PURSUIT 3100 Offshore, Owner'S Manual

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3100 OFFSHORE
90
Bilge and Fuel Fires
Fuel compartment and bilge fires are very dangerous because of the presence of gasoline or diesel fuel in the
various components of the fuel system and the possibility for explosion. You must make the decision to fight
the fire or abandon the boat.
IF THE FIRE CANNOT BE EXTINGUISHED QUICKLY OR IT IS TOO INTENSE TO FIGHT,
ABANDONING THE BOAT MAY BE YOUR ONLY OPTION. IF YOU FIND YOURSELF IN
THIS SITUATION, MAKE SURE ALL PASSENGERS HAVE A LIFE PRESERVER ON AND
GO OVER THE SIDE AND SWIM WELL UPWIND OF THE BOAT.
This will keep you and your passengers well clear of any burning fuel that could be released and spread on
the water as the boat burns or in the event of an explosion. When clear of the danger, check about and account
for all those who were aboard with you. Give whatever assistance you can to anyone in need or in the water
without a buoyant device. Keep everyone together in a group for morale and to aid rescue operations.
GASOLINE CAN EXPLODE. IN THE EVENT OF A FUEL COMPARTMENT OR BILGE FIRE,
YOU MUST MAKE THE DIFFICULT DECISION TO FIGHT THE FIRE OR ABANDON THE
BOAT. YOU MUST CONSIDER YOUR SAFETY, THE SAFETY OF YOUR PASSENGERS,
THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE AND THE POSSIBILITY OF AN EXPLOSION IN YOUR
DECISION.
11.8 Additional Safety Equipment
Besides meeting the legal requirements, prudent boaters carry additional safety equipment. This is particularly
important if you operate your boat offshore. You should consider the following items, depending on how
you use your boat.
Satellite EPIRBS
EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) operate as part of a worldwide distress system. When
activated, EPIRBs will send distress code homing beacons that allow Coast Guard aircraft to identify and find
them quickly. The satellites that receive and relay EPIRB signals are operated by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States. The EPIRB should be mounted and registered
according to the instructions provided with the beacon, so that the beacon's unique distress code can be used
to quickly identify the boat and owner.
Additional Equipment to Consider:
VHF Radio
Life Raft Spare Anchor
Heaving Line Fenders First Aid Kit
Flashlight and Batteries Mirror Searchlight
Sunburn Lotion Tool Kit Ring Buoy
Whistle or Horn Anchor Chart and Compass
Boat Hook Spare Propeller Mooring Lines
Food & Water Binoculars Sunglasses
Marine Hardware Extra Clothing Spare Parts
Spare Keys Portable Radio