If you run aground while traveling at a high speed, the impact not only can cause damage to your boat but also can cause injury to you and your passengers.
Knowing the local area is the best way to prevent running aground.
Become familiar with the locations of shallow water and submerged objects before you go out. Be aware that the location of shallow hazards will change as the water level rises and falls.
Learn to read a chart to determine your position and the water depth. If you run aground, make sure no one is injured and then check for leaks. If the impact did not cause a leak, follow these steps to try to get loose.
Don't put the boat in reverse. Instead, stop the engine and lift the outdrive.
Shift the weight to the area farthest away from the point of impact.
Try to shove off from the rock, bottom, or reef with a paddle or boathook.
Check to make sure your boat is not taking on water. If you can't get loose, summon help using your visual distress signals. Call for assistance using your VHF marine radio.
A vessel is grounded (runs aground) when it gets stuck on the bottom. Never assume that water is deep enough just because you are away from the shore. Also, don't presume that all shallow hazards will be marked by a danger buoy.
Saturday, June 20, 2009
Fire Emergencies
How to Deal with Fire Emergencies
Don't mix the three ingredients required to ignite a fire, fuel, oxygen, and heat.
Make sure ventilation systems have been installed and are used properly.
Maintain the fuel system to avoid leaks, and keep the bilges clean.
If fire erupts on your boat:
If you are underway, stop the boat. Have everyone who is not wearing a PFD put one on in case you have to abandon your boat.
If you are underway, stop the boat. Have everyone who is not wearing a PFD put one on in case you have to abandon your boat.
Position the boat so that the fire is downwind.
If the fire is at the back of the boat, head into the wind. If the engine must be shut off, use a paddle to keep the bow into the wind.
If the fire is at the front of the boat, put the stern into the wind.
If the fire is in an engine space, shut off the fuel supply.
Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames, and sweep back and forth (remember P.A.S.S.).
Never use water on a gasoline, oil, grease, or electrical fire.
Call for help with your VHF marine radio.
To prevent a fire emergency, don't mix the three ingredients that cause a fire to start:
fuel, oxygen, and heat.
To remember how to properly use a fire extinguisher, remember P.A.S.S.
P: Pull pin.
A: Aim at base of fire.
S: Squeeze handle.
S: Sweep side to side.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Capsizing a Small Boat
Capsizing is when a boat turns on its side or turns completely over. Swamping occurs when a boat stays upright and fills with water. Sometimes a person falling overboard from a boat causes the boat to capsize or swamp. Regardless, the outcome is the same, people are in the water.
To help prevent and prepare for capsizing, swamping, or someone falling overboard, follow these guidelines.
Make sure that you and your passengers are wearing life jackets while the boat is underway.
Attach the ignition safety switch lanyard to your wrist, clothes, or life jacket.
Don't allow anyone to sit on the gunwale, bow, seat backs, motor cover, or any other area not designed for seating. Also, don't let anyone sit on pedestal seats when operating at a speed greater than idle speed.
Don't overload your boat. Balance the load of all passengers and gear. Keep your center of gravity low by not allowing people to stand up or move around while underway, especially in smaller, less-stable boats. In a small boat, don't allow anyone to lean a shoulder beyond the gunwale.
Slow your boat appropriately when turning.
Don't risk boating in rough water conditions or in bad weather.
When anchoring, secure the anchor line to the bow, never to the stern.
If you should capsize or swamp your boat, or if you have fallen overboard and can't get back in, stay with the boat if possible. Your swamped boat is easier to see and will signal that you are in trouble. Also signal for help using other devices available (visual distress signals, whistle, mirror).
If you made the mistake of not wearing a life jacket, find one and put it on. If you can't put it on, hold onto it. Have your passengers do the same. Take a head count. Reach, throw, row, or go, if needed. If your boat remains afloat, try to reboard or climb onto it in order to get as much of your body out of the cold water as possible. Treading water will cause you to lose body heat faster, so try to use the boat for support. If your boat sinks or floats away, don't panic.
If you are wearing a life jacket, make sure that it is securely fastened, remain calm, and wait for help. If you aren't wearing a life jacket, look for one floating in the water or other floating items (coolers, oars or paddles, decoys, etc.) to help you stay afloat. Do your best to help your passengers find something to help them float and stay together. If you have nothing to support you, you may have to tread water or simply float. In cold water, float rather than tread to reduce hypothermia.
If someone on your boat falls overboard, you need to immediately:
Reduce speed and toss the victim a PFD, preferably a throwable type, unless you know he or she is already wearing a life jacket. Turn your boat around and slowly pull alongside the victim, approaching the victim from downwind or into the current, whichever is stronger. Stop the engine. Pull the victim on board over the stern, keeping the weight in the boat balanced, especially in small boats.
Small craft boaters need to be careful to avoid falling overboard. Falling overboard and drowning is the major cause of fatalities for small boats. To prevent falling overboard:
Keep centered in the boat with your center of gravity low in the boat. Always keep your shoulders between the gunwales. If possible, don't move about the boat. If you must move, maintain three points of contact. That is, keep both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand in contact with the boat at all times. Evenly distribute and balance the weight of persons and gear within the boat, keeping most of the weight low. It is extremely important not to overload a small boat.
Sitting on the gunwale, bow, seat backs, or any other area not designed for seating is risky behavior and can result in falling overboard. It is illegal in many states.
To help prevent and prepare for capsizing, swamping, or someone falling overboard, follow these guidelines.
Make sure that you and your passengers are wearing life jackets while the boat is underway.
Attach the ignition safety switch lanyard to your wrist, clothes, or life jacket.
Don't allow anyone to sit on the gunwale, bow, seat backs, motor cover, or any other area not designed for seating. Also, don't let anyone sit on pedestal seats when operating at a speed greater than idle speed.
Don't overload your boat. Balance the load of all passengers and gear. Keep your center of gravity low by not allowing people to stand up or move around while underway, especially in smaller, less-stable boats. In a small boat, don't allow anyone to lean a shoulder beyond the gunwale.
Slow your boat appropriately when turning.
Don't risk boating in rough water conditions or in bad weather.
When anchoring, secure the anchor line to the bow, never to the stern.
If you should capsize or swamp your boat, or if you have fallen overboard and can't get back in, stay with the boat if possible. Your swamped boat is easier to see and will signal that you are in trouble. Also signal for help using other devices available (visual distress signals, whistle, mirror).
If you made the mistake of not wearing a life jacket, find one and put it on. If you can't put it on, hold onto it. Have your passengers do the same. Take a head count. Reach, throw, row, or go, if needed. If your boat remains afloat, try to reboard or climb onto it in order to get as much of your body out of the cold water as possible. Treading water will cause you to lose body heat faster, so try to use the boat for support. If your boat sinks or floats away, don't panic.
If you are wearing a life jacket, make sure that it is securely fastened, remain calm, and wait for help. If you aren't wearing a life jacket, look for one floating in the water or other floating items (coolers, oars or paddles, decoys, etc.) to help you stay afloat. Do your best to help your passengers find something to help them float and stay together. If you have nothing to support you, you may have to tread water or simply float. In cold water, float rather than tread to reduce hypothermia.
If someone on your boat falls overboard, you need to immediately:
Reduce speed and toss the victim a PFD, preferably a throwable type, unless you know he or she is already wearing a life jacket. Turn your boat around and slowly pull alongside the victim, approaching the victim from downwind or into the current, whichever is stronger. Stop the engine. Pull the victim on board over the stern, keeping the weight in the boat balanced, especially in small boats.
Small craft boaters need to be careful to avoid falling overboard. Falling overboard and drowning is the major cause of fatalities for small boats. To prevent falling overboard:
Keep centered in the boat with your center of gravity low in the boat. Always keep your shoulders between the gunwales. If possible, don't move about the boat. If you must move, maintain three points of contact. That is, keep both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand in contact with the boat at all times. Evenly distribute and balance the weight of persons and gear within the boat, keeping most of the weight low. It is extremely important not to overload a small boat.
Sitting on the gunwale, bow, seat backs, or any other area not designed for seating is risky behavior and can result in falling overboard. It is illegal in many states.
Boating Accidents and the Law
An operator involved in a boating accident must:
Stop their vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and give assistance to anyone injured in the accident and give their name, address, and identifying number of their vessel as well as the names and addresses of passengers to the other vessel’s operator or passengers.
Witnesses to a boating accident must give their names and addresses to the operators, passengers, or injured person.
The operator or owner of a vessel involved in an accident must file a written report with your State Marine Board if:
A person dies, disappears, or is injured and receives medical treatment or damage to property exceeds $2,000.
Reports of accidents involving only property damage must be made within 10 days of the accident. However, you must file an accident report within 48 hours in cases involving a death, disappearance, or injury.
Passengers are responsible for reporting the accident if the operator is physically incapable of doing so.
Stop their vessel immediately at the scene of the accident and give assistance to anyone injured in the accident and give their name, address, and identifying number of their vessel as well as the names and addresses of passengers to the other vessel’s operator or passengers.
Witnesses to a boating accident must give their names and addresses to the operators, passengers, or injured person.
The operator or owner of a vessel involved in an accident must file a written report with your State Marine Board if:
A person dies, disappears, or is injured and receives medical treatment or damage to property exceeds $2,000.
Reports of accidents involving only property damage must be made within 10 days of the accident. However, you must file an accident report within 48 hours in cases involving a death, disappearance, or injury.
Passengers are responsible for reporting the accident if the operator is physically incapable of doing so.
Requirements for Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Everyone on board a PWC must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD. Inflatable PFDs are not acceptable on PWCs. It is illegal to operate a PWC under the age of 16 unless accompanied by a person of age 18 or older who holds a Boater Education Card.
Persons under age 18 may not rent a PWC.
An operator of a PWC equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch must attach the lanyard to his or her person, clothing, or PFD.
PWCs must be muffled effectively and also must display the required navigation lights if operated between sunset and sunrise.
PWCs have the following speed restrictions:
Slow to 10 mph when you are approaching within 100 feet of another powerboat or sailboat underway.
Slow to "slow, no wake speed" (maximum 5 mph) when within: 100 feet of any anchored vessel or non-motorized craft.
200 feet of a shoreline of a lake, bay, or reservoir (safe take-offs and landings are excepted)
200 feet of a swimmer, a surfer, a shoreline angler, or a diver-down flag.
200 feet of a dock, launch ramp, marina, mooring area, floating home, boathouse, pier, or swim float.
Do not operate PWCs within 200 feet behind a person being towed on water skis or other similar devices.
PWCs must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner. It is illegal to:
Weave your PWC through congested waterway traffic.
Jump the wake of another vessel unreasonably close to that vessel or when its operator’s vision is obstructed.
It is illegal to operate a PWC if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is illegal to chase, harass, or disturb wildlife, birds, or marine mammals.
In addition to adhering to laws as they apply to all vessels, operators towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must obey these laws.
It is illegal for vessels to tow persons on water skis or any device of this type between sunset and sunrise.
Children 12 years old and younger being towed must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD.
Vessels towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must carry on board a red or orange skier-down flag and display it whenever the skier is in the water.
The operator of the towing vessel and the skier must not operate in a manner that endangers the safety of persons or property. Also, they must not operate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Every vessel towing a person on water skis or a similar device must have a person, in addition to the operator, continuously observing the towed person.
If the towing vessel is a PWC, the PWC must be rated for at least three people, the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
It is illegal to tow a person(s) holding onto any portion of the boat aft of the transom (including a step, ladder, platform, or deck) while underway.
If towing a skier with a personal watercraft, the PWC must be rated for at least three people, the operator, the observer, and the skier.
Persons under age 18 may not rent a PWC.
An operator of a PWC equipped with a lanyard-type ignition safety switch must attach the lanyard to his or her person, clothing, or PFD.
PWCs must be muffled effectively and also must display the required navigation lights if operated between sunset and sunrise.
PWCs have the following speed restrictions:
Slow to 10 mph when you are approaching within 100 feet of another powerboat or sailboat underway.
Slow to "slow, no wake speed" (maximum 5 mph) when within: 100 feet of any anchored vessel or non-motorized craft.
200 feet of a shoreline of a lake, bay, or reservoir (safe take-offs and landings are excepted)
200 feet of a swimmer, a surfer, a shoreline angler, or a diver-down flag.
200 feet of a dock, launch ramp, marina, mooring area, floating home, boathouse, pier, or swim float.
Do not operate PWCs within 200 feet behind a person being towed on water skis or other similar devices.
PWCs must be operated in a reasonable and prudent manner. It is illegal to:
Weave your PWC through congested waterway traffic.
Jump the wake of another vessel unreasonably close to that vessel or when its operator’s vision is obstructed.
It is illegal to operate a PWC if under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
It is illegal to chase, harass, or disturb wildlife, birds, or marine mammals.
In addition to adhering to laws as they apply to all vessels, operators towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must obey these laws.
It is illegal for vessels to tow persons on water skis or any device of this type between sunset and sunrise.
Children 12 years old and younger being towed must wear a U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, or III PFD.
Vessels towing a person(s) on water skis or a similar device must carry on board a red or orange skier-down flag and display it whenever the skier is in the water.
The operator of the towing vessel and the skier must not operate in a manner that endangers the safety of persons or property. Also, they must not operate while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Every vessel towing a person on water skis or a similar device must have a person, in addition to the operator, continuously observing the towed person.
If the towing vessel is a PWC, the PWC must be rated for at least three people, the operator, the observer, and the retrieved skier.
It is illegal to tow a person(s) holding onto any portion of the boat aft of the transom (including a step, ladder, platform, or deck) while underway.
If towing a skier with a personal watercraft, the PWC must be rated for at least three people, the operator, the observer, and the skier.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Sound-Producing Devices for Small Boats
In periods of reduced visibility or whenever a vessel operator needs to signal his or her intentions or position, a sound-producing device is essential. The sound-producing device may be a whistle, horn, or bell that is audible for one-half mile. All vessels on state and federally controlled waters must have a sound-producing device.
Vessels less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length, which includes PWCs, are required to carry on board a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal to signal intentions or positions. Vessels that are 39.4 feet (12 meters) or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle or horn, and a bell.
Here are some common sound signals that you should know as a recreational boater.
A short blast lasts one second.
A prolonged blast lasts 4-6 seconds.
One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."
Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am backing up."
Restricted Visibility
One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway. One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels.
One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip).
Five or more short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater's intentions.
Vessels less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length, which includes PWCs, are required to carry on board a whistle or horn or some other means to make an efficient sound signal to signal intentions or positions. Vessels that are 39.4 feet (12 meters) or more in length are required to carry on board a whistle or horn, and a bell.
Here are some common sound signals that you should know as a recreational boater.
A short blast lasts one second.
A prolonged blast lasts 4-6 seconds.
One short blast tells other boaters "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."
Two short blasts tell other boaters "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."
Three short blasts tell other boaters "I am backing up."
Restricted Visibility
One prolonged blast at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by power-driven vessels when underway. One prolonged blast plus two short blasts at intervals of not more than two minutes is the signal used by sailing vessels.
One prolonged blast is a warning signal (for example, used when coming around a blind bend or exiting a slip).
Five or more short, rapid blasts signal danger or signal that you do not understand or that you disagree with the other boater's intentions.
Visual Distress Signals for Small Boats
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators to signal for help in the event of an emergency. VDSs are day signals (visible in bright sunlight), night signals (visible at night), or both day and night signals. VDSs are either pyrotechnic (smoke and flames) or non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible).
Vessels on federally controlled waters must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard approved visual distress signals. All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
Most vessels must carry day signals also, exceptions to the requirement for day signals are:
Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length.
Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length.
Manually propelled vessels.
VDSs must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible.
If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel. Also, pyrotechnic VDSs must be dated and will not meet VDS equipment requirements if past their expiration date.
Here are a few examples of the combinations of VDSs that could be carried on board your boat:
Three handheld red flares (day and night)
One handheld red flare and two red meteors (day and night)
One handheld orange smoke signal (day), two floating orange smoke signals (day), and one electric light (night only)
It is prohibited to display visual distress signals while on the water unless assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board a vessel.
U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Visual Distress Signals
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Orange Smoke: Day Signal
Red Meteor: Day and Night Signal
Red Flare: Day and Night Signal
Pyrotechnic Devices
Pyrotechnics are excellent distress signals. However, there is potential for injury and property damage if not handled properly. These devices produce a very hot flame, and the residue can cause burns and ignite flammable materials. Pistol-launched and handheld parachute flares and meteors have many characteristics of a firearm and must be handled with caution.
In some states, they are considered a firearm and are prohibited from use. Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry, and prominently marked location.
Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Electric Light, night signal
Orange Flag, day signal
Vessels on federally controlled waters must be equipped with U.S. Coast Guard approved visual distress signals. All vessels, regardless of length or type, are required to carry night signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
Most vessels must carry day signals also, exceptions to the requirement for day signals are:
Recreational vessels that are less than 16 feet in length.
Non-motorized open sailboats that are less than 26 feet in length.
Manually propelled vessels.
VDSs must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condition, and readily accessible.
If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must be carried in the vessel. Also, pyrotechnic VDSs must be dated and will not meet VDS equipment requirements if past their expiration date.
Here are a few examples of the combinations of VDSs that could be carried on board your boat:
Three handheld red flares (day and night)
One handheld red flare and two red meteors (day and night)
One handheld orange smoke signal (day), two floating orange smoke signals (day), and one electric light (night only)
It is prohibited to display visual distress signals while on the water unless assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger to persons on board a vessel.
U.S. Coast Guard-Approved Visual Distress Signals
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Orange Smoke: Day Signal
Red Meteor: Day and Night Signal
Red Flare: Day and Night Signal
Pyrotechnic Devices
Pyrotechnics are excellent distress signals. However, there is potential for injury and property damage if not handled properly. These devices produce a very hot flame, and the residue can cause burns and ignite flammable materials. Pistol-launched and handheld parachute flares and meteors have many characteristics of a firearm and must be handled with caution.
In some states, they are considered a firearm and are prohibited from use. Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry, and prominently marked location.
Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Electric Light, night signal
Orange Flag, day signal
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