Viking VSC 61 FY Owner's Manual page 8

Owner's Manual
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v1.0
Back-up
How many movies have you seen where the pilot of an aircraft is incapacitated and
some untrained person has to make a safe landing? Yes – it happens! And it could
happen at sea, as well, so be prepared. Designate a responsible crew member or
guest to be your back-up. Remind them they can use a cell phone to call for assist-
ance using 911 (if in a serviced area). If offshore, teach your back-up basic use of the
VHF. Emphasize that the talk button MUST NOT be held in after they have finished
speaking. Show your designate how to switch off the engines, raise or lower the
anchor and (if sufficiently skilled) how to get the vessel under way.
uncoils in your hand. The vessel should be stopped and if possible use the attached line to pull the victim to the
swim platform. Depending on conditions, you may have to slowly circle the victim. Once the victim has hold of the
lifering, idle the engines out of gear, then use the lifering line to pull the victim to the swim platform.
There are many variables in a situation like this, and the captain must decide. Perhaps the dinghy could be quickly
launched and the victim brought aboard it.
Hypothermia:- Hypothermia can set in quickly, especially if the victim is in shock. If it does the victim has very little
arm strength, making it difficult or impossible for them to get into the dinghy or onto the swim platform. Hypother-
mia is a threat even in warm waters up to 86°F; and hypothermia happens very quickly in water below 60°F. The
victim's body trunk temperature may have dropped significantly – if so, they will have little strength and will need
help to climb out of the water.
Once safely aboard, cover the victim with a blanket from the thighs to the neck ONLY.
of the blanket – this is the quickest way to warm up the body core. Only sweet warm drink can be given.
Safe sun
There are few places where you are more subject to ultraviolet rays than on a boat at
sea. Even on overcast days sunburn is a possibility. Ozone depletion has made this a
serious safety issue. Use sunscreen and a good hat and watch your exposure to
sunburn and windburn. Be sure to warn guests, and remind them when it's time to
get inside or cover up. Don't forget sunglasses for everyone.
* The cry "Man overboard" is universal, regardless of gender.
Viking Sport Cruiser 61FY
Man overboard*
Instruct guests that If someone falls overboard when underway,
should assume the role of "watchers" – they must never take their eyes off the victim
in the water . They must shout loudly
to where the victim is. The shouting and pointing must be kept up until the rescue.
The vessel must slow down immediately (but watch your wake). Turn about, and
make way to where the watchers are pointing - hopefully, you will see the victim.
Circle round slowly and come up INTO the wind.
When near enough, throw a lifering within near reach of the victim. Hold the line so it
Alcohol
Excessive use of alcohol is a prime cause of accidents causing injury and deaths on
the water. Enforcement authorities take the view that a vessel when underway is the
same as a car being driven, and NO ALCOHOL is allowed to be consumed by the
Captain and crew. In some areas, such as the Great Lakes, drinking and open bottles
are not allowed anywhere by anyone on a vessel underway. The Captain has grave
responsibilities for vessel and passenger safety and should be sober even when
anchored or docked. Your responsibilities remain at all times you are in charge of the
vessel.
MAN OVERBOARD! – ALL THE TIME – AND POINT
Leave the legs and arms out
115 - Addenda
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