Key West Boats 1720CC, Manual

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Read and follow the instructions included with the type of visual distress
signal you purchase. Check local restrictions on pyrotechnic devices.
Accident Reporting
Accidents include capsizing, collision, flooding, fire, explosion, loss of life,
or equipment. The operator of the boat is responsible for filing a report with
the appropriate authorities. In general reports are necessary for accidents
involving loss of life, injury, or damage more than $200. Ask your insurance
agent for more detailed information.
Giving Assistance
If you see a distress signal, you should act immediately. Notify the nearest
Coast Guard station or state authority by radio. Channel 9 on CB and channel
16 on VHF Boats radio (156.8 MHz) are recognized distress channels. If you
can assist a stricken boat without endangering yourself, you should.
It is an unwritten law of the sea that a boater comes to the aid of another
boater in trouble. The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 grants “Good
Samaritan” to a boater offering good faith assistance in case of an accident
or casualty.
Fire on Board
Most fires are the result of accumulated gasoline and oil in the bilge from
fueling practices combined with the thoughtless use of smoking materials.
Deciding on whether to fight the fire or abandon the boat is difficult and
depends on many factors. Try to formulate a plan in advance to make that
decision quickly and without hesitation.
Capsizing
Certain conditions can arise where a boat may be capsized or swamped.
Most often, these conditions happen when least expected. Like fires, try to
formulate a plan in advance on what to do if it should happen.
Towing and Being Towed
Use caution when towing or being towed. Use high quality rope capable
of the load. Keep at least two boat lengths between boats. Never tie onto
cleats, handrails, windshields, or attempt to hold on to the tow line; use the
bow eye on the boat being towed and both stern eyes on the tow boat to
distribute the load. Proceed slowly and don’t try to tow a much larger boat.
Always ask yourself if it would be easier to anchor the distressed boat and
bring back help: i.e., running out of fuel.
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