Boating Safety
4.11
peratures is small, fog is likely to develop.
Foggy conditions include mist, snowstorm, or heavy
rain.
Avoid operation in such weather, especially if your boat is
not equipped with radar or other
4.3.3 Remember these guidelines:
Unless your boat is well equipped with charts, head
for shore at the first sign of fog and wait until conditions
improve. If you have charts on board, take bearings as
fog sets in, mark your position, and continue to log your
course and speed.
Make sure all persons on board are wearing their per-
sonal flotation devices (PFDs). If your boat has sound-
ing equipment, take soundings regularly and match
them with known depths on your charts.
Station a person forward in the boat as a lookout.
Reduce your speed. From time to time, stop engines
and listen for other fog signals.
Sound the horn or bell at approximately 2 minute
intervals.
If there is any doubt about continuing your excursion,
anchor. Listen for other fog signals while continuing to
sound your fog horn.
4.3.4 Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol affect a person’s ability to make sound
judgments and react quickly. As a responsible boater, you
will refrain from using drugs or alcohol (singly or com-
bined) while operating your boat. Operation of motorized
vessels while under the influence carries a significant
penalty. Drugs and alcohol decrease your reaction time,
impair your judgment, and inhibit your ability to safely
operate your boat.
4.3.5 Collision
If a serious collision occurs, first check the persons on
board for injuries. Then inspect the boat to determine the
extent of the damage.
Prepare to help the other craft unless your boat or its pas-
sengers are in danger.
•
•
•
•
•
•
Prepare to help the other craft if your bow penetrated the
other boat or its passengers are in danger.
If the bow of the other boat penetrated your boat’s hull,
prepare to plug the fracture once the boats are sepa-
rate.
4.3.6 Running Aground
If your boat runs aground, check everyone for injury
and inspect damage to the boat or propellers. If lightly
grounded, shift weight of passengers or gear to heel the
boat while reversing engines. If towing becomes neces-
sary, we recommend using a commercial towing service.
4.3.7 Swamped or Capsized Boat
If your boat becomes swamped or capsized, put on a
PFD immediately and set off a distress signal. Chances
are good a capsized boat will stay afloat. For this reason,
stay with the boat. Do not leave the boat or try to swim
to shore except under extreme conditions. A capsized
boat is easier to see than a swimmer, and shore may be
further away than it appears.
4.3.8 Falling Overboard
One of the most frightening emergencies that can occur
aboard a boat is a crew member or yourself falling over-
board. Although “man overboard” or “MOB” drills have
been a part of boating safety for decades, they have been
largely overlooked by many responsible boat owners.
Just as important as acquiring the knowledge to rescue a
person is the ability to help yourself if you are the person
overboard. Be sure and refer to your “Chapman Piloting”,
“Seamanship and Boat Handling” manual supplied with
your new boat. It is packed with useful and essential
safety and emergency procedures to ensure you have a
safe and happy boating experience.
We have the utmost interest in your safety. Therefore, we
have provided a means of re-boarding the boat should
you or a crew member fall overboard. On the transom,
we have added steps to aid you in re-boarding. If your
boat is equipped with a swim platform, there is a ladder
attached to the platform which extends into the water.
4.3.9 Hypothermia
To Next Page
Loading...
