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A - 14 HYPOTHERMIA
Hypothermia is a significant cause of deaths in boat-
ing accidents and should be taken very seriously. It
occurs when the body is unable to generate enough
heat to overcome the body's loss of heat to the
environment such as water. Should a man over-
board situation occur immediate action is necessary.
Typically, when an individual has been overcome by
hypothermia, loss of consciousness will take place
and drowning will then occur. The colder the water
the quicker hypothermia can set in.
PFDs can increase survival time because of the
insulation they provide. When operating in cold water
(below 40°F (4.4°C) consideration should be given to
using a coat or jacket style PFD as they cover more
of the body than the vest style PFDs. Additional note:
Certain types of pfds allow for turning most uncon-
scious persons in the water from face down position to
a vertical or slightly backward, face-up position. These
types may increase the chances for survival.
Points to remember should you find yourself in the
water:
1. Conservation of body heat is vital! While afloat in
the water, do not attempt to swim unless it is to
reach a nearby boat, fellow survivor, or a float-
ing object on which you can lean or climb. Un-
necessary swimming increases the rate of body
heat loss. In cold water, drown-proof method that
require putting your head in the water are not
recommended. Keep your head above the water.
This will greatly lessen heat loss and increase your
survival time.
2. Keep a positive attitude about your survival and
rescue. This will improve your chances of extend-
ing your survival time until rescued. Your will to
live does make a difference!
3. lf there is more than one person in the water, hud-
dling is recommended while waiting to be rescued.
This action tends to reduce the rate of heat loss
and thus increase the survival time.
4. Always wear your PFD. It won't help you fight off
the effects of hypothermia if you don't have it on
when you go into the water.
Boating Safety & Information - Section A
A - 15 BASIC SEAMANSHIP
Basic rules of seamanship, general information about
navigational aids, and sources for additional reading
and boater education are presented in this portion of
your owner's manual.
A. Boating Regulations
The US Coast Guard is the authority of the water-
ways. State boating regulations are enforced by
local authorities. Your boat is subject to the marine
traffic laws known as "Rules of the Road," which are
enforced by the US Coast Guard. You are subject to
marine traffic laws and "Rules of the Road" for both
federal and state waterways; you must stop if signaled
to do so by enforcement officers, and permit them to
board if asked. The "Navigational Rules, International-
Inland Rules of the Road" can be obtained from the
US Coast Guard website at www.uscgboating.org.
Many pamphlets prepared by the US Coast Guard are
available. They explain signal lights, buoys, safety,
international and inland regulations and other infor-
mation which goes beyond the scope of this manual.
"Aids to Navigation" (US Coast Guard pamphlet #123)
explains the significance of various lights and buoys.
Because of proposed alterations to buoys and mark-
ers, contact the US Coast Guard or visit their website
to stay informed of changes. Other pamphlets, includ-
ing the "Boating Safety Training Manual" and "Federal
Requirements For Recreational Boats," are also avail-
able from the US Coast Guard.
NOTICE
The spoken word "MAYDAY" is the interna-
tional signal for distress. "MAYDAY" should
NEVER be used unless there is grave or im-
minent danger, and you are in need of imme-
diate assistance.
B. Rules of Seamanship
1. Right-of-way
In general, boats with less maneuverability have right-
of-way over a more agile craft. You must stay out of
the way of the following vessels:
Owner's Manual Page 32
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