Carver 45 COCKPIT MOTOR, Owner'S Manual

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4537 • C3 7/06 5
BOATING SAFETY SECTION 1
Swamped or Capsized Boat
If your boat becomes swamped or capsizes, put on a personal flotation device
immediately and set off a distress signal. Chances are good a capsized boat will
stay afloat. For this reason, stay with the boat. Do not leave the boat or try to
swim to shore except under extreme conditions. A capsized boat is easier to see
than a swimmer, and the shore may be further away than it appears.
If water is coming over the bow, reduce headway and turn the boat slightly so
that the bow is slightly off from meeting the waves head on. Drop a sea anchor
over the stern of the boat and adjust the length of the line to hold the bow at the
most favorable angle.
Collision
If a serious collision occurs, check everyone onboard for injuries, then inspect
the boat to determine the extent of the damage.
• Prepare to help the other craft unless your boat or its passengers are in danger.
• 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 single deck cleat or anchor windlass. 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.
If a person falls overboard, hypothermia may be an immediate concern.
Hypothermia occurs when a person’s body loses heat faster than the body can
replace it. If not rescued, the person will become exhausted or likely drown.
In general, the colder the water, the faster body heat is lost. Personal flotation
devices increase survival time because they provide insulation.