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Operation
port. Request assistance if necessary. Haul the
boat and make a thorough inspection of the hull
and running gear for damage.
2.8 Grounding, Towing
and Rendering Assistance
The law requires the owner or operator of a vessel
to render assistance to any individual or vessel in
distress, as long as his vessel is not endangered
in the process.
If the boat should become disabled or if another
craft that is disabled requires assistance, great
care must be taken. The stress applied to a boat
during towing may become excessive. Excessive
stress can damage the structure of the boat and
create a safety hazard for those aboard.
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 through the transom door or over the
stern gunnels can usually be corrected by closing
the door and turning the boat into the waves. If
the bilge is ooding because of a hole in the hull or
a defective hose, you may be able to plug it with
rags, close the thru-hull valve or assist the 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, than people
in the water. If your boat is equipped with an
EPIRB, make sure it is activated. When activated,
EPIRBs will send distress code homing beacons
that allow Coast Guard aircraft to identify your
boat and nd you quickly.
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 your boat is equipped with a tower, caution and
good common sense must be exercised whenever
someone is in the tower. Remember, weight in
the tower raises the boat’s center of gravity and
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