Owner`s manual

5.7
If you are mooring your boat for a short time, bow and stern
lines may be the only lines you need. If you are mooring your
boat for a longer time or the currents are swift, you should
use spring lines. The stern spring line leads from the boat’s
stern cleat forward to the piling or cleat on the dock. The bow
spring line leads from the bow cleat aft to the dock. Do not
moor your boat using the ski eye or ski pylon.
If you are mooring your boat in a slip, bow and spring lines,
port and starboard, will keep your boat in position.
NOTE: If tides are a consideration, be sure to leave slack in
the lines to make up for the rise and fall of the water while
your boat is docked.
EMERGENCY OPERATION
Boaters should respond to emergency calls if they are nearby
and can help. You are expected to proceed to the scene and
render assistance. Distress calls often are made for assistance
with a disabled boat. A VHF marine radio (channel 16) is the
best device for calling for help. Two international emergency
signals are MAYDAY (life/death situation, request immedi-
ate assistance) and PAN PAN (safety of the boat or person in
jeopardy).
The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 requires boat operators
involved in accidents to offer aid to others in the accident and in
emergencies. The law’s “Good Samaritan” clause also absolves
you from civil liability in the event that your assistance causes
bodily injury or property damage.
As a boat owner, you have accepted many responsibilities. You
should know how to cope with any type of emergency that could
occur on your boat or someone else’s. There is a way to handle
each emergency – if you do not panic! Proceed calmly using
good common sense. Some tips for particular situations are listed
below.
FIGURE 5-5 MOORING
Fire or Explosion
If a fire occurs, stop the boat immediately. Position the boat
so that the re is downwind. Boat res involving ammable
liquids, such as gasoline, can be extinguished with your dry
chemical or carbon dioxide type extinguisher. Read the extin-
guisher directions and memorize them. Be prepared to use
the extinguisher quickly if the need arises.
You must decide quickly whether to abandon ship or stay
aboard and try to extinguish it. If the re involves a trash
container, smoldering upholstery or an electrical fire, try to
extinguish the blaze by aiming the extinguisher nozzle at the
base of the flame. However, a fire involving the fuel system
greatly increases the danger of an explosion. If it is necessary
to abandon ship, make sure all passengers wear a PFD or
take it with them before going overboard.
Fire is an immediate danger after a gasoline vapor explosion.
Gasoline floats on water and can spread out over the surface
of the water. If you do abandon ship, keep yourself and your
passengers clear of the burning boat.
Storms
Storms sometimes appear without advance notice. Although
weather information from meteorological observation and
reporting stations is available, weather bureau predictions can
be wrong or information gathering equipment can fail. Many
marinas y weather signals. You should learn to recognize
these signals and monitor your local weather forecasts before
leaving port. Watch the horizon for indications of an ap-
proaching storm.
The present and forecasted weather conditions are of primary
consideration, but a threat of possible storms should always
be a concern. There is no substitute for a strong understand-
ing of what action to take when the weather takes a turn for
the worst. Return to a safe port if time allows. If it is impos-
sible to do so, stow or tie down all loose gear and instruct
everyone aboard to put on a PFD.
Fog
When warm air is above cooler water, its temperature drops.
As the air cools, it loses its ability to hold moisture and fog
develops when the air temperature drops to the dew point
temperature. Dew point temperature depends on the amount
of humidity in the air. You should be aware that fog can form
quickly as the air temperature drops, especially if the air is
calm and humid. Remember the following guidelines:
• Turn on running lights.
• Instruct everyone onboard to put on a PFD.
• If your boat has depth nding equipment, take soundings
and match them with soundings on your charts.
• Station a person forward on the boat as a lookout.
• Reduce your speed. From time to time, stop the engine