Collision
Collision is the most frequent type of boating
accident. Most boating collisions happen
to experienced operators in daylight,
around midday, on weekends when visibility
is excellent and weather is good.
Collisions occur because of high
speed, lack of a lookout, and operators
simply not look ing where they are going.
Today’s high-speed boats and personal
watercraft cover a significant distance in a
short time. The dis traction of the operator
for just a few moments can cause a collision.
Prevention
The primary means of avoiding collision
is to follow the navigation rules. It is your
responsibility to take every possible action
to prevent collision.
Personal injuries are usually the result
of a collision between two boats, or between
a boat and a fixed object such as a dock. The
key in preventing this type of accident is to
always keep a proper lookout, operate at
a safe speed, and practice courtesy on the
water.
Avoid going out in conditions beyond
your boating ability or the capabilities
of your boat. Check the weather forecast
before you leave. If caught in bad weather,
seek shelter as quickly as possible.
Reacting to a Collision
If involved in a collision, the actions you
take depend on the severity of the accident.
Your first order of business is to account for
your crew and check their condition. Then
attend to the occupants of the other boat.
Ensure all crew and passengers are
wearing life jackets. Check for fire. Radio
for assistance. Immediately apply first aid if
there is any serious injury.
Seriously injured persons must be
given expert medical attention as soon as
possible. Call to nearby boats for help, and
to the Coast Guard by radio. You must
know your location whenever placing a distress
call.
Section 11: Adverse Conditions and Emergencies 123
Instruct all passengers to put on life
jackets. Then determine the degree of damage
to the vessels. Will they stay afloat?
Check for hull damage and make necessary
emergency repairs.
Don’t be in a hurry to pull the boats
apart. Two boats jammed together but still
floating are better than two damaged boats
sinking.
After caring for all persons and property,
it is the responsibility of the operators
of both boats to file an accident report if
certain conditions occurred in the accident.
Examples are extent of damage,
injury or death. You must follow local
regulations as to where to file the report.
Failure to report an accident may result in
a fine. The regulations designate where to
make the report; usually to the state boating
law administrator. Failure to report an
accident may result in a fine.
An accident report must be filed
immediately to the nearest police agency if:
• Someone is killed or missing
• Personal injury beyond first aid is sustained
• Total property damage exceeds $2,000
An operator observing any kind of boating
accident must stop and render assistance
to those in danger, providing he does not
place his vessel or passengers at risk. Your
state requirements may differ.
Federal law protects from liability a
person who in good faith renders assistance
at the scene of an accident without objection
of the person being assisted.
Grounding
Running aground (sometimes called
strand ing) is often more of a nuisance than
a dan ger. Knowledge, fast work, and a little
luck can often reduce the inconvenience to
just a matter of minutes (Figure 11-6).
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