Swamping and Flooding
In the event that the vessel begins to take on water, turn on the
bilge pump to evacuate water and slow its accumulation, and try to
determine the source of the water. A collision with an underwater
object can cause the hull to develop a leak. A loose fitting hose
clamp on a piece of equipment can cause a leak. Try to repair the
leak if possible. If a leak is threatening the safety of you and your
passengers, call or signal for assistance.
• Turn on bilge pump(s).
• Access PFDs, pass them out to everyone, and put them on.
• Identify source of leak and try to stop the leak and flooding.
•
STAY WITH THE BOAT!
A boat will usually float even if there is
major hull damage. Rescuers can spot a boat much easier than a
head bobbing in the water.
• Signal or call for help.
• If others were on board, try to locate them, make sure that they
are conscious and that they can swim.
• Immersion in water speeds the loss of body heat and can
lead to hypothermia (the abnormal lowering of internal body
temperature).
24—Safety
Capsizing
• If others were on board, try to locate them, make sure that they
are conscious and they can swim.
• If possible, access life jackets (PFDs), pass them out to everyone,
and put them on.
•
STAY WITH THE BOAT!
A boat will usually float even if there is
major hull damage. Rescuers can spot a boat much easier than a
head bobbing in the water.
• Signal or call for help.
• Immersion in water speeds the loss of body heat and can
lead to hypothermia (the abnormal lowering of internal body
temperature).
Staying Afloat
• Remain calm. Do not thrash about or try to remove clothing or
footwear. This leads to exhaustion and increases the loss of air that
may keep you afloat.
• Keep your life jacket (PFD) on.
• Keep your knees bent.
• Float on your back and paddle slowly to safety.
Collisions
• Immediately account for all passengers.
• Check for injuries.
• If any person is in the water make sure they have proper flotation
devices.
• Assess the hull for damage.
• Activate the bilge pump(s) to reduce any flooding.
• Try to operate the boat to keep the damaged area above water.
• If necessary, call or signal for assistance.
•
STAY WITH THE BOAT!
Grounding
In the event you run aground, assess the situation before
proceeding. Your response to grounding will depend on how hard the
boat hits bottom and whether the boat remains stranded, the extent
of damage, and proximity to shore and help.
• If it is a simple touch, you may need only to inspect the hull.
• If you are aground, assess the situation before reacting. In some
cases, throwing the boat into reverse can cause more damage.
• Check for leaks and immediately stop any water from entering
the boat.
• Inspect the hull, steering system and propulsion system for
damage.
• Maneuver the boat to safe water only if the hull and all operating
systems are in satisfactory operating condition. Otherwise, call
or signal for assistance.
