Table of Contents
Advertisement
Abandoning Ship
Burn Hazard
Swim against the current or wind if you abandon ship. Leaking fuel will float with the current and may ignite.
•
When clear of danger, account for all who were on board,and help those in need.
•
Use distress signal.
•
Keep everyone together to make rescue easier.
Flooding, Swamping or Capsizing
•
STAY WITH THE BOAT! A boat will usually float even if there is major hull damage. Rescuers can spot a boat
much easier than a head bobbing in the water.
•
Signal for help.
Collision
• Account for everyone on board.
• Check for injuries.
• Inspect structural damage.
• Reduce flooding.
• Signal for help.
• STAY WITH THE BOAT!
Grounding
Action depends on how hard the boat hits bottom and whether the boat remains stranded. If it is a simple touch,
you may need only to inspect the hull. If you are aground, assess the situation before reacting. In some cases,
throwing the boat into reverse can cause more damage.
Basic Guidelines
•
Inspect damage to hull, propulsion and steering systems.
•
Check for leaks. If water is coming in, stopping the flow takes priority over getting free.
•
Determine water depth all around the boat and type of bottom (sand, mud, rocks, etc.). This will help you de-
cide which way to move the boat.
•
Determine if tide, wind or current will drive the boat harder aground or will help free it.
Leaks
•
Immediately switch on bilge pumps.
•
Assign crew to operate manual pumps, if needed.
•
If boat is taking on water, have someone take the helm while you manage damage control.
•
Slow or stop to minimize inflow. However, if you can keep a hole above water by maintaining speed, do so.
•
If possible, patch the outside with whatever material is available.
Pg 35
Advertisement
Table of Contents
