Wellcraft 180 Sportsman, Owner'S Manual

Page: 38 / 92

Non-Pyrotechnic Devices
Non-Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be in
serviceable condition, readily accessible, and certified by
the manufacturer as complying with U.S. Coast Guard
requirements. They include:
• Orange Distress Flag (Day use only)
The distress flag is a day signal only. It must be at
least 3 x 3 feet with a black square and ball on an
orange background. It is most distinctive when
attached and waved from a paddle or boat hook.
• 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.
Sound Signaling Devices
The navigation rules require sound signals to be made
under certain circumstances. Recreational vessels also
are required to sound fog signals during periods of
reduced visibility. Therefore, you must have some
means of making an efficient sound signal.
Navigation Lights
Recreational boats are required to display navigation
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 boat is equipped with
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.
8.3 First Aid
It is the operator’s
responsibility to be familiar
with the proper first-aid
procedures and be able to
care for minor injuries or
illnesses of your passengers.
In an emergency, you could
be far from professional
medical assistance. We
strongly recommend that you be prepared by receiving
training in basic first aid and CPR. This can be done
through classes given by the Red Cross or your local
hospital.
Your boat also should be equipped with at least a simple
marine first-aid kit and a first-aid manual. The marine
first-aid kit should be designed for the marine
environment and be well supplied. It should be
accessible and each person on board should be aware of
its location. As supplies are used, replace them
promptly. Some common drugs and antiseptics may lose
their strength or become unstable as they age. Ask a
medical professional about the supplies you should carry
and the safe shelf life of prescription drugs or other
medical supplies that may be in your first-aid kit.
Replace questionably old supplies whether they have
been used or not.
In many emergency situations, the Coast Guard can
provide assistance in obtaining medical advice for
treatment of serious injuries or illness. If you are within
VHF range of a Coast Guard Station, make the initial
contact on channel 16 and follow their instructions.
8.4 Additional Safety Equipment
Besides meeting the legal requirements, prudent boaters
carry additional safety equipment. This is particularly
important if you operate your boat offshore. You should
consider the following items, depending on how you use
your boat.
Satellite EPIRBS
EPIRBs (Emergency position Indicating Radio Beacon)
operate as part of a worldwide distress system. When
activated, EPIRBs will send distress code homing
beacons that allow Coast Guard aircraft to identify and
find them quickly. The satellites that receive and relay
EPIRB signals are operated by the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the United States.
The EPIRB should be mounted and registered according
to the instructions provided with the beacon, so that the
beacon’s unique distress code can be used to quickly
identify the boat and owner.
Marine Radio
A marine radio is the most effective method of receiving
information and requesting assistance. VHF marine
radios are used near shore and single sideband radios
are used for long range communication.
There are specific frequencies to use in an emergency.
The VHF emergency channel is 16 in the United States.
You should read the owners manual for your radio and
know how to use it in an emergency or for normal
operation. If you hear a distress call you should assist or
monitor the situation until help is provided.
Additional Equipment to Consider:
VHF Radio Life Raft
Spare Anchor Fenders
Heaving Line Mirror
First Aid Kit Tool Kit
Flashlight & Batteries Anchor
Searchlight Boat Hook
Sunburn Lotion Mooring Lines
Ring Buoy Binoculars
Whistle or Horn Extra Clothing
Portable radio Chart and Compass
Marine Hardware Food & Water
Spare Keys Sunglasses
Spare Parts Spare Propeller
38