Scout Boats 350 LXF, Owner'S Manual

Page: 97 / 166

97
Safety Equipment
WARNING
WARNING
• Electric Distress Light. (Night use only)
The electric distress light is accepted for
night use only and must automatically flash
the international SOS distress signal. Under
Inland Navigation Rules, a high intensity white
light flashing at regular intervals from 50-70
times per minute is considered a distress
signal.
Fire Extinguishers
Your boat is required to have two Marine Type
USCG approved fire extinguishers. Coast Guard
approved fire extinguishers are hand-portable,
either B-I or B-II classification and have a specific
marine type mounting bracket. It is recommended
that the extinguishers be mounted in a readily
accessible position.
Fire extinguishers require regular
inspections to ensure that:
• Seals and tamper indicators
are not broken or missing.
• Pressure gauges or indicators
read in the operable range.
• There is no obvious physical
damage, corrosion, leakage
or clogged nozzles.
Refer to the “Federal Requirements And Safety
Tips For Recreational Boats” pamphlet or Contact
the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Hotline,
1-800-368-5647, for information on the type and
size fire extinguisher required for your boat.
Please refer to the information provided by the
fire extinguisher manufacturer for instructions
on the proper maintenance and use of your fire
extinguisher.
INFORMATION FOR HALON AGENT FE-241 AND AGENT FM 200
FIRE EXTINGUISHERS IS PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER.
IT IS ESSENTIAL THAT YOU READ THE INFORMATION
CAREFULLY AND COMPLETELY UNDERSTAND THE SYSTEM,
IN THEORY AND OPERATION, BEFORE USING YOUR BOAT.
Bilge and Fuel Fires
Fuel compartment and bilge fires are very danger -
ous because of the presence of gasoline and/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.
Sound Signaling Devices
The navigation rules require sound signals to be
made under certain circumstances. Recreational
vessels are also required to sound fog signals
during periods of reduced visibility. Therefore,
you must have some means of making an effi -
cient sound signal that is audible for .5 nautical
miles.
Navigation Lights
Recreational boats are required to display navi -
gation lights between sunset and sunrise and
other periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain, haze,
etc.) Navigation lights are intended to keep other
vessels informed of your presence and course.
Your Scout is equipped with the navigation lights
required by the U.S. Coast Guard at the time of
manufacture. It is up to you to make sure they
are operational and turned on when required.