Boating Unit 5

Blocked Exhaust Outlets

can cause carbon monoxide to accumulate in the cabin and cockpit area.

Slow Speed or Idling

causes carbon monoxide to accumulate in the cabin, cockpit, and rear deck.

Test the fit by.....

picking the child up by the shoulders of the PFD and checking that their chin and ears don't slip through the PFD.

H.E.L.P

-Adopt a position to reduce heat loss. If alone, use the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP) position; or if there are others in the water with you, huddle together. -When you're alone, this position protects the body's three major areas of heat loss (groin, head/neck, and rib cage/armpits). Wearing a PFD allows you to draw your knees to your chest and your arms to your sides.

If Your Boat Runs Aground

-If you run aground, make sure no one is injured and then check for leaks. -If the impact did not cause a leak, follow these steps to try to get loose. -Don't put the boat in reverse. Instead, stop the engine and lift the outdrive. -Shift the weight to the area farthest away from the point of impact. -Try to shove off from the rock, bottom, or reef with a paddle or boathook. -Check to make sure your boat is not taking on water. -If you can't get loose, summon help using your visual distress signals. -Call for assistance using your VHF marine radio.

If Your Boat Sinks or Floats Away

-If you're wearing a PFD, make sure that it is securely fastened, remain calm, and wait for help. If you aren't wearing a PFD, look for one floating in the water or other floating items (coolers, oars or paddles, decoys, etc.) to help you stay afloat. Do your best to help your passengers find something to help them float and stay together. If you have nothing to support you, you may have to tread water or simply float. In cold water, float rather than tread to reduce hypothermia. -Swimming to shore should be considered only as a last resort.

Preventing Falls Overboard From Small Boats

-Keep centered in the boat with your center of gravity low in the boat. -Always keep your shoulders between the gunwales. -If possible, don't move about the boat. If you must move, maintain 3 points of contact. That is, keep both hands and one foot or both feet and one hand in contact with the boat at all times. -Evenly distribute and balance the weight of persons and gear within the boat, keeping most of the weight low.

Using a VHF Marine Radio

-No license is needed when used in recreational boats. -Can withstand rough weather. -Boat-mounted radios are wired to the boat's battery. -Can be used to be found in the fog.

Stage 2: Short-term "swim failure"

-Occurs 3-30 minutes following immersion in cold water. -The muscles and nerves in the arms and legs cool quickly. -Manual dexterity, hand grip strength, and speed of movement all can drop by 60%-80%. Even normally strong persons can lose the strength necessary to pull themselves out of the water or even to keep their head above water. Death occurs by drowning.

Stage 4: Post-immersion collapse

-Occurs during or after rescue. Once rescued, after you have been immersed in cold water, you are still in danger from collapse of arterial blood pressure leading to cardiac arrest. -Inhaled water can damage your lungs, and heart problems can develop as cold blood from your arms and legs is released into the core of your body.

Stage 1: Initial "cold shock"

-Occurs in the first 3-5 minutes of immersion in cold water. Sudden immersion into cold water can cause immediate, involuntary gasping; hyperventilation; panic; and vertigo—all of which can result in water inhalation and drowning. -Immersion in cold water also can cause sudden changes in blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rhythm, which also can result in death.

If a Passenger Falls Overboard

-Reduce speed and toss the victim a PFD—preferably a throwable type—unless you know he or she is already wearing a PFD. -Turn your boat around and slowly pull alongside the victim, approaching the victim from downwind or into the current, whichever is stronger. -Stop the engine. Pull the victim on board over the stern, keeping the weight in the boat balanced, especially in small boats.

Stage 3: Long-term immersion hypothermia

-Sets in after 30 minutes, at a rate depending on water temperature, clothing, body type, and your behavior in the water. -The human body cools much faster in cold water than it does in cold air. Hypothermia occurs when your body loses heat faster than it produces it, cooling the organs in the core of your body. -Hypothermia eventually leads to loss of consciousness and death, with or without drowning.

Increased Risk Due to Boating Stressors

-The glare and heat of the sun, along with the motion of the vessel caused by the wind and the waves and the noise and vibration of the engine, have a large impact on your body that you may not even realize. -These natural stressors make you tire more rapidly when on the water—regardless of your age or level of fitness. Many boaters greatly underestimate the effect these stressors have on fatigue. -While perhaps not fatal themselves, stressors may weaken your body and mind enough to make the risk of an accident much greater.

What You Can Use on Board to Summon Help

-VHF Marine Radio -Visual Distress Signals -Mobile Phone -Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB) -Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)

Surviving Cold Water Immersion

-don't panic and float -look for PFD if not wearing one (don't take clothes off since it keeps body temperature) -locate other people around you -prepare for rescue at all times

A First-Aid Kit includes:

-extra towel -Antiseptic medications and lotions -Aspirin or aspirin substitute -Assorted gauze adhesive bandages and pads -Cotton and cotton swabs -Latex gloves -Scissors

How to Avoid Severe Weather

-radio -be alert -track changes in barometer readings -watch for wind direction shifts, lightning, and rough water. If not electrically grounded -be observant of weather from all directions; however, closely watch the weather to the west, the direction from which most bad weather arrives. -watch for the fog that creates problems in inlets and bays. Typically, fog will form during the temperature changes of the early morning or evening hours and can persist for lengthy periods. -head toward the nearest safe shore if a thunderstorm is approaching.

When operating your boat, you must monitor Channel ___ (the distress channel). Penalties exist for misuse of radio, including improper use. MAYDAY

16

Another Vessel's Exhaust: that is alongside your boat can emit carbon monoxide into the cabin and cockpit of your vessel. Your vessel should be at least____ feet from a vessel that is running a generator or engine.

20

Head the bow into the waves at a _____-degree angle. PWC should head directly into the waves.

45

Approximately ____% of all boating fatalities are drownings, and most of those fatalities could have been avoided

70%

Preventing Running Aground

A vessel is grounded (runs aground) when it gets stuck on the bottom. Never assume that water is deep enough just because you are away from the shore. Also, don't presume that all shallow hazards will be marked by a danger buoy. If you run aground while traveling at a high speed, the impact not only can cause damage to your boat but also can cause injury to you and your passengers. Knowing your environment is the best way to prevent running aground. •Become familiar with the locations of shallow water and submerged objects before you go out. Be aware that the location of shallow hazards will change as the water level rises and falls. •Learn to read a chart to determine your position and the water depth.

Bleeding

Bleeding usually can be controlled by applying direct pressure to the wound. If the bleeding is minor, apply first aid. -If it is serious, apply a dressing, maintain direct pressure, and seek medical attention.

Cold Water Immersion Kills

Cold water immersion kills in several ways. The colder the water, the greater the chance of death. However, the initial reaction to cold water immersion can occur in water as warm as 77° Fahrenheit.

VHF Marine Radio Channel 22:

Communications between the Coast Guard and the maritime public, both recreational and commercial. Severe weather warnings, hazards to navigation, and other safety warnings are broadcast on this channel.

VHF Marine Radio Channel 9:

Communications between vessels (commercial and recreational), and ship to coast (calling channel in designated USCG Districts).

VHF Marine Radio Channel 16:

Distress and safety calls to Coast Guard and others, and to initiate calls to other vessels; often called the "hailing" channel. (Some regions use other channels as the hailing channel. For example, the Northeast uses Channel 9.) When hailing, contact the other vessel, quickly agree to another channel, and then switch to that channel to continue conversation.

Reach

Extend a fishing rod, branch, oar, towel, or other object to REACH out to the victim and pull him or her to safety. If nothing is available, lie flat on the dock, grab the victim's hand or wrist, and pull him or her to safety.

PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition.

Frequently inspect PFDs for rips or tears, discolored ore weakened material, or label that are no longer readable.

H.E.L.P position with others

Huddling With Others: Huddling with other people in the water lessens the loss of body heat and is good for morale. Also, rescuers can spot a group more easily than individuals.

Row

If a rowboat is available, ROW to the victim and then use an oar or paddle to pull the victim to the stern. Let the victim hold onto the stern as you paddle to shore. If the victim is too weak, hold onto him or her until help arrives. If using a powerboat, stop the engine and glide to the victim from the downwind side.

Throw

If the victim is too far away to reach and a boat isn't handy, THROW the victim a PFD or anything else that will float.

If You Capsize, Swamp, or Fall Overboard

If you can't get back in: -Stay with your boat -Your swamped boat is easier to see and will signal that you are in trouble. -Signal for help using other devices available (visual distress signals, whistle, mirror). -If you made the mistake of not wearing a PFD, find one and put it on. If you can't put it on, hold onto it. Have your passengers do the same. -Take a headcount. Reach, throw, row, or go, if needed. -If your boat remains afloat, try to reboard or climb onto it in order to get as much of your body out of the cold water as possible. Treading water will cause you to lose body heat faster, so try to use the boat for support.

Saving energy while swimming

If you must swim, conserve energy and minimize movement. Swim on your back with your upper arms against the sides of your chest, your thighs together, and your knees bent. Flutter-kick with your lower legs.

Burns

In cases of burns, the immediate goals are to relieve pain, prevent infection, and treat for shock. -Immediately place minor burns in cold water and apply a dry bandage after the pain subsides. Seek medical attention for more severe burns.

Head, Neck, or Spinal Injury

In cases of head, neck, or spinal injuries, never move a victim more than is absolutely necessary. -The water can provide excellent support until medical personnel arrive. If a victim must be moved, place him or her gently on a firm, full-length support.

Symptoms of Hypothermia

In order of severity. 1. Shivering, slurred speech, blurred vision 2. Bluish lips and fingernails 3. Loss of feeling in extremities 4. Cold, bluish skin 5. Confusion 6. Dizziness 7. Rigidity in extremities 8. Unconsciousness 9. Coma 10. Death

VHF Marine Radio Channel 6:

Intership safety communications.

VHF-FM Stations for NOAA Weather Reports

NOAA Weather Radio broadcasts weather forecasts and warnings using these frequencies: -162.400 MHz -162.425 MHz -162.450 MHz -162.475 MHz -162.500 MHz -162.525 MHz -162.550 MHz

PASS

P - *PULL* the pin; A - *AIM* at the base of the fire; S - *SQUEEZE* the levers; S - *SWEEP* extinguisher from side to side, covering area of the fire

Have everyone who is not wearing a _____ put one on in case you must abandon the boat.

PFD

VHF Marine Radio Channels 24-28:

Public telephone calls (to marine operator).

VHF Marine Radio Channels 68, 69, and 71:

Recreational vessel radio channels and ship to coast.

Broken Bones

Seek medical assistance immediately for broken and dislocated bones. -Apply temporary splints with care. An improper splint can result in lifelong disfigurement; lack of a splint can lead to hemorrhage, shock, or death.

Research has proven that one-third of the amount of alcohol that it takes to make a person legally intoxicated on land can make a boater equally intoxicated on the water. Study This Section Again

Stop the engine, and lift the outdrive.

VHF Marine Radio Channel 13:

Strictly for navigational purposes by commercial, military, and recreational vessels at bridges, locks, and harbors.

Go

Swimmers without lifesaving training should not swim to a victim. Instead, GO for help. If you must swim, take along anything that floats to keep between you and the victim.

Shock

The seriously injured should be treated for shock by keeping the victim warm, still, and in a lying-down position until medical attention arrives. -Elevate the feet several inches except in cases of head, neck, or back injury or hypothermia.

bailing

To remove water by scooping it out with a bucket

Storm Warning

Winds are 48 knots (55 mph) and above. If winds are associated with a tropical cyclone, this warning signals winds of 48 to 63 knots.

Hurricane Warning

Winds are 64 knots (74 mph) and above. This warning is displayed only in connection with a hurricane.

Gale Warning

Winds are in the range of 34 to 47 knots (39 to 54 mph).

Small Craft Advisory

Winds in the range of 21 to 33 knots (24 to 38 mph) create conditions considered dangerous to small vessels.

Station Wagon Effect

causes carbon monoxide to accumulate inside the cabin and cockpit if you are operating the vessel at a high bow angle, if there is an opening that draws in exhaust, or if protective coverings are used when the vessel is underway.

Teak Surfing

dragging or water-skiing within 20 feet of a moving vessel (can be fatal)

Alcohol can reduce your ability to distinguish colors, especially red and _____.

green

Capsizing

is when a boat turns on its side or turns completely over. Swamping occurs when a boat stays upright and fills with water. Sometimes a person falling overboard from a boat causes the boat to capsize or swamp. Regardless, the outcome is the same—people are in the water unexpectedly.

A good rule of thumb while you are boating in warm weather is to drink some water every 15-20 ______.

minutes

It can be used to make contact with another station (boat), but the communication then should move to a _______channel such as 68 or 69.

non-emergency

What amount of alcohol consumed while boating is equivalent to the amount of alcohol required to make a person legally intoxicated on land?

one-third

Stay as motionless as possible, protecting the high heat loss areas of your body, and keep your head and neck _____ of the water.

out

Safety typically looks closer than it actually is, so staying with the boat is usually a better choice than ______.

swimming

To determine the distance you are from an approaching thunderstorm:

-Count the number of seconds between the flash of lightning and the clap of thunder. -Divide the number of seconds by 5. -The result is roughly the distance in miles you are from the storm.

When treating victims of cold water immersion, you should:

-Get the victim out of the water as soon as possible. -Remove the victim from the water gently and in a horizontal position. -Prevent further heat loss. -Treat the hypothermia victim gently and to your level of training. -Be prepared to provide basic life support. -Seek medical help immediately.

Position the boat so that the fire is downwind.

-If the fire is at the back of the boat, head into the wind. -If the engine must be shut off, use a paddle to keep the bow into the wind.If the fire is at the front of the boat, put the stern into the wind.

If fire erupts on your boat:

-If the fire is in an engine space, shut off the fuel supply. -Aim the fire extinguisher at the base of the flames, and sweep back and forth. -Never use water on a gasoline, oil, grease, or electrical fire. -Summon help with your VHF marine radio.

Preventing CO Poisoning Before You Go Boating

-Know where the exhaust outlets are located on your boat. -Educate all passengers about the symptoms of CO poisoning and where CO may accumulate. -Confirm that water flows from the exhaust outlet when the engines and generator are started. -Listen for any change in exhaust sound, which could indicate an exhaust component failure. -Test the operation of each CO detector by pressing the test button.

Monthly CO safety:

-Make sure all exhaust clamps are in place and secure. -Look for leaks from exhaust system components. Signs include rust and/or black streaking, water leaks, or corroded or cracked fittings. -Inspect rubber exhaust hoses for burns, cracks, or deterioration. -At least annually, have a qualified marine technician check the engine and exhaust system.

Preventing Capsizing, Swamping, or Falling Overboard

-Make sure that you and your passengers are wearing PFDs while the boat is underway. -Attach the engine cut-off switch lanyard to your wrist, clothes, or PFD. -Don't allow anyone to sit on the gunwale, bow, seat backs, motor cover, or any other area not designed for seating. -Also, don't let anyone sit on pedestal seats when operating at a speed greater than idle speed. -Don't overload your boat. -Balance the load of all passengers and gear. -Keep your center of gravity low by not allowing people to stand up or move around while underway, especially in smaller, less-stable boats. -In a small boat, don't allow anyone to lean a shoulder beyond the gunwale. -Slow your boat appropriately when turning. -Don't risk boating in rough water conditions or in bad weather. -When anchoring, secure the anchor line to the bow, never to the stern.

MAYDAY

1. Transmit "MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY." 2. Say "This is (name of boat three times, call letters once)." 3. Repeat once more "MAYDAY" and your vessel's name. 4. Report your location. 5. Report the nature of your emergency. 6.Report the kind of assistance needed. 7. Report the number of people on board and condition of any injured. 8. Describe the vessel and its seaworthiness. 9. Wait for a response. If there is none, repeat the message.

VHF Marine Radio Channel 70:

Digital selective calling "alert channel."

Reach, Throw, Row, or Go

If you are on a dock when someone falls in, you should try to "talk" the victim to safety. If he or she is unable to get to the dock, you should: -Reach -Throw -Row -Go