Technical information

16
Adverse Conditions
IN A STORM: If you are forced to operate your boat under stormy condi-
tions, a few common sense precautions should be followed:
1. Wear PFD's.
2. Secure any loose gear.
3. Reduce speed
4. Seat your crew where they can help and where their weight will best keep
the boat stable. In small boats it is advisable for passengers to keep their
weight as low in the boat as possible.
5. Head for the harbor or place of refuge you can reach most easily. If this
requires running into wind and waves, cross wave tops at an angle and slow
down to avoid taking waves over the bow. If wind and waves are coming
from astern adjust power to prevent the boat from plowing into the wave
ahead and to keep the waves behind from breaking over the stern.
6. If you lose power and must ride out the storm, tilt the outboard or stern
drive up to reduce drag and rig a sea anchor off the bow to keep the boat
headed into the waves. Sea anchors are commercially available and rec-
ommended especially in open water. A bucket, or even a plastic ice chest,
can serve as an emergency sea anchor.
7. Avoid boating if electrical storms are predicted.
IN FOG (or mist, snowstorm or heavy rain): Again, it is best to avoid
operating in such weather, especially if your boat is not equipped with radar
or other electronic navigational aids. A compass and chart will give you an
idea of the direction you’re heading, but provide no information on your
boat's speed or distance from shore.
If you are in fog, you are required, while under way, to emit a 5-second blast
from your horn or whistle once a minute. You must also listen for the fog
signals from other vessels and from navigation aids.
In situations like these, all hands must act as lookouts to prevent collisions.
Again, keep your speed low.
IN COLD WEATHER: Cold weather is often accompanied by cold water and
high winds, and all of them can be unpleasant. Avoid bulky clothing, which
may inhibit your movement; instead, wear several layers of lighter clothing
and include a vest-type PFD among the layers for good insulation and
protection against falls overboard. Avoid operating in cold weather unless
your boat has a cabin, storm canvas or similar protection against the wind
and icy spray.
The wind and spray could cause frostbite or hypothermia (extreme loss of
body temperature). Freezing spray can also cause problems with your boat -
jammed control cables, frozen windshield wipers, etc.