Blackfin 272CC - 2.11 Man Overboard

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Operation
2.11 Man Overboard
If someone falls overboard, you must be pre-
pared to react quickly, particularly when you are
oshore. 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 an-
other 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 o the engines when the person is along-
side and use a ring buoy or a boat cushion with
a line attached, a paddle or boathook 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
rst aid if necessary. If the injuries are seri-
ous, call for help. Refer to the Safety Equip-
ment chapter for more information on rst aid
and requesting emergency medical assistance.
WARNING
MOVING PROPELLERS ARE DANGEROUS. THEY CAN
CAUSE DEATH, LOSS OF LIMBS, OR OTHER SEVERE INJURY.
DO NOT USE THE SWIM PLATFORM OR SWIM LADDER WHILE
THE ENGINES ARE RUNNING. STOP THE ENGINES IF DIVERS
OR SWIMMERS ARE ATTEMPTING TO BOARD. ALWAYS
PROPERLY STORE THE LADDER BEFORE STARTING THE
ENGINES.
2.12 Water Skiing & Wakeboarding
Your boat could be equipped for water skiing and
wakeboarding. If you have never driven skiers
before, you should spend some hours as an ob-
server and learning from an experienced driver.
If you are an experienced driver, you should take
some time to become familiar with the boat and
the way it handles before pulling a skier. The
driver should also know the skier’s ability and
drive accordingly.
The following safety precautions should be
observed while towing water skiers.
• Water ski only in safe areas, away from other
boats and swimmers, out of channels and in
water free of underwater obstructions. The
area should be at least 5 feet deep, 3000 feet
long and have at least 100’ between each side
of the boat and any obstructions.
• Make sure that anyone who skis can swim. Do
not allow people who cannot swim to water ski.
• Be sure that the skier is wearing a proper
life jacket. A water skier is considered on
board the boat and a Coast Guard approved
life jacket is required. It is advisable and
recommended for a skier to wear a otation
device designed to withstand the impact of
hitting the water at high speed.
• Make sure to inspect the ski equipment and
tow rope before each ski session. Never use
equipment that is damaged or with loose
screws, torn boots, severe corrosion or tears
in the fabric. You should also inspect the
ski tow rope and replace if it is frayed, has
unnecessary knots or is damaged. Never use
a ski tow line that is questionable.
• Secure the ski tow rope to an appropriate
device intended for ski tow ropes.
• Always carry a second person on board to
observe the skier or wakeboarder so that your
full attention can be given to the safe operation
of the boat. The operator should pay attention
to driving the boat and have the observer keep
him updated on the skier. Never ski after
dark. It is hazardous and illegal. Neither the
boat operator or skier can see well enough to
navigate at skiing or wakeboarding speeds
safely at night.
• Never spray swimmers, boats, rafts or other
skiers. The risk for a collision makes this
dangerous for the skier and people being
sprayed.
• Never follow directly behind another boat while
pulling skiers. Always stay a safe distance behind
or o the side of other boat trac. If the boat
you are following stops unexpectedly, you may
not be able to respond quick enough endangering
your skier and occupants of both boats.