On board fires involving the fuel system usually result in either an explosion
that completely destroys the boat, or the boat burning to the waterline and
self extinguishing. Deciding on abandoning the boat or staying to fight the
fire is difficult and depends on many factors.
Try to formulate a fire plan in
advance to make that decision quickly and without hesitation.
Gasoline will float on top of water and can burn. If the boat is
abandoned, swim up wind, far enough to avoid fuel that may
spread over the surface of the water to avoid serious injury.
Capsizing and Swamping
A boat may capsize or swamp when least expected. Like fires, try to
formulate a plan in advance on what to do if it should happen. Keep in mind
the following guidelines:
●
Try to turn the engine OFF to prevent
damage.
●
If others were on board, try to locate them,
make sure they’re conscious and that they
can swim.
●
Stay with the boat!
Climb up on the hull and try
to get assistance.
●
Don’t try to swim to shore. It’s
usually further than it looks.
HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
Every waterway poses hazards that you should avoid; shallow water, tree
stumps, sand bars, etc. Ask local boaters for information and consult a
marine chart when boating on unfamiliar waters. As the operator of the boat,
you should try to avoid all hazards, known and unknown. The following
information does not contain all possible water hazards.
Weather
Severe weather can be one of the most
dangerous forces boaters en counter.
High winds, rough seas and
thunderstorms may suddenly turn an
enjoyable outing into a fear of loosing
your life. Before starting out on your boat,
you must listen to the current forecast,
and plan a way to receive warnings and
weather advisories while underway.
!
WARNING
Scout Boats
1-7
Boating Safety
KC-0170
240-003
OK
!
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