Speed Boat Safety!
Legal
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Table
of Contents
Chapter 2 – Federal & State
Safety Regulations
Chapter 3 – Personal Floatation
Devices
Chapter 4 – Navigation Lights &
Visibility
Chapter 5 – Fire Extinguishers &
Fires
Chapter 6 – Visual & Sound
Distress Signals
Chapter 9 – Speed & Driving
Basics
Chapter 10 – Recreational Hazards
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Boat safety
is extremely important if you are thinking about buying a boat or even riding
in one. If you have a friend or family
member with a boat and they allow you to drive you should also know the basics
of speed boat safety. This could save
your life or someone else’s.
The purpose
of this e-book is to teach you everything you need to know about boat
safety. The information contained in
this e-book includes some of the things you would learn in a boat safety course
and more.
This e-book
will take you through regulations set forth by the state and federal government
for boat safety. You will learn about
floatation devices and how to use them properly.
There is a
lot of helpful information in this e-book which includes safety lights and why
you need them, fire extinguisher basics, prevention tips, distress signals,
about hypothermia, and much more.
There are
hundreds of boating accidents that result in death every year. Many of the people hurt by speed boats are fishermen
who are minding their own business fishing.
Accidents happen and you may think that it would never happen to
you.
The smartest
thing you can do is educate yourself about speed boat safety and how you can
take proper precautions while you are on the water for your passenger’s safety,
other boaters, and yours.
The most
common accidents happen when drivers of speed boats are not paying attention,
they don’t know the rules of the water, how to protect their passengers, and
many more reasons. When you educate
yourself about boat safety you will know the rules and regulations, how to save
a passenger, and much more. This e-book
will teach you everything you need to know.
Chapter
2 – Federal
& State Safety Regulations
There are
many federal & state regulations and guidelines set forth regarding speed
boats on the water on lakes, oceans, rivers, canals, and more. You should never drive a boat with passengers
in it or alone if you are not aware of these.
This knowledge could save you from a hefty fine, jail time, or even
prevent an accident from happening.
Age
No one
should drive a speed boat or a personal watercraft, known as a jet ski 16 years
of age or younger. Motorboats that are
less than 6hp can be maneuvered by children.
These age restrictions vary from state to state and this is not a
federal mandated law unless you are far out in the ocean.
Federal law
will prohibit anyone from under the age of 16 operating a speed boat and the
United States Coast Guard will enforce this age.
Identification and Registration Legal
Requirements
Registration
is a state law and you must have your boat registered with the state you reside
in. State registration requirements vary
depending on the state you live in and you should check with your state. If you move, you should reregister your boat
as you would your personal automobile.
When you
register a boat you will fill out an application and get a certificate of
number and receive the number on the certificate. Your boat registration number will be a
combination of letters and numbers. It
should begin with an abbreviation of the state the boat is registered in. The certificate number must be on the boat
when the boat is in use.
You will
also be given a validation decal which will be placed next to the numbers on
the port side of your boat. You may live
in a state that requires your validations to be on both sides of your boat. This registration is an annual renewal in
most states. Be sure you don’t forget to
renew your registration.
The display
of your boat numbers should follow specific guidelines. The numbers, letters and figures are read
from left to right. They should be
displayed on the forward half of the side of the bow of your boat.
The numbers
are supposed to be in bold, block letters that are easy to recognize. The size of the numbers must be larger than 3
inches high. They must be contrasting
with the background or hull of the boat so they do not blend in with the paint
and are hard to read. The numbers should
be far above the waterline. When you
stick your numbers on your boat you also need to separate letters and numbers
with hyphens or spaces. Within six
inches of the number you need to place the validation decal.
Also, these
registration numbers are very important for identification to the coast guard
or any regulatory agency on the waters.
You cannot place any other numbers on this side of the boat.
Every boat
built after 1972 has a hull identification number. This is like a vehicle identification
number. These numbers are unique to
every boat and required on the title when you register the boat. This number is permanently attached to the
boat on the starboard side above the waterline.
After 1984,
because of boat thefts the guidelines for the HIN to be on the boat required
two locations for this number. The
second number will be unexposed and not visible.
Coast Guard Minimum Requirements for
Equipment
The federal
government has set forth guidelines and requirements you must follow when you
own a speed boat and ride in on the waters.
There is a list of equipment you should have with you on the boat at all
times.
If you are
pulled over by the Coast Guard and you do not have the equipment you could be
fined or even required to abandon the boat and they will impound it.
The minimum
equipment items that are required by the U.S. Coast Guard include these items:
- Personal Floatation Devices
- Visual Distress Signals
- Fire Extinguishers
- Ventilation
- Back fire flame arrestor
Chapter 3 – Personal
Floatation Devices
Personal
floatation devices or PFDs are life saving devices and they are required by the
state and the federal government to be on board for every passenger you have on
the boat. There are many considerations
when you select a PFD.
Federal
regulations mandate states that do not have life jacket laws. Today, there are four states that are
mandated because they do not have a set law.
This mandate
by the federal government requires children under the age of 13 to wear an
approved personal floatation device while using a speed boat. A child doesn’t have to use a floatation
device if they are in a closed cabin or below decks on your speed boat.
There are
many dangerous conditions that you should wear a PFD. All passengers on the boat should be required
to wear PFDs in these situations also.
Dangerous conditions are considered to be dangerous weather, local
hazards, high boating traffic, far away from shore, boating at night, and when
you are along.
More than
50% of boating accident deaths occur from drowning victims that are not wearing
a personal floatation device. Any
circumstance where you do not feel safe you should put on your PFD.
Types of PFDs
There are
five different types of personal floatation devices. It is important to know the different types
and which one is right for you. This
will help you learn which vest you should be wearing. Each device is intended for different use.
The Type I
personal floatation device is known as the off-shore life jacket. This life jacket is designed to provide the
best buoyancy in any type of waters.
When a boater is unconscious this type of life jacket is designed to
turn the body over to a face up position.
There are
two sizes to this PFD; adult size and child size. A child size PFD type I will provide a
minimum of 11 pounds of buoyancy and the adult size will provide 22
pounds. This life jacket is best when in
rough waters and a long delay of rescue is expected.
The type II
PFD is also known as the near-shore vest.
This life jacket is best for quick rescues in calm or inland waters. This type will not turn all wearers of this
PFD to a face up position but some. This
vest is not as efficient as the type I vest.
The type III
PFD is known as a floatation aid device.
It is best for calm and inland waters where rescue will be quick. This device will not turn people wearing it
to a face up position. The person will
have to tilt their head backward so they do not end up face down in the
water. If you are knocked unconscious
wearing this vest it may not help you.
The type IV
PFD is known as a throwable floatation device.
This device is best used for when help is visible and present and where
there is a lot of other boating traffic.
The person will not wear this device but they will hang onto it until
they are rescued.
A type V PFD
is known as a special use device. This
is designed for special activities.
These come in different varieties like inflatable devices, deck suites,
work vests, sailing vests and more. A
type V vest will inflate immediately upon entering any water. Children or anyone who cannot swim should not
wear these floatation devices.
Ensuring Fit
When you
wear a PFD you need to ensure it fits you properly. The proper fit is a snug fit. The person wearing the device should raise
their arms above their head and you will pull firmly on the upper straps. This will tighten the life jacket and ensure
it is snug. If the life jacket fits the
person properly it will not ride higher than the person’s ears or mouth.
Floatation Device Labels
All
floatation devices that are approved by the U.S. Coast Guard have labels on
them. The labels will specify what the
vest’s intended use is supposed to be.
If you choose to use a floatation device outside of the scope of what it
is for then you could be ticketed because it is against the law. In addition, it could cost someone the loss
of their life.
Chapter 4 – Navigation
Lights & Visibility
Navigation
lights are required on any boat that is on the waters between sunset and
sunrise. Many people assume their boats
come with navigation lights and all of the proper equipment.
A showroom
boat may have lights and other things that your boat doesn’t come with. It is entirely up to you to make sure your
boat has all of the proper lighting fixed on your boat.
Low Visibility
When
visibility is restricted or you are operating at night you are required to have
navigation lights and they are mandatory to be displayed. When there is another vessel the lights will
let the oncoming boat know which vessel is the stand on or give way
vessel.
If a boat is
approaching from your starboard side, this is known as your danger zone. It will show its red port light. The boat will see your green ‘go’ light and
you will have the right of way. If the
boat is not a power driven boat or does not have any lights they will have the
right away at all times.
If
visibility is really bad you are require to use sound and warning signals every
two minutes. A speed motor boat should
use a prolonged blast every two minutes.
If you are stopped then you should blast two prolonged blasts every two
minutes.
Visibility
is extremely important. You don’t want
to come across a situation where you are upon a large freighter or cruise ship
and it is too late to get out of the way.
Heavy fog and situations like this occur and when they do you need to
know how to read the lights.
Large
vessels cannot move out of your way even if they do see you coming. This is because they are too big. Don’t ever think that a big boat will
move. A small speed boat can maneuver
better and faster. Listen for sound
warning signals when you are in your speed boat at night time and there is poor
visibility.
Chapter 5 – Fire
Extinguishers & Fires
There are
many different types of fire extinguishers.
As a speed boat operator it is important you know the differences
between the different types and which one you are required to have on your
boat.
Fire
extinguishers are extremely important for safety. Not every motorboat is required to carry this
device but it is best if you do have one on board. Each fire extinguisher will be approved by
the U.S. Coast Guard.
Fire
extinguishers are classified by a class of fire they have the capability to put
out which are according to letters and numbers.
A, B, C, and D are set forth to indicate the class of fire the fire
extinguisher is designed to put out.
There will be a number that stands for the capacity of the fire the
extinguisher can put out. The larger the
number the larger the capacity.
Fire Classes
The four
classes of fires include class A, B, C, and D.
A Class A fire is considered a fire full of combustible solids that can
be wood or anything else. Class B fires
are fires with flammable liquids like gasoline.
Class C is an electrical fire and a Class D is a fire with combustible
metals.
Carbon Dioxide CO2 Fire Extinguisher
A carbon
dioxide fire extinguisher can take care of a class B or C situation. The carbon dioxide fire extinguisher has a
large blast of high pressure gas. This
fire extinguisher is not designed to put out amber and ash fires. Spraying this type of extinguisher on ambers
and ash will cause the fire to spread everywhere.
Halon Fire Extinguisher
The Halon
fire extinguisher is designed for Class A, B, and C rating fires. This extinguisher is designed for small class
A fires. The halon fire extinguisher
Dry Chemical Fire Extinguisher
A dry
chemical fire extinguisher is designed for a class B or C fire. This type of extinguisher comes in three
different varieties. You can find them
in sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, and mono ammonium phosphate.
The dry
chemical is not recommended for use on speed boats because the materials are
corrosive. It has a Class A rating
because it has the ability to melt the item on fire to encase it and put the
fire out.
Foam Fire Extinguisher
A foam fire
extinguisher is designed for a class A or B fire and it is the best solution
when boating. Foam extinguishers have
the ability to provide a blanket over a fire and completely smother it. The foam separates the vapor layers in Class
B fires also.
All gasoline
powered boats are required to carry B-1 approved fire extinguishers.
If you have
a fire on your boat the only place to go is in the water. Three things make up the elements of a fire
and they include oxygen, fuel, and heat.
By removing one of these elements you can put a fire out.
Gasoline and
propane are very dangerous fuels. The
fumes often collect in areas like the cabin, lower areas of the boat and the
bilge. They are naturally surrounded by
oxygen so all they need for a fire to ignite is heat. Just a spark from the
ignition could cause the boat to explode.
Be sure you
read the instructions on your fire extinguisher and you know how to use
it. Never hesitate and always be
prepared to use an extinguisher and put a fire out. Direct the extinguisher at the flames and use
short bursts. As you are blasting the
fire sweep the extinguisher from side to side.
Chapter 6 – Visual & Sound Distress Signals
Visual
distress signals are for circumstances you are under distress and there is
someone you can see that can help you.
Certain devices you can use as visual distress tools include flares,
smoke flares, and meteor rockets.
You are
required to carry visual distress devices on your boat at all times. there are many circumstances that might arise
that require you to use them. If you are
in a speed boat on the ocean, great lakes, seas, or any water directly
connected to them you are required to be equipped with distress signals.
Boats that
are not required to carry visual distress signals in the day but they are at
night include recreational boats less than 16 feet long and boats in organized
events like races, marine parades, and regattas.
Flares are
usually marked with an expiration date.
Be sure your flares are up to date and you know how to use them. They should always be accessible and ready to
use.
You should
never use a distress signal when you are not in distress. If you do you could face a penalty or a
fine. It is best you do not waste your
distress signals either. You should only
use them when you see approaching aircraft or another boat from a distance that
can help you.
You must
carry a minimum of three pyrotechnic devices on your boat and they must be
approved by the USCG. To satisfy the
USCG you can carry one of the following combinations:
- A total of three hand held
flares for the day and night
- One red flare and two meteor
flares
- One hand held orange smoke
signal for the day and two floating orange smoke signals for the day and
one electric light signals for night use.
There are
things you should know about flares before you attempt to use them on your
own. These things include the following:
- The flare is not expired
- Hold lit flares downwind, away
from boat and your passengers
- Hold away from your body
- Store in water tight container
so they don’t get wet
- Have them accessible and ready
for use
- Use only in an emergency
situation
How to Call the Coast Guard for Help
The VHF
radio on your boat is something you should become very familiar with. The channels designated for the USCG are
channel 16 and channel 22A.
Channel 16
is the universal channel for the coast guard and for emergency use only. Never use this channel to have a conversation
with another boater on as it is a violation of the law. If you must hold a conversation on the radio
then you should agree to a different channel and then proceed talking.
If you are
in a distress situation you will switch to channel 16 on your VHF radio and
say, “mayday mayday mayday”. If you are
not in distress but you need to get someone to help you then you will say
“Coast Guard.” These channels are
monitored day and night by the coast guard and you will get the help you need.
If you have
a cell phone and you want to call in for help it will take you much longer than
getting to know your radio. The radio is
a direct connection to the coast guard. Your cell phone is a direct connection
to land lines.
The coast
guard is going to want to know some information when you call them and you need
to give it to them. They will ask you
your position or location via GPS if you have one. You should know where you are at all times
when you are on a boat.
You should
tell them exactly what is wrong and what the problem is. They will want to know how many passengers are
on board and how many are injured or just in danger. You will need to give your boat name,
registration, and a description so they can easily spot you. They will also want to know the safety
equipment you have on board so they can walk you through any help over the
radio if they need to.
Sound Signals
Knowing
sound signals coming from other boats could save your life. You should also know the appropriate sound
signals to give to other boats that are on the water and approaching your vessel.
If you have
a boat approaching you and it gives you one short blast then it means they
intend to change course to starboard.
Two short blasts means they intend to change course to port. Three short blasts means that they are moving
in reverse. Multiple blasts of five or
more means a danger or that there is doubt of what is going on.
The only way
to communicate with other boats is by using sound signals. If you are not clear what a boat is doing
then you should not be afraid to use these signals. The danger signal should be used if you are
confused or you are not sure what a boat that is coming right at you is going
to do.
You might
use a danger signal to tell another boater what they are about to do is
dangerous. They may be heading into
dangerous waters or they might be backing up close enough to hit you.
When a
danger signal is used all boats will stop and then communicate. When everyone agrees that the action going to
be taken is safe then the boats will resume on the water.
Chapter
7 – Precautions
Weather is a
precaution you have to take when you are on the water. If you don’t pay attention to the weather
then you could be in big trouble.
Weather is as important as a full tank of gasoline in the boat. As the skipper of the boat you need to be
fully aware of the weather.
You can
check the weather by your local television station, the news, radio, and even
your VHF radio. There are many
indicators that can show you that the weather is going to suddenly change. These factors include:
- Weather changes come from the
west – watch the western skies
- A sudden drop in temperature can
mean a coming storm
- A sudden drop in pressure means
a storm is approaching
- Cloud build up
- Sounds of thunder
- Rough water
- Fog forming
There are many
things that you should do if you are out in the water and a storm is
approaching. These things are for your
safety and for your passengers. These
things include:
- Be sure everyone is wearing a
life jacket
- Slow down and drive with caution
- Close all ports and hatches
- Head to the nearest and safest
shoreline
- Stay dry
- Switch to a full tank of fuel
- Secure all loose items
- Everyone should remain low and
in the center of the boat
- Disconnect electrical equipment
if there is lightening
- Sound the appropriate signals in
foggy conditions
Local Hazards
You should
always be aware of the local hazards of the water you are boating in. If you are new to the area ask around before
you put your boat in the water and just go exploring. There are many dangers you should be aware of
which include inlets, shoaling areas, whitewater and rough waters, dams, locks,
and abnormal tides and current conditions.
These can be very dangerous to you and your crew.
State and
local officials often have requirements or restrictions to areas. Some lakes don’t even allow motorized
speedboats on the lake. Be sure you know
all of the guidelines before you get into the water so you don’t find you are
in a heap of trouble.
Fueling
Fueling
should take a serious precaution. You should
never fuel your boat when there are passengers in it and you are in the
water. Be sure you are docked with no
passengers. Use a portable tank. Turn off the engine to the boat and
extinguish any flames. Do not use any
electrical switches for anything, not even a lighter. Do not smoke.
Close all of the ports and hatches.
You should
determine exactly how much fuel you need before you fill up. You should never over fill your tank. After filling you will open the ports and
hatches back up and turn on the blower for a minimum of five minutes. Then you can do a sniff test and start up the
engines if you don’t smell any fumes.
The passengers can get back on the boat and you are ready to go.
Approaching Large Vessels
If you find
you are approaching a navy or coast guard vessel you will need to call them on
channel 16 unless they are calling you already.
Answer all questions they may have for you. It is against the law to not tell them the
answers to their questions or withhold any information. They even have the right to board your boat
if they want to. Any violation while you
are in a navy protection zone could land you with a felony and up to 10 years
in prison.
You should
never approach a navy vessel within 100 yards and you should always be at a
minimum speed. Proceed as the commander
of the ship tells you to do over the radio.
Chapter
8 – Alcohol
Alcohol can
harm your body and causes serious accidents on the water. Alcohol related boating is responsible for
more than 30% of the boating deaths that occur each year. Alcohol causes you to be unable to drive a
boat for many reasons. These reasons
include the following:
Balance
Balance on a
boat is already very difficult. When you
are under the influence you lose your sense of balance and it is common for
people to fall out of a boat and drown.
Vision Problems
The sun and
the reflection of light off of the water already make it hard to see. When you are under the influence it makes it
even more difficult. It is common for
people who are driving a boat while intoxicated not be able to tell the colors
of the green and red markers on the side of an oncoming boat. This causes accidents more often than you
would imagine. Not only the skipper and
his passengers are injured but also the oncoming boaters as well.
Coordination
When a
person falls into the water and they are under the influence they cannot hold
onto a floatation device. It is
difficult for them and the cold temperatures of the water can cause the person
to go into shock. Once this occurs they
are sure to drown.
Blood vessels
When you are
out in the sun your blood vessels dilate on the surface of the skin. This causes you to lose body heat. When someone intoxicated has been out in the
sun all day they have already lost a lot of body heat. If they go overboard the chances of
hypothermia kicking in quickly is almost certain.
Judgment
Judgment is
impaired when you are drinking in every circumstance. When you drive a boat you need to have
excellent judgment of many things. It is
common for people to be far too relaxed and have no fear when they are
drinking. This is when the danger plays
a serious role.
No fear
causes boaters to do things they don’t even know are dangerous. They drive at higher speeds then they should
be and they don’t even know it. This is
when disaster strikes. You must have
clear judgment.
Environment
When you are
out in the sun all day your body is already drained from the stresses of the
environment around you. The things that
drain your body include sun, wind, noise, vibration, glare, motion on the
water, and more. These factors cause a
condition known as boater’s hypnosis and fatigue. You don’t have to be drinking alcohol to
experience these things. When you add
alcohol to the mix then you are beyond unable to comprehend and provide a safe
ride for passengers or yourself.
The best
thing you can do is not bring alcohol on your boat at all. Never drink prior to getting on your boat and
don’t let anyone drive your boat that has been drinking.
Driving a
boat while intoxicated is a steep penalty if not your life. This ticket is the same if not worse than an
automobile drinking and driving ticket.
States vary on the penalties but they are severe.
Chapter
9 – Speed & Driving Basics
Driving at a
smart speed is very important. Experts
take years to develop their skills of knowing when to slow down and when to
speed up and what the best speed is.
There are many considerations to think about when it comes to speed.
States have
different rules for speed on a lake or waterway. If you are on the ocean and far out in the
water you can ride your boat fast and safely.
However, always use common sense when you are driving your boat.
You should
consider the visibility when you are on a boat.
If you cannot see ten feet in front of you then you won’t be able to
stop in time if you are going 30mph.
Foggy conditions mean you will be driving slowly or barely crawling and
using fog sound signals every two minutes.
Know your
location and any hazards. If you are in
a new place you might want to drive around the area at least once before you
begin your fun. See if there are any
fishermen or other boaters. Make sure
that when you go up to high speeds there are not any hazards that can cause you
danger.
Pay
attention to the winds and the weather.
You should know the rules of the waters and where you are. If you see any boaters in danger or that need
assistance it is law that you stop and help them. This could be a dead battery or a life
threatening event. It is your duty as a
boater to help them.
When you are
around jet skiers, water skiers, other boaters and swimmers you need to drive
with caution. When you drive in a highly
packed area of other boats you need to drive slowly. It is dangerous to drive at high speeds when
there is a lot of traffic in the water.
You are responsible for anything you cause with your wake so remember
this.
Chapter 10 – Recreational Hazards
The biggest
recreational hazards is fishermen and hunters.
Fishermen collisions and deaths are at least 30% of boating
accidents. These occur from high speed
boaters seeing a fisherman at the last minute, fishermen themselves not paying
attention, and more.
Almost all
fishermen that die in the water from drowning are not wearing life
jackets. The problem is not that they do
not know how to swim. The problem is
hypothermia kicks in and then they drown.
Fishermen
don’t act responsibly when they are fishing.
They stand in boats and they fall in the water. They also don’t wear their life jackets.
One fact
that might throw you is that more hunters die each year from drowning off of a
speed boat then from a gunshot wound on a hunting trip.
If you are
riding your speed boat and you come upon fishermen or hunters it is a rule that
you go away and do not ride around them. Never distract a hunter or a
fisherman.
If you are
driving too quickly around a fisherman standing in his boat and your wake
throws him in the water this will make you responsible for what happens to
him. If he dies you are at fault for
negligence. Do you want this hanging
over your head
The biggest
reason for boating accidents is due to human error. You don’t want to be the reason an accident
occurred.
Propeller Strike
A propeller
strike is when you accidentally run over someone with your propeller. It happens all of the time. A propeller can kill, mutilate, mangle, and permanently
disfigure someone because it is not visible to anyone.
When you are
driving your boat there are many things to think about when it comes to using
your boat and riding near others. Here
are ways to avoid and minimize accidents from happening with a propeller
strike:
- Engine should be off when people
are boarding and unloading
- Before moving be sure everyone
is seated
- While moving everyone should be
seated
- Never operate near people in the
water
- Pay attention
There are
devices designed to avoid a propeller strike.
These devices include a propeller guard, interlock, and sensors. Propeller guard are devices that fully
surround the propeller. Interlocks are
designed to automatically shut off the engine.
Sensors are devices that people wear and then they go overboard the sensor
immediately triggers the engine to shut down and sound an alarm.
Capsizing
Small speed
boats can be unstable and even tipsy when you are driving them improperly and
other conditions are present. There are
many ways you can avoid this.
Capsizing is
when you boat turns over on its side or completely upside down. If the boat is upright and filled with water
it is called swamping. This can be just
as dangerous as capsizing.
A boat can
capsize for many reasons. One of the
reasons that causes a boat to capsize is by overloading it. The boat will slow down and the water line
will be even higher than it is supposed to be.
Swamping often occurs when there are too many people or too much gear in
a boat. This can cause the boat to
overturn or just sink.
When weight
is distributed improperly on a speed boat it is easy to turn it over or
capsize. When you turn corners and
weight is not right a boat will flip right over quickly, especially if you are
driving at high speeds. The boat will be
unstable. The people and the equipment
should be distributed by weight. Put
children with equipment and adults on the other side. Just make sure the weight is evenly
distributed on the boat.
When you are
driving a speed boat and not paying attention to the current, rough waters and
waves you can definitely flip the boat over.
If your boat
should capsize the first thing you need to do is take a head count and make
sure everyone is accounted for. Be sure
everyone has a life jacket and then stay with the boat to remain afloat. Use visual distress signals, horns, and other
methods to get help. If at all possible,
flip the boat back over, bail out the water and get back inside.
Crew Overboard Procedure
When you
hear someone go over board or another passenger tells you they went overboard
you need to follow a few steps.
The first
person to see a person go overboard should immediately shout, “crew overboard.” This person should act as a spotter and keep
their eyes on the person in the water. The most important thing is that you do
not lose sight of the person who fell in because it can be difficult to spot
them again, especially if you are in the ocean.
When a
person falls in the water you want to be sure your propeller is turned away
from the side of the water they fell in.
You don’t want a propeller strike to occur.
Throw a life
saving device for them to hang on to until you can get them in the boat. This should always be immediately accessible
and within your reach in case of emergencies like this.
Always
approach the person slowly and move into the current and the wind. Once you are alongside them you can shut off
the boat engine and help them aboard.
You should have stairs on the back by the stern.
Chapter
11 – Survival
There are
many circumstances where you might find yourself in the water. You might have been on the swim team and won
first place but it doesn’t mean you know how to survive.
There are
many techniques you should learn in case you end up in the water and you are
waiting for a rescue. One of the best
methods of floating you should learn is to float on your back
horizontally. This position is
comfortable and keeps your face out of the water. You can lay outstretched and arch your back a
little. Allow your legs to relax out in
front of you.
The vertical
back float doesn’t put all of your body on the surface of the water. Your upper body will be on the surface while
your legs are extended down in the water.
Your back and face and upper chest will be lay back with your arms
extended.
Survival
floating is a very good thing to know if you are in the water for a long period
of time and you don’t know when help is coming.
When you survival float you will just put your head back and relax while
maintaining your face at the surface so you can breathe.
One
important factor is that when you tread water you use a lot of energy and it is
tiresome.
If you find
yourself in waters that are moving quickly and rapidly like a river or stream
then you should turn over on your back and put your feet in front of you facing
downstream. This position will help
cushion you from the blows you are about to take with the rocks and debris in
the water.
When the
body is immersed in cold water three things happen quickly to your body; cold
shock, failure to swim, and hypothermia.
When the
body is suddenly shot into cold water a reflexive action of gasping out of
shock occurs. The problem that occurs is
when the body gasps naturally like this it takes cold water into the lungs. Drowning can be instant if water does make
its way in. The best thing you can do is
when you realize you are about to fall into the water is cover your mouth and
nose with your hands and hold your breath.
After your
body goes through the initial shock you will be unable to swim. The reasons you cannot swim is because you
will completely lose manual dexterity.
You may not be able to match your breathing with your swimming and lose
all of your coordination because your arms and legs are too cold. People try harder and harder to swim and
increase their swim angle and then it results in drowning.
Hypothermia
There are
three types of hypothermia. The three
different types include mild, medium, and severe.
When the
body’s temperature drops below 95 degrees you are in a condition known as
hypothermia. This is caused by exposure
to cold water or cold air. The body
loses its body heat and results in losing dexterity, consciousness, and loss of life.
Survival
time can be really short depending on the water temperature and
exhaustion. Here is a chart to explain
survival time for someone who falls into the water.
Temperature
of the Water Exhaustion Time of survival
32.5 under
15 minutes under 15 to 45 min
32.5-40 15-30 min 30-90
min
40-50 30-60 1-3 hours
60-70 2-7
hours 2 – 40 hours
Mild hypothermia
When a
person is suffering from mild hypothermia they are in the best shape. They will feel cold, have violent shaking and
not be able to speak clearly. Their
speech may be slurred.
Medium Hypothermia
At this
stage a person will have lost muscle control, feel drowsy, incoherent, and
completely exhausted.
Severe Hypothermia
This is the
most dangerous stage that can lead to death quickly. The person will collapse and be unconscious. Respiratory distress or signs of a cardiac
arrest will take place.
Conserving Body Heat in the Water
When a
person is in the water the only way to conserve your body heat is not to move
at all. You don’t want to flail around
and paddle. Try not to move. The more you move around the faster you will
lose your body heat and die. Swimming
lowers the temperatures in your body.
Don’t move.
If you are
in a position or there is some type of small floatation that will allow you to
pull a part of your body out of the water then you need to do this. Hypothermia
occurs faster in the water than out.
Keeping your head out of the water will really lessen your body’s heat
loss and increase the amount of time you have of survival.
The most
important thing is that you need to be wearing a life jacket. If you are not wearing a life jacket then you
will have to float and use energy. A
life jacket allows you to float and use nothing.
The best
position you can be in when you are in the water is on your back in the fetal position. You can float effortlessly and protect the
areas of your body that are susceptible to heat loss the most. These areas include the sides of the chest,
groin, armpits, backs of your knees, and more.
The ideal circumstance is finding yourself in the water with someone
else because you can huddle together and maintain as much heat as you can.
One thing to
keep in mind is that you never massage someone’s arms or legs that is
experiencing hypothermia. This will
cause the circulation in their body to take cold blood from the surface to the
core of the body. This will speed up the
dropping of temperature and progress them into death. Alcohol should never be
consumed either because it causes body heat to be lost also. Any type of stimulant will have the same
affect as a massage.
Chapter
12 – Conclusion
There are
many things to keep in mind when you have a speed boat and you take it out on
the water. The best thing you can do is
take a safety course and learn everything you need to know before you get
started.
You should
never bring alcohol on your boat or allow intoxicated riders to board. If you have been drinking then you should not
even board your boat.
Obey all
state and federal guidelines set forth for boaters. Be sure to load your boat with the proper
safety materials so you are ready for anything that could happen.
Make sure
you have the right type of safety vest or floatation device. Have the proper fire extinguisher on board
too. Make sure your boat has safety lights
and you know the right sound signals to give to other boaters so you can
communicate with them.
If your boat
capsizes be sure you hang onto it and do not swim away from it. You don’t want the current to push you so far
out to sea you can never be found.
Take care of
your passengers, other people in the water, and use common sense when you are
driving your boat. You are responsible
for what happens when you are on the water.
A boat is a
big responsibility. You should learn
everything you need to know about safety before you go boating. This e-book is an excellent guide you can
keep with you on board to remind you about how to call the coast guard if you
are in distress, proper light signals, and much more. Safety is the most important thing when you
are in a boat on the water.
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