Flooding, Swamping or Capsizing
STAY WITH THE BOAT!
A boat will usually float
even if there is major hull damage. Rescuers can spot a
boat much easier than a head bobbing in the water.
Signal for help.
Collision
Account for everyone on board.
Check for injuries.
Inspect structural damage.
Reduce flooding.
Signal for help.
STAY WITH THE BOAT!
Person Overboard
Immediately sound an alarm and keep pointing to the
person overboard.
Throw a life preserver even if the person is wearing a
PFD. It will serve as a marker.
If equipped with a GPS with “man overboard” features
immediately depress “man overboard” button to mark
location.
Immediately stop or slow boat, then circle toward
victim.
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 “wind milling”.
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).
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