Collision; Propulsion, Control Or Steering Failure; Grounding; Distress Signals - whaler 270 Outrage Manual

The chances of flooding, swamping or capsizing can
be reduced by being aware of:
• Weather
• Water Conditions
• Proper boat handling techniques
• Proper loading of the boat

Collision

In the event of collision:
• Cut the engine(s)
• Always wear your PFD, or have it within reach.
• Check on passengers
• If the bilge pump(s) have not automatically
turned ON, switch them ON immediately.
• Determine the amount of damage to your boats
structure.
• Call for assistance
• In the event of collision you are required to file
an accident report. Contact a state enforcement
agency or the nearest U.S. Coast Guard office.
If you are boating outside U.S. waters, consult
the nation you are visiting for accident reporting
requirements.

Propulsion, Control or Steering failure:

If there is a propulsion, control or steering failure:
• Stop the engine, (shut off at Ignition or pull on
the Emergency Engine Shut-Off Switch.)
• Drop anchor to prevent drifting.
• Determine if the problem can be fixed or will
assistance be needed.
• Call for assistance if needed.
When loss of propulsion or steering is noticed, your
quick reaction is required to prevent further damage
to your boat or injuries to your passengers.
Outboard engines require propulsion to control the
direction the boat will take. Without propulsion, the
steering is virtually useless. If you are in a congested
1-10
Section 1• Safety
waterway you will need to react quickly to warn
others that you have lost power, propulsion or
steering control and that assistance will be needed.

Grounding

Running aground may be avoided by paying attention
to marker bouys or indicated by waves as they form
into breakers when passing over a sand bar.
If you do run aground, the course of 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 lower drive of the engine
and the hull of the boat. If posssible do a thorough
inspection before trying to get loose, throwing the
boat into reverse before this is done may do more
damage.

Distress Signals

Visual Distress Signals, (VDS)
• U.S. Coast Guard regulations require boats in
coastal waters and the Great Lakes to carry a
Visual Distress Signal (VDS) for day and night
use, as well as appropriate for the time of
operation. Exempt from the day signals
requirement, but not night signals, are boats
less than 4.8 meters (16 feet), open sailboats
less than7.9 meters (26 feet), boats
participating in organized events and manually
propelled boats.
• If you are required to have visual distress
signals, at least three safety approved
pyrotechnic devices in serviceable condition
must be readily accessible. They must be
marked with a date showing the service life
which must not be expired.
• Carry three signals for day use and three for
night use. Some pyrotechnic devices such as
red flares, meet both day and night use
requirements.
• Store pyrotechnic signals in a cool, dry
location.An orange or red watertight container
prominently marked "DISTRESS SIGNALS"
is recommended.
R
270 Outrage