LARSON Bass - Man Overboard (MOB)

EMERGENCIES
SECTION
4
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co. 4 - 4 l Bass
A fire or explosion may occur when least
expected. The decision to abandon the
boat or stay to fight the fire is difficult and
depends on many factors. Formulate a
fire plan in advance to make that decision
quickly and without hesitation. Keep in
mind the following guidelines:
• Many fires are the result of
gasoline and oil accumulating in
the bilge, careless fueling
practices and electrical
problems. In the event of a fire,
try to stop the boat and turn off the engine as quickly and safely as
possible. Immediately use a fire extinguisher at the base of the flames in a
sweeping motion to reduce or extinguish the fire. Ensure that all
passengers are safe from immediate danger and are wearing life jackets. If
the fire is located in the engine compartment (if equipped), make sure the
bilge blower (if equipped) is off and do not open the engine cover.
• Once the fire is extinguished, check for other immediate fire threats and
personal injuries and call for assistance immediately.
• If you are unable to easily extinguish the fire, or if the fire is uncontrollable,
attempt to get yourself and all passengers off the boat and into the water.
If possible, ensure that all passengers are wearing life jackets or have
access to one by the time they are in the water. Before leaving the boat, if
possible, verify that there is no immediate danger of fuel sitting or burning
on the water’s surface where you and your passengers will be floating.
Immediately swim to a safe position upwind from the boat and use
distress signals to get assistance.
MAN OVERBOARD (MOB)
A high percentage of boating fatalities are the result of people falling overboard,
many of whom were not wearing life jackets. If someone falls into the water
unexpectedly, react quickly, as every second counts toward preventing injury or
death. Keep these guidelines in mind:
• Brief passengers before leaving the dock on the proper procedures should
someone fall overboard. Add this briefing to the passenger safety
equipment overview.
• At the first sign that a person has fallen overboard, loudly yell “man
overboard” and state which side of the boat such as “man overboard—
port!” In heavy seas, throw a floatable item toward the MOB as quickly as
possible to serve as a marker.
KC-0074C-A