and boats. In Kenya many small-scale fishers depend on safe practices to continue fishing and support families. Respect local rules, inspect equipment before each trip, and report hazards to the landing site managers or fisheries officers.

Good habits: wearing lifejackets, regular maintenance, weather checks, clear communication on deck, and training in first aid and rescue drills.

6. Simple visuals / quick reminders

7. Suggested learning experiences (practical, classroom & field)

• Role-play drills: man-overboard rescue, putting on lifejackets, throwing a life buoy, boarding with ladder.
• Practical checks: students inspect a small boat (or model) using a checklist — lifejackets, bilge pump, fire extinguisher, lights.
• First-aid workshop: basic wound dressing, control of bleeding, splinting a limb, simulated hook injuries (using models) — supervised by teacher/medic.
• Local field visit: trip to a landing site (beach or lake shore) to observe local boats, speak with fishers about safety practices and hazards.
• Group project: create safety posters in English and Kiswahili (e.g., “Vaa PFD kila wakati” — Wear PFD always) to display at landing site.
• Emergency communication drill: practice making a distress call on VHF or mobile (simulate), learning local emergency contacts.
• Assessment: short practical test (don lifejacket, tie bowline, bandage wound) plus short written quiz on causes of accidents and equipment list.

8. Quick pre-departure safety checklist (for students to use)

• Weather check and trip plan agreed (time, route, landing site).
• Enough lifejackets for everyone and easily reachable.
• Working communication device (radio/mobile dry box) and knowledge of emergency number.
• First aid kit, fire extinguisher, bailer/bilge pump, anchor, and spare fuel.
• Clear deck (no loose gear), non-slip footwear, and tools stored safely.
• All crew briefed on roles in emergency, basic signals and man-overboard procedure.