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Getting caught in severe weather is hazardous.
Bad weather and/or rough sea or water conditions
can cause an unsafe situation. Consult local
weather information, or listen to the NOAA weather
reports for the latest weather conditions or any
impending deterioration of the weather before setting
out and while underway. Following are a few basic
weather-related rules:
•
Check the weather forecast and the water
conditions before leaving and while underway.
•
A sudden change in wind direction or speed or
an increase in wave height indicates
deteriorating weather.
•
Have everyone wear a personal flotation device.
•
If a storm approaches, immediately seek a safe
harbor.
•
If a storm hits, have everyone sit in the cabin or
on the cockpit deck in the boat. Head the bow
into the wind with enough power to maintain slow
headway.
•
If you encounter fog, determine your position,
set a safe course, slow down and alert other
boats of your presence with a sound signal.
•
If a lightning storm approaches, the safest action
is to dock and disembark. If you cannot return
to shore, have passengers go inside the cabin
and remain there until the storm passes.
•
Lightning seeks a ground when it strikes. The
best protection is a properly grounded lightning
rod placed high enough over the deck to provide
a protective umbrella over the hull. Depending
upon the likelihood of your being in a lightning
storm, consult your dealer for installation of a
lightning rod. Stay clear of the lightning rod, all
attached wiring and all metal parts of the boat.
•
Stay out of the water during a lightning storm. If
caught swimming during a storm, get back into
the boat and remain there until the storm passes.
58 Sedan Bridge (585 Sedan Bridge)
S
1 • S
ECTION
13. C
To avoid boating in unsafe areas where there are
underwater
unnavigable conditions such as dangerous
currents, and others, you must chart a course.
This means having and using the National Oceanic
and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) charts for
coastal waters, observing and understanding all
navigational aids, using the knowledge and
guidance of experienced boaters, and being aware
of the tide times where appropriate.
If you are in an unfamiliar area without knowledge
of the hazards, proceed very slowly and have
someone watch for hazards.
Let others know where you are going. A float
plan describes your intended cruising course and
itinerary, boat description, and your expected time
and date of return. Give the float plan to a friend or
relative, so they can give the information to a
national boat agency, like the U.S. Coast Guard, in
the event you fail to return.
https://www.boat-manuals.com/
AFETY
Y
C
HART
OUR
obstructions,
!
WARNING
Hitting an object in or under the water or boating in
dangerous currents can cause serious injury or death
to boat occupants.
You must know where the hazards are and avoid them.
In uncharted waters, boat very slowly and post a
lookout.
!
WARNING
Shut engine off if an object is struck or if you run
aground.
Check for hull leaks and drive line damage, before
restarting engines.
Use hand pump if bilge pumps don't remove water.
Boat very slowly, if you must proceed with a damaged
drive line.
OURSE
shallow
water,
1.9
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