LARSON Bass - Running Aground; Dangerous Weather; Engine or Boat System Failure

EMERGENCIES
SECTION
4
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co. 4 - 6 l Bass
RUNNING AGROUND
When a boat runs aground, the stop is usually abrupt. Because passengers are not
secured to a seat, abruptly stopping a boat while in motion can cause serious
personal injury or even death. First, turn off the engine(s) immediately, locate all
passengers and attend to any injuries, calling for emergency assistance as needed.
Then, assess the damage to the boat and determine if there are any other
immediate threats such as water leaking into the boat, or fuel or flammable
materials leaking into the water or inside the boat. Immediately call for assistance if
threats exist that could endanger the safety of passengers.
If there are no immediate safety threats to passengers and the boat is not
damaged, attempt to propel it away from the obstacle. If the engine or drive system
has been damaged and the engine restarts, be aware of excessive vibrations or
uncommon noises, which usually indicate damage to the drive system. If this is the
case, it is not safe to proceed. Call for emergency or professional towing assistance
immediately.
Personal Injury Hazard: Use extreme caution when
using tow lines and when connecting tow lines to cleats. Death or serious
injury could occur when lines and/or cleats fail while they are under extreme
tension.
If the engine restarts and the boat can be navigated safely back to port, proceed
slowly to port and be ready to call for emergency assistance if needed. Even if the
boat and engine appear to be in good operating condition after running aground,
have the boat inspected by a qualified marine technician BEFORE returning it to
service. Damage may have occurred that is not obvious to you as an operator.
DANGEROUS WEATHER
Take special precautions when encountering or operating in dangerous or
hazardous weather conditions.
See the Severe Weather section of this manual for additional information.
ENGINE OR BOAT SYSTEM FAILURE
In the event of an engine or boat system failure and when not in immediate danger,
try to troubleshoot or identify the problem before calling for assistance.
See the Troubleshooting section of this manual for additional information.