Technical information

ACCIDENT REPORTS: Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating

Accident Report with their state boating law enforcement agency when

their boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A boating accident must

be reported if (1) there is loss of life or probable loss of life or (2) there is

personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid or (3) there is

damage to boats or other property where the damage value exceeds

$500.00 or (4) there is complete loss of the boat. Seek further assistance

from local law enforcement personnel.

MAN OVERBOARD: Follow these procedures if someone in your boat falls

overboard:

1. Turn the steering wheel to move the propeller away from the person (see

"Docking" section).

2. Circle around quickly, approaching into the wind and waves. Turn off the

engine when the person is alongside, and throw him a cushion ring buoy

with a line attached or extend a paddle or boat hook within his reach. Don't

hit him with the ring buoy.

3. Assist the person back aboard.

4. Do not dive over the side after an unconscious person or non-swimmer

unless you are trained in lifesaving techniques. A panicky victim can drown

his Would-be rescuer. If the victim has sunk out of sight, probe gently

beneath the surface with a paddle or boat hook. Do not risk restarting the

engine until you have drifted clear of the victim's suspected location.

FIRE AND EXPLOSION: Most boat fires involve flammable liquids, such as

gasoline. Use your Coast Guard approved dry chemical or carbon dioxide

type extinguisher. Read the directions for use on the extinguisher and

memorize them, so you'll be prepared to use it quickly if the need arises.

The biggest decision involved in a boat fire is deciding whether to abandon

ship or stay aboard and attempt to extinguish it. It's an easy decision if all

that's involved is a galley stove, a trash container, smoldering upholstery or

an electrical fire. If, however, the fire involves the fuel system, the danger of

explosion is increased. If it is necessary to abandon ship, make sure all

passengers wear a PFD (if there's time) or take it with them before going

over the side.

A gasoline vapor explosion may, or may not, be followed immediately by

fire; but the danger is there. If you do abandon ship, keep well clear of the

burning boat and advise all others to do the same: burning fuel can spread

out over the surface of the water nearby.

CAPSIZING: If your boat capsizes, even if it floats in an upside-down posi-

tion, stay with it. You and your passengers may be able to right the boat. If

the boat is level but inverted, attach lines to one gunwale, pass them over

the keel and use them to pull the boat over from the other side. If this

doesn't work, hold onto whatever you can. The boat hull is much easier for

rescuers to spot than a human head sticking out of the water. Do not at-

tempt to swim ashore; it may be further than it looks.