LARSON Bass - Fog Conditions; Reduced Visibility; Cold Weather and Cold or Frozen Water Conditions; Water Hazards

OPERATING IN HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
SECTION
5
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co. 5 - 2 l Bass
FOG CONDITIONS
Avoid operating the boat in foggy weather, if possible. Operators encountering fog
conditions should return to port immediately. Also, take the following precautions:
• Reduce speed to a safe speed or idle.
• Take bearings and log the course and speed before the fog sets in. Use of
a GPS is recommended.
• Have all occupants wear life jackets.
• Assign lookouts to the bow and stern to keep watch and listen.
• While navigating in fog, sound a five-second blast from the horn or whistle
once every two minutes to alert other boaters of your position.
• If it is unsafe to continue navigating the boat, quickly find the best position
to anchor. Sound a five-second blast from the horn or whistle once every
minute while anchored to alert other boaters of your position.
REDUCED VISIBILITY
Natural environments and inclement weather can cause reduced visibility. Storm
condition hazards can be compounded by reduced visibility while on the water.
Always use common sense and take safety precautions if operating the boat in
reduced visibility conditions.
COLD WEATHER AND COLD OR FROZEN WATER CONDITIONS
Avoid operating the boat in cold water or weather conditions, and never operate in
frozen or icy waters. Operating in these conditions significantly increases the risk of
serious injury or death. Boating in these conditions can lead to cold-water
immersion, shock or hypothermia. Weather conditions may hinder emergency
rescue or assistance, and cold weather poses potential problems for onboard
equipment, as well as the engine. See the Engine Operator’s Manual and the
equipment manufacturer’s instructions for operating in cold weather.
WATER HAZARDS
Every waterway poses hazards that operators must be aware of and avoid. These
hazards include shallow water, rocks, tree stumps, sandbars and submerged/semi-
submerged cables and pipes. Ask local authorities and other boaters for
information and consult a marine chart when boating on unfamiliar waters. As a
boat operator, try to avoid all hazards, known and unknown.