Boating Safety
4.10
temperature. If the difference between these two tem-
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.
4.4.2.1 Remember these guidelines:
Unless your boat is well equipped with charts, head
for shore at the first sign of fog and wait until con-
ditions 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
personal flotation devices (PFDs). If your boat has
sounding 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 excur-
sion, anchor. Listen for other fog signals while con-
tinuing to sound your fog horn.
4.4.3 Drugs and Alcohol
Drugs and alcohol affect a person’s ability to make sound
judgments and react quickly. As a responsible boater,
one would refrain from using drugs or alcohol (singly
or combined) while operating one's boat. Operation of
motorized vessels while under the influence carries a sig-
nificant penalty. Drugs and alcohol decrease your reac-
tion time, impairs your judgment and inhibit your ability to
safely operate your boat.
4.4.4 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.
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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.
Refer to the Documents and Forms chapter in this man-
ual for a discussion on accident reporting.
4.4.5 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.
4.4.6 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 that 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 cap-
sized boat is easier to see than a swimmer, and shore
may be further away than it appears.
4.4.7 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's manual
for more information. It is packed with useful and essen-
tial safety and emergency procedures. To re-board, use
the transom extension ladder.
4.4.7.1 Hypothermia
If a person falls overboard, hypothermia may be an
immediate concern. Hypothermia means a person’s body
loses heat to the water faster than the body can replace
it. If not rescued, the person will become exhausted and
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