Smith-Root ELECTROFISHING BOATS, User Manual, Page: 40 / 53

38
2007
ELECTROfISHING
BOATS
cases where adequate zones of protection are lacking, they
should be corrected, if accomplished by changes in number
or height of masts, or by shielding wires suspended between
masts.
Fiberglass or wooden hulled sailing ships should be
protected in accordance with Section 1, except that
grounding and bonding conductors should have conductivity
not less than that of No.4 AWG copper wire, and the copper
grounding plate below the light water line should have an
area not less than 36 square feet (3.3m2).
Precautions for Personnel
Inasmuch as the basic purpose of protection against lightning
is to ensure the safety of personnel, it is appropriate that the
following precautions and suggestions be listed in addition to
all applicable recommendations already covered.
One should remain inside a closed boat, as far as practical,
during a lightning storm, and should not dangle arms or legs
in the water.
To the extent consistent with safe handling and navigation of
the boat during a lightning storm, one should avoid making
contact with any items connected to a lightning protection
system and especially in such a way as to bridge between
these items. For example, it is undesirable that an operator
be in contact with reversing gear levers and spotlight control
handle at once.
No one should be in the water during a lightning storm.
Maintenance suggestions
One should not have a whip-type radio antenna tied down
during a lightning storm if it has been designed as part of
the lightning protective system.
If a boat has been struck by lightning, compasses and
electrical gear should be checked to determine whether
damage or change in calibration has taken place.
GUIDE fOR PERSONAL SAfETY DURING
THUNDERSTORMS
1. The purpose of this information is to furnish a guide for
personal safety during thunderstorms.
Personal Conduct
Do not go out-of-doors or remain out during thunderstorms
unless it is necessary. Seek shelter as follows:
(a) Dwellings or other buildings that are protected against
lightning
(b) Underground shelters such as subways, tunnels, caves.
(c) Large metal-frame buildings
(d) Large unprotected buildings
(e) Enclosed automobiles, buses, and other vehicles with
metal tops and bodies
(f) Enclosed metal trains and street cars.
(g) Enclosed metal boats or ships
(h) Boats that are protected against lightning.
(i) City streets that may be shielded by nearby buildings
If possible, avoid the following places, which offer little or
no protection from lightning:
(a) small, unprotected buildings, barns, sheds, etc.
(b) Tents and temporary shelters
(c) Automobiles (nonmetal top or open)
(d) Trailers (nonmetal or open)
Certain locations are extremely hazardous during
thunderstorms and should be avoided if at all possible.
Approaching thunderstorms should be anticipated and
the following locations avoided when storms are in the
immediate vicinity:
(a) Hilltops and ridges
(b) Areas on top of buildings
(c)Open fields, athletic fields, golf courses
(d) parking lots and tennis courts
(e) swimming pools, lakes and seashores