Person Overboard (continued)
•Keep person overboard on helm side so operator has the person constantly in sight.
•Approach from downwind and move alongside into the wind for pickup.
•When almost alongside, stop the engine in gear to prevent dangerous propeller “windmilling.”
•As part of your emergency plan, consider what to do if you were alone and fell overboard (e.g., wear PFD, keep signal device in PFD, attach emergency stop switch lanyard to yourself).
Drowning
•Swim to rescue a drowning victim only as a last resort.
•Immediate resuscitation is critical! At least two people on board should be certified in CPR.
•Keep the victim warm.
•Use care in handling. Spinal injury may exist if the victim fell overboard.
•Signal for help.
Medical Emergency
•In an emergency, you may be far from professional medical assistance. Be prepared. Take a first aid course, and carry a first aid kit. Be aware of special conditions that may affect anyone on board.
Carbon Monoxide
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, colorless, extremely toxic gas. Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning are dizziness, ears ringing, headaches, nausea and unconsciousness. A poisoning victim’s skin often turns cherry red.
Have the victim breathe fresh air deeply. If breathing stops, resuscitate. A victim often revives, then relapses because organs are damaged by lack of oxygen. Seek immediate medical attention.
Propulsion, Control or Steering Failure
•Shut off engine.
•Put out an anchor to prevent drifting.
•Determine if you can fix the problem yourself. See engine operator’s manual if engine is flooded.
•Signal for help.
Radio Communication
Radio is the boat operator’s main method of receiving safety information and summoning aid.
•Emergency -
“MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY” - Used when a life or vessel is in imminent danger.
•Urgency -
•Safety -
“SECURITY, SECURITY, SECURITY” (pronounced
An emergency situation will be hectic and there will not be time to learn proper radio procedure. LEARN WHAT
TO DO BEFORE YOU NEED TO DO IT.
If you hear a distress call, stop all radio transmissions. If you can directly assist, respond on the emergency frequency. If you cannot assist, do not transmit on that frequency. However, continue to monitor until it is obvious that help is being provided.
Distress Signals
Consult your national boating law enforcement agency.
Visual Distress Signals
•U.S. Coast Guard regulations require boats in coastal waters and the Great Lakes to carry visual distress signals for day or night use, as appropriate for the time of operation. Exempt from the day signals requirement, but not night signals, are boats less than 4.8 meters (16 feet), open sailboats less than 7.9 meters (26 feet),
© 2006 Skier’s Choice, Inc. | 13 — |
