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Safety Equipment
ALL TYPES OF FUEL CAN EXPLODE. IN THE EVENT OF A
FUEL COMPARTMENT OR BILGE FIRE, YOU MUST MAKE THE
DIFFICULT DECISION TO FIGHT THE FIRE OR ABANDON THE
BOAT. YOU MUST CONSIDER YOUR SAFETY, THE SAFETY OF
YOUR PASSENGERS, THE INTENSITY OF THE FIRE AND THE
POSSIBILITY OF AN EXPLOSION IN YOUR DECISION.
1.7 First Aid
It is the operator’s responsibility to be familiar
with the proper rst-aid procedures and be able
to care for minor injuries or illnesses of your pas-
sengers. In an emergency, you could be far from
professional medical assistance. We strongly
recommend that you be prepared by receiving
training in basic rst aid and CPR. This can be
done through classes given by the Red Cross or
your local hospital.
Your boat should also be equipped with at least a
simple marine rst-aid kit and a rst-aid manual.
The marine rst-aid kit should be designed for
the marine environment and be well supplied. It
should be accessible and each person on board
should be aware of its location. As supplies are
used, replace them promptly. Some common
drugs and antiseptics may lose their strength or
become unstable as they age. Ask a medical pro-
fessional about the supplies you should carry and
the safe shelf life of prescription drugs or other
medical supplies that may be in your rst-aid kit.
Replace questionably old supplies whether they
have been used or not.
In many emergency situations, the Coast Guard
can provide assistance in obtaining medical advice
for treatment of serious injuries or illness. If you
are within VHF range of a Coast Guard Station,
make the initial contact on channel 16 and follow
their instructions.
Typical First Aid Kit
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