• Stop the boat immediately; in sailboats,
drop the sails and start the engine.
• To avoid running over the person in the
water, approach against the wind and
waves or current. Carefully come close
aboard. Shift into reverse to stop forward
motion.
• Turn off the engine in gear to keep the
propeller from turning; propellers are
sharp and can easily injure someone in
the water. It is safer to trail a life jacket on
a line astern and circle the person in the
water until the victim can grasp it.
• In a boat with low freeboard, the best
place to bring a person aboard is over the
transom; but always be alert to the presence
27 Figure 11-3. LifeSling
of hot outboard motors, exhaust
pipes and carbon monoxide. This recovery
method can be very dangerous in high
sea states that may cause water to come
over a low freeboard vessel, especially
when the stern is into the seas. Beware of
a pitching stern slamming down on persons
in the water, especially from an overhanging
aft section on some sailboats.
• In boats with high freeboard, use a swim
platform or ladder. If these are not available,
rig a sling, rope ladder, or even a
knotted line. As a last resort, a strong
swimmer can go over the side to help
a weak person in the water, but should
always wear a life jacket and safety line.
• In a sailing vessel with no power, sail
toward the wind when approaching the
victim. If the boat has a centerboard or
daggerboard, lower it all the way to stabilize
the boat. In larger sailboats, try to
pull the person into a sail lowered into
the water. Use the sail as a sling and roll
the person into the boat. If so equipped,
a winch will make this task easier. There
is man-overboard retrieval equipment
available that is especially effective for
sailboats (Figure 11-3).
Fire
Fire on a boat is a serious matter. On shore
a person can run away from a fire and call
Section 11: Adverse Conditions and Emergencies 115
the fire department. On a boat, there is
nowhere to go except into the water, and
help may be far away.
Fire Prevention
Many fires are preventable. Correct at once
any condition that may cause a fire (Table
11-1).
• Inspect your boat’s bilge frequently. Keep
it free of grease, oil, and debris. Check
your fuel system for leaks.
• Regularly inspect electrical wiring. Repair
any bare wires or loose electrical connections
to prevent a spark from igniting fuel
vapors.
• Use only marine-rated parts for repairs.
• Store dinghy fuel and propane so they
have plenty of ventilation; it is best to
store them topside.
• Ensure charcoal is completely cold before
securing the grill. Use caution when disposing
of used charcoal since the embers
may remain a fire hazard long after use.
• Close all hatches before fueling; ground
your fuel line nozzle against the fill pipe
to eliminate static sparks.
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