OWNER’S MANUAL
EMERGENCIES
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Frequency (VHF) channel 16 or Citizens Band (CB)
radio channel 22. (VHF channels 9 or 13 or a cellular
phone in some states may be available.)
The USCG requires the owner/operator of a boat
involved in an accident to report the incident immediately
to the proper marine law enforcement agency for the
state in which the accident occurred. If you witness a
collision while yachting, you must report it immediately
and provide assistance.
Towing on the Water
Always offer assistance to a vessel in distress. However,
towing a capsized yacht or a yacht with a damaged
hull is not recommended. Lend aid to the occupants,
and call the proper authorities when towing is required.
Remember, all yachters are obligated to lend aid to any
person in distress, but they should not aim to repair the
vessel itself. Never attempt to tow a disabled yacht. One
disabled yacht is better than two.
Running Aground
Excessive weight in the FORE or AFT sections of the
yacht will cause a trim change and may yield greater
draft than expected. Equip the yacht with a quality depth-
measuring instrument, and allow ample water below the
hull while operating.
IF THE YACHT RUNS AGROUND
1 ]
Check everyone onboard for injuries. Call for
emergency assistance as needed.
2 ]
Inspect the yacht for damage and immediate threats
such as water leaking into the yacht, or fuel or
flammable materials leaking into the water or inside
the yacht. Immediately call for assistance if threats
exist that could endanger the safety of passengers.
IF THE YACHT IS LIGHTLY
GROUNDED
Shift the weight of the passengers or gear to heel the
yacht while reversing engines.
IF TOWING BECOMES
NECESSARY
Use a commercial towing service.
Never attach a tow line to a single deck cleat or anchor
windlass. The cleats and windlass are not designed to take
the full load of the yacht and may pull free from the deck,
causing serious injury or property damage.
NOTICE
Man Overboard
If someone falls overboard, understanding what to do
is important. Chapman Piloting publications publishes
emergency procedures, and the U.S. Coast Guard or
the local marine authorities offer instruction. See
“Man-
Overboard Prevention” on page 23
.
Hypothermia may be an immediate concern if a person
falls overboard. Hypothermia occurs when a person’s
body loses heat faster than the body can replace it.
The person will become exhausted or likely drown if not
rescued in a timely manner. The colder the water, the
faster the body loses heat. Life jackets increase survival
time because they provide insulation. To understand the
survival time to water temperature ratio, consult
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