Skier's Choice 2008 Supra Launch 20, Owner'S Manual

Page: 13 / 88

© 2008 Skier’s Choice, Inc. © 2008 Skier’s Choice, Inc.
—
© 2008 Skier’s Choice, Inc. © 2008 Skier’s Choice, Inc.
Person Overboard (continued)
• Keep person overboard on helm side so operator has
the person constantly in sight.
• Approach from downwind and move alongside into the
wind for pickup.
• When almost alongside, stop the engine in gear to
prevent dangerous propeller “windmilling.”
• As part of your emergency plan, consider what to
do if you were alone and fell overboard (e.g., wear
PFD, keep signal device in PFD, attach emergency
stop switch lanyard to yourself).
Drowning
• Swim to rescue a drowning victim only as a last resort.
• Immediate resuscitation is critical! At least two people
on board should be certified in CPR.
• Keep the victim warm.
• Use care in handling. Spinal injury may exist if the
victim fell overboard.
• Signal for help.
Medical Emergency
• In an emergency, you may be far from professional
medical assistance. Be prepared. Take a first aid
course, and carry a first aid kit. Be aware of special
conditions that may affect anyone on board.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, extremely toxic
gas. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are dizzi -
ness, ears ringing, headaches, nausea and unconscious-
ness. A poisoning victim’s skin often turns cherry red.
Have the victim breathe fresh air deeply. If breathing stops,
resuscitate. A victim often revives, then relapses because
organs are damaged by lack of oxygen. Seek immediate
medical attention.
Propulsion, Control or Steering Failure
• Shut off engine.
• Put out an anchor to prevent drifting.
• Determine if you can fix the problem yourself. See
engine operator’s manual if engine is flooded.
• Signal for help.
Radio Communication
Radio is the boat operator’s main method of receiving safety
information and summoning aid. VHF-FM radio is the prima-
ry means of short-range communication. Single sideband
radio (SSB) is used for longer range communication.
VHF-FM Channel 16 and SSB 2182 kHz are designated for
emergency use. Such situations can be categorized as:
• Emergency -
“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” - Used when a life or
vessel is in imminent danger.
• Urgency -
“PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN, PAN-PAN” (pronounced PAHN-
PAHN) - Used when a person or vessel is in some
jeopardy less than indicated by a Mayday call.
• Safety -
“SECURITY, SECURITY, SECURITY” (pronounced
SAY-CURE-IT-TAY) - Used for navigational safety or
weather warning.
An emergency situation will be hectic and there will not be
time to learn proper radio procedure.
LEARN WHAT TO
DO BEFORE YOU NEED TO DO IT.
If you hear a distress call, stop all radio transmissions. If you
can directly assist, respond on the emergency frequency.
If you cannot assist, do not transmit on that frequency.
However, continue to monitor until it is obvious that help is
being provided.
Distress Signals
Consult your national boating law enforcement agency.
Visual Distress Signals
• U.S. Coast Guard regulations require boats in coastal
waters and the Great Lakes to carry visual distress
signals for day or night use, as appropriate for the time
of operation. Exempt from the day signals requirement,
but not night signals, are boats less than 4.8 meters
(16 feet), open sailboats less than 7.9 meters (26 feet),