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Operation
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 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 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 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
preventing tangled or cut lines and other unpleas-
ant encounters with other boats. Also keep in
mind that shing line wrapped around a propeller
shaft can damage seals in the engine lower unit.
2.11 Man Overboard
If someone falls overboard, you must be prepared
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 another 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.
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