SAFETY-16
the proper duration and interval of the
fog signal.
Listen for fog signals from other vessels
and be aware of their presence. If pos-
sible, determine their proximity to your
yacht, but remember, sound carries a
long distance over water and can be
deceiving.
If there is any doubt concerning the
safety of continuing your excursion,
anchor your yacht. Listen for other fog
signals while continuing to sound your
fog bell or horn. Continue your cruise
when conditions improve.
FIRE
Fire aboard your yacht is always serious,
but it can usually be brought under control
if you are prepared and act quickly. Fire
extinguishers required by the United States
Coast Guard are the minimum necessary.
Silverton recommends exceeding the mini-
mum requirements by placing additional fi re
extinguishers where they may be needed.
Inspect all fi re extinguishing equipment fre-
quently and review emergency plans on a
regular basis.
As a yacht owner, you should develop a Fire
Response Plan and familiarize all passen-
gers with this plan before departing on your
cruise. The Fire Response Plan will identify
the type of fi re you may encounter and the
appropriate reaction to quickly extinguish it
before it gets out of control. Having a Fire
Response Plan in place and the assignment
of certain responsibilities to your passengers
will result in faster and more accurate deci-
sions and reactions in the event of a fi re
aboard your yacht.
•
•
Important: All passengers on board your
yacht should know the location of your fi re
extinguishers and be familiar with their
use.
In the event a fi re does start aboard your
yacht, follow these guidelines:
If you detect a fi re or suspect a fi re aboard
your yacht, immediately turn OFF your en-
gines and electrical power supply. DO NOT
turn OFF power to your VHF radio.
Be certain all persons on board put on
their PFD.
If the fi re is in the engine/generator com-
partment, DO NOT open the hatch. The
fi re will fl are with the sudden introduction
of fresh air.
If you are able to get to the source of the
fi re, aim your fi re extinguisher at the base
of the fl ames and use a sweeping action to
extinguish it. Concentrating your fi re extin-
guisher in one location may cause the fi re
to spread.
If the fi re becomes out of control, send
a distress signal and call for assistance
on your VHF radio. Be certain to provide
any potential responders with your location
and a description of your situation. If you
have SeaKey Services, you should send a
“MAYDAY” Signal and mark your location.
For information on these procedures, refer
to your SeaKey Operators Guide.
Deciding whether to stay on board your
yacht or abandon ship may be diffi cult and
depends on the extent of the fi re and the
weather conditions. If you decide to abandon
ship, all persons on board should jump, not
dive, overboard and swim a safe distance
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