30
Operation
Freeing a grounded vessel or towing a boat that
is disabled requires specialized equipment and
knowledge. Line failure and structural damage
caused by improper towing have resulted in fatal
injuries. Because of this, we strongly suggest
that these activities be left to those who have the
equipment and knowledge, e.g., the U.S. Coast
Guard or a commercial towing company, to safely
accomplish the towing task.
THE MOORING CLEATS ON EVERGLADES BOATS ARE
NOT DESIGNED OR INTENDED TO BE USED FOR TOWING
PURPOSES. THESE CLEATS ARE SPECIFICALLY DESIGNED
AS MOORING CLEATS FOR SECURING THE BOAT TO A
DOCK, PIER, ETC. DO NOT USE THESE FITTINGS FOR
TOWING OR ATTEMPTING TO FREE A GROUNDED VESSEL.
WHEN TOWING OPERATIONS ARE UNDERWAY, HAVE
EVERYONE ABOARD BOTH VESSELS STAY CLEAR OF THE
TOW LINE AND SURROUNDING AREA. A TOW LINE THAT
SHOULD BREAK WHILE UNDER STRESS CAN BE VERY
DANGEROUS, AND COULD CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY OR
DEATH.
RUNNING AGROUND CAN CAUSE SERIOUS INJURY
TO PASSENGERS AND DAMAGE TO A BOAT AND ITS
UNDERWATER GEAR. IF YOUR BOAT SHOULD BECOME
GROUNDED, DISTRIBUTE PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES
AND INSPECT THE BOAT FOR POSSIBLE DAMAGE.
THOROUGHLY INSPECT THE BILGE AREA FOR SIGNS
OF LEAKAGE. AN EXPERIENCED SERVICE FACILITY
SHOULD CHECK YOUR UNDERWATER GEAR AT THE FIRST
OPPORTUNITY. DO NOT CONTINUE TO USE YOUR BOAT
IF THE CONDITION OF THE UNDERWATER EQUIPMENT IS
QUESTIONABLE.
2.9 Flooding or Capsizing
Boats can become unstable if they become ooded
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 over the transom can usually be corrected
by turning the boat into the waves. If the bilge is
ooding because of a hole in the hull or a defec-
tive hose, you may be able to plug it with rags,
close the thru-hull valve or assist the bilge 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 the boat,
than just people in the water.
2.10 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 shing in an area that is crowded with
other shing boats, it may be dicult to follow
the rules of the road. This situation can become
especially dicult 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 pre-
venting tangled or cut lines and other unpleasant
encounters with other boats. Also keep in mind
that shing line wrapped around a propeller shaft
can damage seals in the engine’s lower unit. If
shing line becomes tangled in the propeller shaft,
remove it as soon as possible and have your au-
thorized engine dealer check the propeller shaft
seals for damage and leakage.
2.11 Man Overboard
If someone falls overboard, you must be pre-
pared to react quickly, particularly when you are
oshore. 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 propeller is well clear of the person in the
water.
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