Carver 46 VOYAGER, Owner'S Manual

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4627 9/02
B
OATING
S
AFETY
S
ECTION
1
• 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).
1.3.5 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 neces-
sary, use a commercial towing service.
Never attach a tow line to a 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.
1.3.6 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. Per-
sonal flotation devices increase survival time because they provide insula-
tion.
1.3.7 Medical Emergency
No one should act as a doctor if they are not properly trained and
educated. Someone onboard your boat should know first aid. First aid
training is available through your local Red Cross. Keep a fully stocked first
aid kit onboard your boat at all times.