540
SAFETY DEVICES AND EQUIPMENT
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Always jump into the water feet first, with both feet and knees slightly
bent. The head should be tucked down into the pocket made by the
folded arms. As soon as a wearer is in the water, he should join others for
mutual assistance and warmth.
Please keep in mind that Bertram furnishes only adult sized PFDs and
that the USCG requires that everyone onboard have the correct size
PFD. Please also keep in mind that if a PFD is stowed wet, mildew will
hasten the deterioration of the PFD. If used, they should be rinsed with
fresh water and dried out in the sunlight.
The USCG does not consider as “readily available” any PFD left in their
original plastic wrappers, since persons under stress may be unable to
remove them quickly.
In addition to the PFDs, Federal regulations require at least one (1)
United States Coast Guard approved type IV throwable device. This
device must be located where it is immediately available to those on
deck.
Bertram supplies one type IV device. You should mount this device in a
suitable location. We recommend about 60 feet of light line be attached
to the device.
The captain must make sure that all persons on board know:
− the stowage place of the throwable PFD’s.
− how and when to launch a throwable device.
− what to do in case of “man overboard”.
All yacht owners and captains should conduct regular “man overboard”
drills so that all persons on board are familiar with the procedures for
rescuing a person who falls overboard.
At the cry, “MAN OVERBOARD!” immediate action is of the utmost
importance--every second counts, particularly at night or in heavy
weather. It is extremely helpful to indicate which side he went over, such
as: “MAN OVERBOARD - PORT!”. This focuses the attention of those
who did not see the accident and guides their actions.
Circumstances will dictate the best procedure as to how to approach the
person in the water. One good procedure is to stop the boat a short
distance up-wind from the victim and allow the boat to drift down. As the
boat approaches the person in the water, shut down the engines and
prepare to throw your type IV throwable device. Once the person is in
range, throw the life ring, and pull him to the boat.
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