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Sound your horn intermittently to warn others of your presence. You must also
listen for signals from other boaters in the area.
.
Fires
A fire aboard your boat is very serious. In case of fire, you should immediately
stop your boat and shut off the engine. Have everyone aboard put on their
personal flotation device. If the fire is accessible, use the fire extinguisher at the
base of the flames using a sweeping motion.
If the fire cannot be extinguished within a few minutes, use a distress signal and
call for help on the radio. All persons should jump overboard and swim clear of
the burning boat.
Swamping and Capsizing
Any boat can capsize or swamp if not operated
properly. That bears repeating. ANY BOAT CAN
CAPSIZE OR SWAMP. This is especially true of boats
equipped with t-tops and/or towers. It usually happens
when least expected. To reduce the risk of capsizing
or swamping: a) avoid operating your boat in adverse
weather conditions (i.e., never operate any boat when
there is small craft advisory, and never operate a boat
that is less than 22’ in length in greater than 10kt winds or 2’ seas); b) ensure
that your boat is loaded as level as possible (both front to back as well as side to
side); c) do not allow items to shift in the boat during navigation; d) never install
towers, t-tops or other similar accessories not manufactured by us or endorsed
for purchase by us; d) reduce power and speed in turns. If you’re operating a
boat with a tower, avoid seas greater than 2’. In the event your boat swamps,
floods or capsizes, you should:
Stay calm
Try to turn the engine OFF to prevent damage.
If not already wearing them, have everyone
aboard put on their personal flotation device.
Locate all passengers and guide them to (and
into if possible) the boat.
Stay with the boat as long as it is afloat.
Climb up on the hull and signal for assistance if
the boat lists or turns over.
Do not attempt to swim to shore. It’s farther than
it looks.
Boats under 20’ are built using flotation foam and stay relatively level when
swamped. The crew may be able to bail the cockpit out and restart the engine.
Collisions
If you are involved in a collision first check everyone aboard for injuries and then
inspect the boat for damage.
Attempt to plug any holes you find.
Use a manual bilge pump to remove water if possible.
If the boat is in danger, have everyone put on PFDs.
Signal for help.
Note: This guy should be wearing a
life preserver.
