C. Capsizing - Four winns 248 Vista Owner's Manual

C. Capsizing

Wear PFDs or have them readily available at all times.
If your boat capsizes, and others were on board, locate
them and guide them to the safety of the hull. Even if
the boat floats in an upside-down position, stay with it.
The boat hull is much easier for rescuers to spot than a
human head sticking out of the water. DO NOT attempt
to swim ashore, it may be further than it looks.
D. Man Overboard
Think through and follow these procedures if someone
in your boat falls overboard.
• Remember, every second counts, you must act fast.
• Move throttles to idle position immediately and yell
"MAN OVERBOARD. "
• Throw some floating object overboard immediately.
Keep your required Type IV PFD accessible at all
times for such an emergency.
• Keep the person in the water in sight at all times.
Have a passenger do nothing but watch the person.
Do not go into the water to help the victim. One
person in the water is enough trouble.
• Circle around quickly, approaching into the wind and
waves. When the person is alongside, put the en-
gine in neutral and throw them a Type IV PFD with
a line attached or extend a paddle or boat hook
within his/her reach.
E. Collision
If a serious collision occurs, you should first check the
condition of all passengers aboard, then inspect your
boat to determine the extent of damage.
1. Make sure all persons aboard are wearing their
PFDs.
2. If you need help and your boat has a ship-to-shore
radio, first contact the U. S. Coast Guard (VHF
Channel 16) or other rescue authorities immediately.
3. Prepare to assist the other vessel unless your pas-
sengers and/or boat are in danger.
4. If the bow of the other boat penetrated your boat's
hull, prepare to block the opening once the boats
are separated.
Vista™ Owner's Manual
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5. Shore up the hole with a spare PFD or bunk cush-
ion from your boat.
6. While blocking the hole, trim the boat so that the
hole is out of the water.
F. Fire
Most fires are caused by electrical problems or care-
less fueling practices. A fire on board your boat is a
serious emergency. You must work quickly to imple-
ment safety procedures. If a fire occurs, immediately
stop the engine.
1. Make sure all persons aboard are wearing their
PFDs.
2. If the fire is small, attempt to put it out with your fire
extinguisher. If the fire is in the engine compart-
ment, turn off the bilge blower. Do not open the
engine compartment. This feeds oxygen to the fire
and may cause it to flare up.
3. If the fire gets out of control, execute a distress
signal and call for help if equipped with a ship-to-
shore radio.
4. All persons aboard should jump overboard and swim
a safe distance away from the flames.
IMPORTANT: All persons aboard should know the lo-
cation and proper operation of the fire extinguishers.
Guidelines
• Use only approved marine cooking and heating sys-
tems.
• Open flames demand constant attention.
• Keep flammable materials in approved containers
in a overboard vented locker sealed from the interior
of the boat.
• Ensure ventilation systems are unobstructed.
• Remove mooring covers before starting engine.
• Check the bilge for fuel leaks.
• Extinguish smoking materials carefully.
• Use special care with flame or high temperatures
around urethane foam.
Section T
Page 9