Risks

 

General Cautions:
- The CAPSAVE® Hull Penetration System can be used in a "salvage" mode, when no persons are in an overturned vessel, or it can be used in the "rescue" mode, when persons are trapped in the air pocket. The decision to use the device in this "rescue" mode must be taken with a full understanding of the risks and benefits involved, taking into consideration levels of training and experience of the responders.
- The use of the device in a rescue situation must be integrated with the total rescue plan. The purpose of the System is to control the buoyancy of the overturned vessel and to prolong survival time for, and provide comfort to the victims trapped in the air pocket, until successful extrication can be achieved.
- The CAPSAVE® Hull Penetration System is a new technology. While the Canadian Coast Guard (Pacific Region) has taken delivery of the System for field trials, the System has not yet been used in real rescue operations.
- Only persons trained in the use of pressurized air systems such as SCUBA tanks should use this System.
- Only persons expert in marine rescue and salvage techniques - e.g. how the introduction of air into air pockets will affect the buoyancy and stability of overturned vessels - should use the equipment to penetrate the hull of an overturned vessel.
- Persons operating the System should also have attended a training session delivered by a CM Technologies, Inc. employee or someone with equivalent expertise.
- Use of the System requires two persons for installation and at least one person to continuously monitor the site after installation.

Risks for Responders and/or Victims:
- Unsuccessful installation may allow air to escape from the air pocket and the vessel may sink.
- Excessive air delivery may upset the stability of the vessel and it could roll upright, lose the air pocket and sink.
- If the hull material is very hard to penetrate (steel > ΒΌ" thick or concrete), or if the drill bit hits an engine bed or built-in fuel or water tank, etc. air tanks may be wasted in an unsuccessful effort to penetrate the hull. This could preclude their use in the more conventional rescue actions - e.g. "bubble the air up from underneath the hull" approach - or for diver use.
- If the CAPSAVE® device were to be dislodged or damaged due to impact from a boat or a heavy object, this could result in a critical uncontrolled breach of the air pocket, and subsequent loss of the vessel. (The installation procedure does include provision for removing most of the CAPSAVE® assembly, leaving a very secure and low profile housing on the hull. This will lessen the chance of the System being ripped from the hull by collision with heavy objects).