Carver 356 2004, Owner'S Manual

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S
ECTION
1 B
OATING
S
AFETY
• If the bow of the other craft penetrated your boat’s
hull, prepare to plug the fracture once the boats are
separated.
• Shore up the hole inside your boat with a spare life
jacket or bunk cushion.
• While plugging the hole, trim weight to get the hole
above the water level during repairs, if possible.
• If your boat is in danger of sinking, have everyone
onboard put on their personal flotation devices.
• If your boat has a radio, contact the U.S. Coast
Guard or other rescue authorities immediately on
VHF channel 16 or CB radio channel 22. (You may
also be able to use VHF channels 9 or 13 or your
cellular phone in some states).
Running Aground
Excessive weight in the fore or aft sections of the boat
will cause a trim change and may yield greater draft
than expected. Equip your boat with a good quality
depth-measuring instrument and allow ample water
below the hull while operating.
If your boat runs aground, check everyone onboard for
injuries, then inspect the boat for damage. If lightly
grounded, shift the weight of the passengers or gear to
heel the boat while reversing engines. If towing becomes
necessary, use a commercial towing service.
Never attach a tow line to a deck cleat or anchor wind-
lass. The cleats and windlass are not designed to take
the full load of the boat and may pull free from the
deck, causing serious injury or property damage.
Man Overboard
You should know what to do in case someone falls
overboard. Emergency procedures are published in
Chapman’s and instruction is offered by the U.S. Coast
Guard.