Safety

Safety Manual

View the OSC Safety Manual or find it in the shed. Find the Incident Report Form here.

Basic Safety Procedures

Every paddler must have a PFD in the canoe. Wear the PFD if you feel it necessary or cannot tread water for 30 minutes. Children under 13 MUST wear a PFD at all times.
Every OC6 must have two bailers and a drybag safety kit with a VHF radio secured in the canoe
The steersperson is ultimately responsible for evaluating the conditions and setting an appropriate course. Crew members may express concerns if they’re uncomfortable with the conditions, which the steersperson will take under advisement.
Always be dressed for immersion in cold water (see below).
Understand your seat’s responsibilities in the event of a huli (see below).
Be aware of, and be prepared for, existing conditions. These include: wind speed and direction, swell size and direction, tide changes, air temperature, and water temperature.
Be aware of your approximate location
Secure all loose objects in strapped-in mesh bags or dry bags.
Bring water and a snack when going on a long paddle (especially anything over 90 minutes).

Moving the Canoe To and From the Storage Site

Watch SAFELY TRANSPORTING AN OC6 TO THE LAUNCH RAMP

The steersperson is responsible for safely transporting the canoe.

Safely position dolly under the canoe for transport

Before setting the dolly equally between the two iakos (canoe balance point), assign the following crew members:
- At least 1 crew member under the center of the ama while the canoe is lifted.
- 4 crew members, including the steersperson, ready to lift the stern
- 1 crew member on the dolly ready to relocate it to the balance point. (Caution: Remind the dolly handler to be aware of the muku when moving the dolly).
Remind the crew member under the ama that it will get heavy once the canoe is lifted.
Since the canoes are closely stacked, usually it will be necessary to move the canoe 2-3 feet towards the water when lifting the stern
On the steersperson’s call (lift on 3), crew members lift the stern with their legs while the dolly handler moves the dolly to the canoe’s balance point.(Caution: remind the dolly handler to keep their fingers off the top of the dolly rails.)
The wheel handler lets the steersperson know when the wheels are in position under the balance point..
Slowly lower the stern and check to ensure the canoe is balanced between the stern and bow.
Instruct a crew member to remove the cradle from seat 1.
Note: It is better for the crew member on the ama to slowly lift the ama to its highest position after the canoe is balanced on the wheel. This lift will shift and distribute the weight of the ama towards the hull.
If the canoe is not balanced on the wheels on the first lift, readjust with a second lift of the stern before starting the transport.

Transporting the canoe to the parking lot

Before moving forward to the concrete area in front of the O’Neill building, ensure all crew members are in the proper positions. (Caution DO NOT RUSH! Go very slow. This is a critical area where canoes have been damaged and fingers injured.)
2 crew members on the ama at each iakos, 1 crew member at the bow, 2 crew members on the non ama side of the canoe in pushing position at the vy (where iako is tied to the hull), steersperson at the stern.
Watch for uneven surfaces where wheels might roll over and cause tripping hazards.
On the steersperson’s command roll forward to the O’Neill building concrete area bringing the bow closer to the parking lot while allowing enough room between the closest parked vehicle and the ama.This will allow the bow to have room to swing around the adjacent O’Neill building while the canoe turns towards the parking area.
The person at the bow will be responsible to steer and turn the canoe down from the concrete area onto the parking lot, carefully moving the wheels over the tapered curbside.
Be aware of the vehicle parked in front of the parking meter and the vehicle parked in front of the parking payment kiosk.
Once the canoe is positioned parallel to the traffic flow, the steersperson at the stern takes over with the forward command.

Transporting the canoe through the parking area

Caution: Be aware of vehicles, pedestrians, parked boats, and bicyclists.
Always have 2 persons supporting the ama.
Be aware of motorists behind you. Be courteous and aware of your surroundings at all times.

Watch SAFELY LAUNCHING AN OC6 INTO THE WATER

The steersperson is the captain and is responsible for monitoring harbor water conditions (tide, swell, wind, water flow perpendicular to the ramp), providing decisive and clear communication, prioritizing injury prevention and canoe protection. Steerspersons should always be prepared to ask for help depending on the number and strength of the crew.

Warning:

Observe the ebbing and flowing of water east and west as well as north and south.
Observe the level of the tide. Warn your crew members about the slippery ramp when getting close to the water line.
Know wind direction before launching.

Preparing to descend the Ramp(in video we prepare to descend on the south dock which means the stern will go in first)

Clearly communicate the hazards of the launch before proceeding down the ramp.
Steersperson ensures everyone knows their job prior to descending.
Steersperson assigns crew member positions:

1 crew member on Stern
At least one crew member on the ama (usually 2 if it is a crew of 6)
At least one crew member on the non-ama side by seat 2 or 1

The role of the crew members at seats 2, 1 and steersperson by the bow are to control the rate of descent.
Confirm the rear iako crew member can manage the weight of the iako after the front iako crew member moves to the bow to help lift.
The steersperson confirms that everyone is ready to proceed down the ramp.

2. Descending the Ramp (South Dock)

Position one crew member on the ama side of the bow and one crew member on the non ama side of the bow grasping onto the front side of a seat. This helps the steersperson with a slow descent.
Roll the canoe slowly down the center of the ramp section.

3. Entering the Water (South Dock)

NOTE: It is important to keep the bow elevated above the ramp (South Dock) to minimize back injuries to the lifting crew.

On steersperson’s count, lift the canoe and position the wheel
Caution: To control the effects of water flow and wind, keep the wheels in contact with the ramp until the crew member is in position to receive the stern.
Keep the wheel in contact with the ramp until the assigned crew member has contact with the stern on the dock.
Proceed into the water so the bow is completely floating with the wheels still under seat 1.
2 crew members lift the bow while a crew member removes the wheels.

(Caution: Ensure the stern does not get caught under the dock’s ledge)” Once the stern touches the water, instruct the rear iako crew member to lower the ama to torso level.
Instruct the crew to get ready to lift the bow to bring the dolly back to seat 2 or 1 depending on the strength of crew.
The rear iako crew member lowers the ama into the water when directed by the steerer.
The rear iako crew member assists in keeping the canoe straight to minimize drifting north or south.

Watch SAFELY ENTERING AND EXITING AN OC6 OUTRIGGER

Docked canoe.

Loading and unloading:

Crew members enter and exit the canoe in a specific sequence to ensure stability of the canoe and avoid damage to the mukus (they should never hang on the dock with a full crew weighing them down against the dock.)

Entering sequence:

First: Seats 1 and 6

Next: Seats 2 and 5.

Last : Seats 3 and 4 after ensuring that the mukus will not get hung up on the dock by slightly moving the canoe away from the dock.

Exiting sequence:

First: Seats 3 and 4

Next: Seats 2 and 5

Last: Seat 1 and the steersperson (6) → They remain to stabilize and guide the canoe alongside the dock until a crew member has control of the bow/stern.

Load and Go Launch (no docking).

The canoe is always launched with the bow forward pointing west. The steersperson ensures that seat 5 stores the dolly while the steersperson holds the stern in place. Seat 1 is the first to load followed by 2,3,4,5 and 6 carefully moving forward, (climbing over seats and spreader) until they get to their seats. This is a faster loading process which requires all crew members to be in agreement.

Unloading without docking.

The steersperson slowly steers the OC6 towards the middle of a section of ramp, bow first facing east. Seat 1 calls the hold water to fully stop the canoe avoiding contact with the ramp. Seat 1 should be able to get out and firmly stand on the ramp. Seat 1 helps stabilize the bow of the canoe . All paddlers set their paddles down into the canoe and exit with seats in the following order 2,3,4,5 by seat 1 on the ama side. Seat 6 assigns a paddler to hold the front of the ama while the steersperson exits the canoe.

Watch SAFELY REMOVING AN OC6 FROM THE WATER (South Ramp)

The steersperson is responsible for monitoring harbor water conditions (tide, swell, wind, water flow perpendicular to the ramp), providing decisive and clear communication, prioritizing injury prevention and canoe protection. The steersperson is in charge during the move. The steersperson should consider asking for help depending on the number and strength of the crew.

Warning:

Observe the ebbing and flowing of water east and west as well as north and south.
Observe the level of the tide. Warn your crew members about the slippery ramp when getting close to the water line.

Preparing to Ascend the Launch Ramp

Caution: Keep the mukus off the dock.

Steersperson communicates the following crew assignments.

Instruct a crew member to retrieve the wheels. (Caution: Ensure the wheels are properly padded on the axle and rails)
Instruct a crew member to receive the bow (south dock)/stern(north dock)
Instruct a crew member to lift the ama to torso height (usually the strongest paddler)
Instruct remaining crew members to proceed to the ramp to help lift the bow.

2. Ascending the Ramp (on from the south dock)

Caution the crew about the slippery ramp.
Position the wheels under seat one. Move the bow back as necessary. Float the wheels (push them down as necessary). Move wheels back until you are under seat one. If necessary, lift the bow. (This helps keep the bow high to make it easier to lift).
Ensure the crew member on the ama positions themselves in the center of the ama. On the steersperson’s call, the ama should be lifted to torso high to avoid shifting the weight of the ama towards the hull.
The crew moves the canoe up the ramp until the middle of the canoe is at the water line.
Crew members move to the bow/stern to assist in lifting the bow.
On the steersperson’s call (Lift on 3), crew members lift the bow while the dolly handler moves the dolly is entered between the two iakos. (Caution: Remind crew members to lift with their legs). Dolly handler lets the crew know when they are in position so the canoe can be lowered.
Instruct crew members to grab a seat and move the canoe up the ramp.
The steersperson or assigned crew member pushes down on the bow so the stern does not hit the ramp.
Instruct the dolly handler to take control of the stern.
Be aware of pedestrians as you proceed up the ramp.

Watch SAFELY TRANSPORTING AN OC6 TO STORAGE

The steersperson is responsible for safely transporting and parking the canoe.

Once the OC6 is leveled, reposition the ama to shoulder height (this is done so the weight of the ama is transferred to the canoe). Watch for pedestrians, cars, boats, trailers, etc. The canoe is rolled through the center of the parking lot back to the club storage site. 2 crew members push/propel the canoe forward where the iako connects to the spreader. 1 crew member on each iako. (NOTE: If the canoe is removed from the North Dock, then the canoe will need to be turned around in the parking lot before entering the club storage site. The bow must be facing forward before entering the O’Neill building concrete area.)

Entering the Club storage Site from the parking lot

Make a wide turn when entering the storage area. Ensure the bow enters the O‘Neill Building concrete area first. (Caution DO NOT RUSH! Go very slow. This is a critical area where canoes have been damaged and fingers injured.)
Enter the O’Neill building concrete area at an angle so that the left tire rolls up right where the curb tapers. (Caution: The ama may come close to a parked vehicle. You may need two crew members on the ama). The canoe should be entering this area at about a 45 degree angle (bow pointed towards the building). This position will help ensure the stern misses the parking pay and the bow misses the building.
Maneuver the bow so it points at the door of the shed.

Entering the Storage Space & Stacking the Ama

Caution: Do not enter the canoe storage area while another canoe is in the process of parking and setting the dolly. Roll the canoe slowly to its designated resting spot. The ama handler will have to limbo under the front iako of the adjacently parked canoe to maintain position of the center of the ama. There should be approximately 3-6 inches between the adjacent canoe’s muku and your hull. The stern should be approximately 2 feet from the edge of the side walk.
Assign a crew member to place a cradle under seat 1 where it will rest.
With the canoe now resting on the cradle, this provides a slight downward slope of the canoe; now is a good time to remove any water in front of seat 1.
Before setting the dolly under seat 6, assign the following crew members:
- One crew member under the center of the ama to support the ama as the canoe is lifted.
- 4 crew members, including the steerer, ready to lift the stern
- 1 crew member on the dolly ready to relocate it to seat 6.

Caution: Before lifting the stern, remind the crew member under the ama that it will get heavier as the stern is lifted. Also remind the dolly handler to be aware of the muku and keep their fingers off the top side of the dolly rails when the stern is lowered onto the dolly. Remind the crew to lift the stern in a controlled lift.
On the steersperson’s call (lift on 3), crew members lift with their legs while the dolly handler positions the dolly under seat 6.
Ensure the ama is resting on the foam pad of the adjacent canoe’s iako.

Check conditions

National Weather Service Marine Zone Santa Cruz
NOAA Monterey Bay
NOAA Tides Santa Cruz
Harbor Web Cam
Any of our VHF radios – press the WX button

Check buoy locations

Buoy map

Avoid Hypothermia

Some Facts About Hypothermia

If you’re immersed in water that’s 50 degrees F. (which is typical in Monterey Bay in winter), you’re likely to die within one-and-a-half hours (usually from heart failure). Exhaustion and unconsciousness will occur within 30-to-60 minutes, making it harder to keep yourself from being immersed longer. You can get hypothermic without even getting wet. Winter temperatures of 45 degrees F., with 20-mph winds, are not uncommon on the Monterey Bay in the winter, and these conditions can lead to hypothermia.

Preventing Hypothermia

Don’t go out if it is too cold! Here the air temp can be deceivingly warm when the water is too cold. A good rule of thumb is don’t paddle unless air temp + water temp > 110
Don’t capsize! Paddle very safely in cold conditions. Don’t paddle in conditions above your crew’s ability level.
Wear no cotton! Wen wet, it stops being an insulator, and instead becomes a heat conductor.
Layer with fleece, neoprene, nylon, and other synthetics. Wool is fine, but synthetics are lighter, warmer, and retain less water. Even if you wear a wetsuit, carry a water-and-windproof outer layer. Once you right your canoe, your wetsuit will stay wet and cause evaporative cooling. An outer layer will help prevent evaporative cooling.
Wear a wool or similar synthetic hat. Once you’re clothed properly, 80-90% of your heat loss will be through your head.
Wear neoprene booties, especially in an OC1 or OC2.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

Mild hypothermia: Uncontrolled, intense shivering. Movements becomes less coordinated. Some pain and discomfort.
Moderate hypothermia: Shivering slows or stops. Muscles begin to stiffen. Metal confusion and apathy sets in. Speech becomes slow, vague, and slurred. Breathing becomes slower and shallow.
Severe hypothermia: Skin is cold, may be bluish-gray. Eyes may be dilated. Very weak. Marked lack of coordination. Slurred speech. Exhaustion. Denies problem and may resist help. Gradual loss of consciousness. May become very rigid, unconscious, and appear dead.

Huli Recovery Procedure

Here is an excellent video from our fellow club Hi’ilani ‘O Ke Kai OCC of Monterey.

Seat 6 calls out each seat number in order 1 through 5. Each paddler responds with “OK”.
Everyone quickly puts their paddles under their seats (between the seats and the bottom of the capsized canoe)
Everyone stays on the ama side of the canoe (instead of swimming under the canoe to the non-ama side)
Seats 1 from bow and seat 6 from stern orient the canoe facing into the swell.
Seats 3 & 4 step onto the upside down iako, climb onto the hull, turn and step on the stubs of the iako, grab the ama side iako and right the canoe when seat six says “ready, LIFT”.
Seats 2 & 5 can help lift the ama as 3 & 4 right it if necessary.
Seats 3 & 4 slow the ama as it drops into the water.
Seats 3 & 4 then use the iakos of the righted canoe to pull themselves partly out of the water and to weight the left side of the canoe for seats 2 & 5 to get in.
Seats 2 & 5 jump into the canoe from the right side of the canoe and bail like crazy towards the ama side.
When seat six says “3 and 4 IN” seats 3 & 4 jump in and assist bailing with 2 & 5.
When seat six says “everyone IN” seats 1 & 6 jump in from ama side.
While 3 & 4 finish bailing, the rest paddle to keep the canoe from swamping.

Notes on Huli Recovery

Often times it happens before you know it and you find yourself in the water. The cold water can stun and disorient you. Surface with your arm above your head to avoid hitting it on the ama. Keep calm and remember your training!

Stay with your canoe: right it and get back in, or stay on top of your over-turned canoe until you can be rescued. If you are unable to right the canoe or it is damaged beyond use Use The Radio and call for help on channel 16. Don’t delay, the hypothermia clock has begun. Put on the PFDs.

Bail quickly with fast short bails, also use the 5 gallon bucket.