Wellcraft 180 Sportsman, Owner'S Manual

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9.9 Flooding, or Capsizing
Boats can become unstable if they become flooded or
completely swamped. You must always be aware of the
position of the boat to the seas and the amount of water
in the bilge. Water entering the boat through the
transom door or over the stern gunnels can usually be
corrected by closing the door and turning the boat into
the waves. If the bilge is flooding because of a hole in
the hull or a defective hose, you may be able to plug it
with rags, close the thru-hull valve or assist the pumps
by bailing with buckets. Put a mayday call in to the
Coast Guard or nearby boats and distribute life jackets
as soon as you discover your boat is in trouble.
If the boat becomes swamped and capsizes, you and
your passengers should stay with the boat as long as
you can. It is much easier for the Coast Guard, aircraft,
or other boats to spot, than people in the water. If your
boat is equipped with an EPIRB, make sure it is
activated. When activated, EPIRBs will send distress
code homing beacons that allow Coast Guard aircraft to
identify your boat and find you quickly.
9.10 Fishing
Fishing can be very exciting and distracting for the
operator when the action gets intense. You must always
be conscious of the fact that your primary responsibility
is the safe operation of your boat and the safety of your
passengers and other boats in the area.
You must always make sure the helm is properly
manned and is never left unattended while trolling.
If you are fishing in an area that is crowded with other
fishing boats, it may be difficult to follow the rules of the
road. This situation can become especially difficult when
most boats are trolling. Being courteous and exercising
good common sense is essential. Avoid trying to assert
your right of way and concentrate on staying clear and
preventing tangled or cut lines and other unpleasant
encounters with other boats.
9.11 Man Overboard
If someone falls overboard, you must be prepared to
react quickly, particularly when you are offshore. The
following procedures will help you in recovering a person
that has fallen overboard.
• Immediately stop the boat and sound a man
overboard alarm and have all passengers point to
the person in the water.
• Circle around quickly and throw a cushion or life
jacket to the person, if possible, and another to use
as a marker.
• Keep the person on the driver side of the boat so
you can keep him in sight at all times.
• Make sure to approach the person from the
downwind side and maneuver the boat so the
propellers are well clear of the person in the water.
• Turn off the engine(s) when the person is alongside
and use a ring buoy with a line attached, a paddle or
boat hook to assist him to the boat. Make sure you
don't hit him with the ring buoy or the boat.
• Pull the person to the boat and assist him on board.
• Check the person for injuries and administer first aid
if necessary. If the injuries are serious, call for help.
Refer to the Safety chapter for more information on
first aid and requesting emergency medical
assistance.
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