Emergencies - Monterey 208 LS Cuddy Owner's Manual

Chapter 1

EMERGENCIES

Be prepared to deal with emergencies before they happen. Try to formulate
a plan for each type in advance so that decisions can be made quickly and
without hesitation. Precious moments lost can mean the difference between
losing and saving a life.
Reporting Accidents
The U.S. Coast Guard requires the owner or operator of a boat involved in an
accident to report the incident to the proper marine law enforcement agency
for the State in which the accident occurred. Immediate notification to the
nearest State boating authority is required if a person dies or disappears as a
result of a recreational boating accident. If a person dies or injuries requiring
more than first aid are involved, a formal report must be filed within 48 hours
of the accident. A formal report must be filed within 10 days for accidents
exceeding $500 in property damage or complete loss of boat.
Giving Assistance
If you see a distress signal or suspect a boat is in trouble, you must assume
it is a real emergency and render assistance immediately. By law, the
operator in charge of the craft is obligated to provide assistance to any
individual in danger if such assistance can be provided safely. Failure to
render assistance can result in a fine and/or imprisonment.
The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to a "Good Samaritan"
boater providing good faith assistance, and absolves a boater from any civil
liability arising from such assistance.
Fires
Most fires are the result of
gasoline and oil accumulating
in the bilge from careless
fueling practices. Use the fire
extinguisher at the base of the
flames using a sweeping
motion. Prudent and accurate
use of the available chemicals
should contain all but the worst
fires. Verify that the fire has
KC-0160
been extinguished. If so, check
damage and get assistance immediately. If not, get out and swim at
least 23 meters (25 yards) upwind from the boat and use the visual
distress signals to get assistance.
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