15
Vessel Operation
HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia is a condition where the body temperature
decreases because the body can’t generate enough heat to
maintain its normal temperature. It can be serious and
usually occurs where victims have been immersed in water
(under 68 degrees) for periods of time. If you encounter a
possible hypothermia victim call for help on the radio and
get the person out of the water.
Symptoms are:
1. Shivering that if condition is advanced may stop.
2. Confusion, clumsiness or slurred speech.
3. Rigid muscles.
4. Semiconscious to unconscious.
Treat hypothermia by the following:
Remove wet clothing.
Monitor the victim’s pulse and breathing.
Rapidly apply heat to the body core by using blankets,
naked bodies or warm water.
Do not give the person any food or drink.
Do not warm the arms and legs. Warming of these
extremities can be fatal.
Follow up immediately with medical authorities!
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS
There are numerous vessels operating on our waterways
on a daily basis. Each boat has as impact on our
environment. Boat operation habits, marine sanitation, and
maintenance all play a role in a delicate battle to keep the
ecosystem clean. Each of us has a role in doing our part
as a environmentally conscious skipper to conserve our
waterways.
The National Marine Manufacturer’s Asscociation lists
their top ten of Eco-Boating Practices as follows:
1. Observe all regulatory agency policies regarding marine
toilets.
2. If equipped with a holding tank, use marina pump-out
facilities.
3. If used, make sure bottom paints are legal and ecosystem
friendly.
4. Use only biodegradable cleaning agents.
5. Dispose of all garbage and liter on shore properly, not
on the water.
6. Don’t top off fuel tanks. Leave expansion room. Clean
up spills.
7. Watch your wake and propeller wash.
8. Make sure your engines are well tuned and maintained.
9. Control your bilge water.
10. When fishing, practice the “catch and release” principle.
Follow these basic practices when on the waterways. Treat
the environment in a way that you would like to be treated.
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