Capsizing And Flooding; Man Overboard - Centurion Ri257 Owner's Manual

Section 5
The VHF-type radio channel commonly used for communicating distress, safety
and urgent calls is Channel 16.
To contact the USCG for an emergency while on the water, always use your
on-board VHF-FM radio (Channel 16). Use cell phones only as a secondary
means of communication. The number to call within the U.S. is 911.
For additional information on the safe and proper use of distress signaling devices
and the safe and proper use of emergency communication equipment, contact
your state and local authorities. Additional information can be found on the USCG
website:
http://www.uscgboating.org.

CAPSIZING AND FLOODING

• If your boat capsizes, locate all passengers and guide them to a safe flotation
device or the forward hull if your boat is floating upside down.
• If possible, provide life jackets to all persons in the water and assess them for
alertness and injuries.
• STAY WITH THE BOAT! Climb up on the hull and try to get assistance.
• Do not try to swim to shore, as it can be farther than it appears.
If your boat starts to flood, slow the boat to a safe speed and stop as quickly as
possible. Activate the bilge pump(s) immediately. Try to locate the cause of the
flooding. If the cause is not readily apparent or not easily corrected, head for shore
or shallow water as quickly as possible and call for help.

MAN OVERBOARD

If someone falls into the water unexpectedly, use the following guidelines. Every
second counts toward preventing injury or death.
At the first sign that a person has fallen overboard, loudly yell "Man overboard!"
and state the position of the person in relation to the boat (Example: "Man
overboard - port!").
5-4
A boat may capsize or flood when you least
expect it. Formulate a plan in advance in
case of capsizing or flooding. Review the
following guidelines:
KC-0013C-A