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Last Updated
August 1, 2001

 

 

 

 

THE BREECHES BUOY
FOCUS Know About - July 11, 2001
Source : Survival at Sea The Lifeboat and Liferaft
by CH Wright, National Sea Training Schools ( Liverpool, Retired)

If a ship runs ashore under high ground, or onto the rocks or a sand bank, within reasonable distance of the shore, attempts may be made by the Coastguards to rescue those on board by means of the Breeches Buoy.

Due to heavy weather a vessel may well run aground on lee shore, or even in fine weather drift ashore for reasons beyond her control, such as engine trouble. Provided a vessel is not more than about 250 yards (200m) from the shore, and having sent up distress signals, is aware that the Coastguards have arrived at the nearest point. A line carrying rocket should be fired towards the shore. Failing this the Coastguards will endeavour to fire a line carrying rocket towards the ship.

While a Coastguard rocket is considerably more powerful than a ship's rocket, it must be remembered that the Coastguard will in all probability have to fire againts the wind, and that a ship makes a far smaller target than the shore.

As soon as contact has been established between the ship and the Coastguard, and the rocket line is in possession of both parties, the Coastguard will signal the ship to haul on the line.

When finally a tail block is hauled on board the ship's, it should be taken as high as possible and well secured to a very strong point, such as the crosstrees. When the ship signals the Coastguard that the tail block is secure, the Coastguard will haul out a heavier line by means of an endless fall rove through the tail block. When this line known as the Jackstay is received on board, it must be made very securely fast about 2 to 3 feet (60 to 90 cm) above the tail block.

When the Coastguard receive a signal to say this has been done, they will place a traveller in the shape of a block on the jackstay and connect it to the endless fall rove through the tail block on the ship. Then suspending a lifebuoy connected to a pair of canvas breaches, from the traveller, they will haul the breeches buoy out to the ship, by means of the endless fall.

On being signalled that a survivor is in the breeches buoy, the Coastguard will haul the survivor ashore, and repeat the operation until all the survivors are rescued.

There is steadying line riggred from the breeches buoy to the endless fall, being made fast on the shore side near the traveller. Survivors travelling in the buoy, should face the steadying line, and use it to help maintain balance.It is most important to remember that a great deal of strain will be placed on both the tail block and the jackstay, so that they must be well secured to good strong points. They must also be as high as possible to avoid the survivor being dragged through the sea and very possibly washed out of the buoy.

Signals for use with the Breeches Buoy.

*	Vertical waving of the arms with a flag by day and a light by night. Yes or affirmative.
*	Horizontal waving of the arms with a flag by day and light by night. No or negative.
*	At night a ship may light a flare when the tail block is fast, and show a white light when the jackstay is fast.
*	Whenever possible contact by morse should be established, either by light or sound.
*	It is important that a man should be detailed as a signalman. He should stand well away from the main party, in a conspicuous position and fully understand the meaning of all the signal.
*	A capable seaman should be the first person sent ashore.

N. B. When firing a rocket, always fire slightly to leeward, because a rocket tends to climb to winward.

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