NorthStar ORION 6, Owner'S Manual

Page: 36 / 52

NORTHSTAR ORION Owner’s Manual
36
9.3. WEATHER CONDITIONS
You should never leave the dock without first checking the local
weather forecast. You can get the weather information from the
TV, radio, local, newspaper, on-line, or from one of the available
applications for your smartphone.
At certain times of the year, weather can change rapidly, and
you should continually keep a “weather-eye” out. While you are
out on your NORTHSTAR ORION, here a few signs you can look
for that indicate an approaching weather change:
9.3.A. WHAT IF IN SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
9.4. FIRE
Most fires are the result of gasoline and oil accumulating in the
bilge from careless fueling practices. Use the fire extinguisher
at the base of the flames using a sweeping motion. Prudent
and accurate use of the available chemicals should contain
all but the worst fires. Verify the fire has been extinguished.
If so, check the damage and get assistance immediately. If
not, get out by the nearest exit and swim as far as possible
upwind from the boat and use the visual distress signals to
get assistance.
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
▪
Weather changes generally come from the west. Scan the
sky with your weather eye, especially to the west.
Watch the clouds, especially the rapid vertically rising ones.
A sudden drop in temperature.
Sudden change in wind direction and/or speed.
If you have a barometer on your NORTHSTAR ORION, check
it every 2 to 3 hours. A rising barometer indicates fair weather
and a rise in wind velocity; a falling barometer indicates
stormy or rainy weather.
Reduce speed, but keep just enough power to maintain headway.
Turn on running (navigation) lights.
Head for the nearest shore that is safe to approach, if possible.
Head bow of the boat into the waves at about a 45-degree angle.
Keep bilges free of water.
Seat passengers on the bottom of the boat near the centerline.
If your engine fails, trail a sea anchor on a line from the bow
to keep the boat headed into the waves. A bucket will work
as a sea anchor in an emergency.