Technical information

SWAMPING OR FLOODING: A swamped or flooded boat could become

unstable and capsize. If the flooding is caused by a hole in the hull, attempt

to plug the hold with anything handy -rags, clothing, canvas, etc. Bailing,

with buckets or any available containers is important. If the flooding is

caused by wave action through the outboard motor well, attempt to turn

the boat into the waves; also shift weight forward.

COLLISIONS: If you are involved in a collision with another boat, or with any

fixed object (pier, sandbar, reef, bridge, etc.) your first job is to check for

injuries and render first aid, if necessary. Before proceeding, check out your

boat thoroughly: Inspect below decks for leakage and attempt to plug any

holes you find; check steering cables for possible jamming, raise outboard

motor or stern drive unit and inspect for possible propeller or lower unit

damage. After proceeding carefully to port, have the boat removed from

the water, so that you can make a thorough inspection for damage.

TOWING AND BEING TOWED: If wind and waves are high, it may not be

easy to extend the tow line from one boat to another without risking a colli-

sion. In these cases, use a light throwing line with some sort of weight on

one end and with the heavier towing line secured to it. Another idea is to

use a fishing rod: Attach a heavy sinker to the end of the line; wrap the

sinker in cloth to prevent damage; cast the sinker over the other boat and

reel in until the occupants of the other boat get hold of the sinker; cut the

fishing line off at the reel and splice the towing line to it; instruct the

occupants of the other boat to haul the towing line aboard.

DISTRESS SIGNALS – DAYTIME: Simultaneously raising and lowering arms

(least visible); fluorescent orange panel or flag; orange smoke flare; mirror,

preferably signaling type; dye markers, SOS on horn, whistle or bell.

AT NIGHT: Flares (common railroad type is least effective, parachute flares

fired from a gun are most effective); rockets; emergency strobe light; flash-

light or lantern.

*Conserve your distress signals. Do not use them until you sight another boat or hear and see

aircraft.

ANYTIME: If your boat is equipped with a marine radio, use proper "May-

day" calling procedure on channel 16. If you have a CB radio, ask anyone

who answers to notify the Coast Guard or other rescue service.

A pontoon can take water over the bow if improperly loaded, weight is not

distributed evenly, it is driven into a large wave at high speed, or if decelerated

abruptly. Also see page 11 #8.