Advertisement
"teak" swim platform of a vessel while a wake builds up then lets go to body surf on the wave
created by the boat; hence the term - Teak Surfing.) Teak surfing is never a safe activity.
•
Never enter areas under swim platforms where exhaust outlets are located unless the area has
been properly ventilated.
•
Although CO can be present without the smell of exhaust fumes, if you smell exhaust fumes, CO
is also present. Take immediate action to dissipate these fumes.
•
Treat symptoms of seasickness as possible CO poisoning.
immediately. Seek medical attention unless you are sure it is not CO.
•
Install and maintain CO alarms inside your boat. Do not ignore any alarm. Replace alarms as
recommended by the alarm manufacturer.
•
Get a Vessel Safety Check. A VSC is a free bow-to-stern safety examination.
Fire
•
Be aware of and avoid conditions that can lead to accidental fire.
•
Guard against and watch for fuel spills and leaks.
•
Inspect wiring for damage or exposure that could lead to short circuits or arcing.
•
Make sure those who smoke are careful to avoid accidental fire ignition.
•
Do not allow smoking while fueling.
•
Keep a USCG approved fire extinguisher on board at all times.
•
Inspect the fire extinguisher regularly, learn how to use it properly and instruct others as well.
•
Use water to fight a fire as a last resort after making arrangements to abandon the boat if a fire
should get out of control.
•
Keep the following in mind if a fire is burning out of control and you must abandon the boat:
Abandon the boat into the wind to minimize burn risk from floating fuel.
o
Wear a PFD unless you must swim under burning fuel.
o
If swimming under burning fuel, throw a PFD outside of the burning area and
o
swim under the burning fuel to it.
Equipment
USCG regulations require that you have the following Coast Guard approved equipment onboard while operating
your boat:
•
Fire extinguisher(s)
•
One throwable Sound signal device PFD
•
Sight signal device approved for day and night use when in coastal waters or the great lakes
•
Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each occupant
•
Navigational lights if operated at night
In addition, here is a list of suggested equipment you should have aboard your Pro-Line:
•
First aid kit and blankets
•
Mooring lines and fenders
•
Combination oar/boat hook
•
Spare prop and hardware
•
Spare fuses and bulbs
•
Local charts and compass
•
2 way radio
•
Floating key chain and spare keys
•
Emergency food and water
Flooding
Be aware of and avoid conditions that can cause your boat to flood with water. Possible causes of flooding
include:
Get the person into fresh air
•
Anchor and sea anchor with sufficient line
•
Bailing device
•
Tool kit and lubricant
•
Spare fasteners, hose clamps and plugs
•
Binoculars
•
Waterproof flashlight and spare batteries
•
EPIRB (emergency beacon)
•
Navigation device
•
Waterproof matches or lighter
7
Advertisement
