Regal 38 EXPRESS, Owner'S Manual

Page: 153 / 317

11
Vessel Operation
EMERGENCIES
Always be ready to help others on the water if possible,
but do not take any unnecessary risks. Use equipment to
save a life, but do not risk a life to save equipment. Consult
earlier information in this manual concerning accidents,
etc. Also, read other literature concerning on the water
emergencies. Be alert and prepared!
FIRE
Fire aboard a vessel can spread quickly and can cause
tremendous alarm among everyone. Most
fi res can be
prevented by keeping the bilge free from oil and debris.
Keep all equipment stowed and maintained in working
order. Carry backup fire extinguishers on board. If
something becomes a possible
fi re hazard, remove that
possibility at once.
Never use water on gasoline, oil or electrical
fi res. When
you dump water on an electrical fi re you can be shocked
since water conducts electricity.
Follow these instructions if a
fi re breaks out:
1. Fit everyone aboard with a life jacket. Turn off the
ignition switch.
2. Try to keep the fi re downwind. If the fi re is to the stern,
head the bow toward the wind. If forward, put the stern
to the wind.
3. If the engine should catch fi re, shut off the fuel supply
Usually there is a fuel tank access that you can crimp the
fuel feed line.
4. Use a hand fire extinguisher. Make sure to point
it at the base of the flames. Use short bursts and
sweep the extinguisher side to side.
Remember: (A 4
pound extinguisher discharges in approximately 20
seconds)
These actions help prevent the fi re from spreading to other
parts of the boat. You can extinguish fi res quickly if you
act swiftly. Have a plan of action in motion in case a fi re
breaks out.
FIRST AID
Knowing fi rst aid can save lives. A fi rst aid kit and the
ability to use it are important ingredients for the safety of
a skippers’ passengers, crew and vessel. Having con
fi dence
and competence in handling medical emergencies on board
is a must for the skipper. Invest your time in a
fi rst aid
course available at the American Red Cross.
If someone is seriously injured have someone call for help
while the injured person is being attended.
Check for possible danger signs; loss of breathing,
unconsciousness, severe bleeding and heartbeat. If you
determine the individual is not breathing or unconscious
place the victim on their back on a hard surface and do
the following:
1. If unconscious, open the airway. Neck lift, head lift or
chin head lift.
2. If not breathing, begin arti fi cial breathing. Pinch the
nose. Give 4 quick breaths. If airway is blocked, try back
blows, abdominal or chest thrusts and
fi nger probe until
airway is open.
3. Check for pulse. Begin arti fi cial circulation. Depress
sternum. Fifteen compressions rate 80 per minute. 2 quick
breaths. Continue uninterrupted until advanced medical
support is available.
CPR (BASIC LIFE SUPPORT)