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Chapter 5�

Boating Emergencies…What to Do

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Boating Accidents

What are the top five types of accidents?

Collision with another vessel
Collision with object
Flooding/swamping
Grounding
Capsizing

2023 Recreational Boating Statistics

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Boating Accidents

What are the Top 5 Primary contributing factors of boating accidents?

1. Operator inattention

2. Improper Lookout

3. Operator inexperience

4. Excessive speed

5. Alcohol use

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Most Accidents are Preventable

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Key Topics

Risk Management
Boating Accidents
Personal Injuries
Weather Emergencies
Summoning Help

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Objectives

You should be able to…

Explain how to practice risk management while boating.
Describe the effects of boating stressors.
Explain how dehydration occurs and how to recognize and prevent it.
Explain the increased effects of alcohol on the body when on the water.

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Objectives

Find the personal flotation device (PFD) that is the proper size for the wearer and check a PFD’s condition.
Explain how to handle situations involving capsizing, swamping, or falling overboard.
Avoid collisions.
Respond properly to a fire emergency.
Take the proper steps if a vessel runs aground.

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Objectives

Explain the danger and stages of cold water immersion and what to do to survive.
Recognize the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning and explain how to prevent it.
Obtain weather forecasts, recognize weather warnings, and explain what to do if caught in severe weather.
Summon help quickly if a serious boating emergency occurs.

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Risk Management

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Risk Management

What is Risk Management

Using your knowledge, skill and attitude towards safety to minimize the chance of boating emergencies and minimize impact if unavoidable.

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Risk Management

Profile of a Typical U.S. Boating Fatality

Vessel is a small, open boat
Daylight, good weather
Operator is male, 26 to 50,
Has boating experience
Knows How to Swim

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Risk Management

Profile of a Typical U.S. Boating Fatality

In fatal boating accidents >80% had no training
Life Jackets are on board but not in use

87% of drownings had no life jacket

⅓ of time alcohol is involved

Nearly all accidents are preventable

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“I’m Safe” Checklist �Before You Leave the Dock

I - Illness

M - Medication

S - Stress

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Risk Management

Increased Risk Due to Boating Stressors

Stressors such as sun’s glare and heat, motion, and engine noise and vibration increase the risk of a boating accident.
Stressors weaken your body and mind enough to make the risk of an accident greater.

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“I’m Safe” Checklist �Before You Leave the Dock

I - Illness

M - Medication

S - Stress

A - Alcohol

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Risk Management

Avoiding Alcohol

Alcohol increases natural stressors.
It takes less alcohol to make a person legally intoxicated on water.

Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC)

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Risk Management

Drinking while boating increases likelihood of accidents.

Make sure everyone wears a PFD.
Designate non-drinking boaters to operate the vessel.

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Risk Management

To minimize the risk of an accident

–Don’t drink and boat!

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“I’m Safe” Checklist �Before You Leave the Dock

I - Illness

M - Medication

S - Stress

A - Alcohol

F - Fatigue

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“I’m Safe” Checklist �Before You Leave the Dock

I - Illness

M - Medication

S - Stress

A - Alcohol

F - Fatigue

E - Eat/Drink

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Risk Management

Increased Risk Due to Dehydration

This makes you sweat more.

The result can be dehydration.

Dehydration makes you tired and increases risk for an accident.

Boating causes you to generate more body heat.

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Risk Management

Increased Risk Due to Dehydration

To prevent dehydration, drink some water every 15–20 minutes.
If dehydration occurs, drink plenty of water and get out of the sun.

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Risk Management

Decrease risk by being prepared. Know where the safety equipment is.

Life Jackets
Fire extinguishers
Flares or other signaling devices
Anchor
First aid kit
Make sure all passengers know where safety items are stored!

.

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Risk Management

Minimize Risk of Drownings—Wear PFDs

Have everyone on board wear a PFD.
76% boating fatalities last year were drownings
85% No Life Jacket

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Risk Management

Minimize Risk of Drownings—Wear PFDs

Follow the requirements:

Readily accessible
Proper size

Check Label
Check Fit

Good and serviceable condition

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Good and Serviceable Condition

Free of rips or tears
Check flotation material for signs deterioration
Straps, belts, and zippers in good working order and free of dry rot

.

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What is the BEST life jacket?

The one that you will

WEAR

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Boating Accidents

Capsizing,
Swamping,
Falling Overboard
Collisions
Fire Emergencies
Running Aground
Severe Weather

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Boating Accidents

Capsizing, Swamping, or Falling Overboard

Capsizing―boat turns on its side �or turns completely over.��
Swamping―boat stays upright �and fills with water.

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Boating Accidents

Capsizing, Swamping, or Falling Overboard

For safety:

Ask everyone to wear a PFD.
Attach engine cut-off �switch lanyard to �wrist, clothes, or PFD.
Don’t allow anyone to sit �on any area not designed �for seating.

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Boating Accidents

Don’t overload your boat.
Keep centered in the boat with your center of gravity low.
Don’t let anyone lean a shoulder beyond gunwale in a small boat.
Slow down when turning.
Don’t boat in rough water or bad weather.
Secure anchor line to the bow.

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Boating Accidents

Maintain three points contact
Hold both sides and at least one foot on the deck

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Boating Accidents

If an Accident Occurs:

Stay with the boat.
Make sure everyone has a lifejacket on.
Take a head count.
Signal for help.

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Boating Accidents

If your boat is still floating, try to reboard or climb onto it.

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Boating Accidents

If boat sinks or floats away:

Make sure your PFD is securely fastened.
Look for other items to help support you.
Don’t panic―remain calm and wait �for help.

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Boating Accidents

If someone falls overboard:

Shout “Man Overboard.”
Point at the Person in the water.
Slow down.
Toss the victim a PFD.
Slowly pull alongside �the victim.
Approach from down wind/current.
Stop the engine.
Pull aboard at the stern. HOW?

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Boating Accidents

Avoiding Collisions

Follow the rules of navigation.
Pay attention to navigation aids.
Keep a sharp watch and appoint a lookout.
Maintain a safe speed.

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Boating Accidents

Look in all directions before turning.
Use caution when traveling into the sun’s glare.
Never operate when fatigued or stressed, or while consuming alcohol.
Watch for floating debris.

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Boating Accidents

Dealing With Fire Emergencies

To prevent a fire:

Don’t mix fuel, oxygen, �and heat.
Make sure ventilation �systems are working.
Maintain the fuel system.
Use safe fueling �procedures.

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Boating Accidents

If a fire starts:

Stop the boat.
Position the fire �downwind.
Shut off fuel supply, �if fire is in the engine.
Use the fire extinguisher �(remember PASS).
Summon help.
How is a fire on a PWC different than other vessels?

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Boating Accidents

Running Aground

To prevent:

Know your boating environment.
Find out the location of shallow water and submerged objects.
Learn to read nautical charts.

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Boating Accidents

If you run aground:

Make sure no one is �injured.
Check for leaks.
Try to get loose.
Don’t gun the engine.
Consider anchoring.
May need to wait for tide change.
Signal for help if needed.

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Don’t Run Aground

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Weather Emergencies

How to Avoid Severe Weather

Tune a radio to a station with weather updates.
Be alert to weather conditions.
Track changes in barometer readings.
Watch for wind shifts, lightning, and rough water
Be aware of weather to the west.
Watch for fog.
Head toward nearest safe shore if storm approaching.

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Weather Emergencies

What to Do if Out in Severe Weather

Prepare the boat.

Slow down.
Close hatches, windows, and doors.
Stow unnecessary gear.
Turn on all navigation lights.
Keep bilges free of water.
Disconnect electrical equipment if there is lightning.

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Weather Emergencies

Prepare your passengers for severe weather.

Make sure everyone is wearing a PFD.
Have passengers sit on floor close to centerline.

Decide whether to go to shore or ride out the storm.

Head for nearest safe shoreline.
Steer bow of boat into waves.
Keep sharp lookout for other vessels or hazards.
If engine stops, drop an anchor.

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Personal Injuries

Cold Water/ Hyperthermia
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Injuries

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Personal Injuries

Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia

Hypothermia can cause a reaction in water as warm as 77°F.
Understand how your body reacts to cold water to respond appropriately and increase your chance of survival.

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Cold Water Immersion

Stages of Cold Water Immersion

Stage 1

Initial “cold shock”
Gasping, Hyperventilate

Stage 2

Short-term “swim failure”
Numbness

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Cold Water Immersion

Stage 3

Long-term immersion �hypothermia
Body Core Temp drops below 95 degrees

Stage 4

Post-immersion collapse
Occurs during or �after rescue

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Cold Water Immersion

Keeping your head above water
Controlling your breathing
Having timely rescue by yourself or others
Retaining body heat

Survival Depends On:

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1 – 10 – 1 Rule

While wearing your lifejacket:
1 minute – get breathing under control
10 minutes – meaningful activity such as self rescue or signaling
1 hour or more – slowing heat loss to extend consciousness and survival time

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Cold Water Immersion

When boating in cold water conditions:

Always wear a secured PFD.
Wear layered clothing.
Equip your boat with a means for re-entry.

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Cold Water Immersion

Try to avoid capsizing or falling overboard.
If you do fall into cold water:

Don’t panic.
Put on a PFD.
Do not take off your clothes.
Try to reboard your boat.
Stay as still as possible.
Adopt a position to prevent heat loss.
Send out emergency distress signals.

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Cold Water Immersion

Reducing Heat Loss in Cold Water

If alone

With others

H.E.L.P.

Huddle

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Cold Water Immersion

When treating victims of cold water immersion:

Get the victim out of the water quickly �and gently.
Prevent further heat loss.
Be prepared to provide basic life support.
Seek medical help immediately.

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless, tasteless gas.

Symptoms of CO poisoning:

Irritated eyes
Headache
Nausea
Weakness
Dizziness

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

To prevent carbon monoxide poisoning:

Allow fresh air to circulate.
Keep away from engine and �generator exhaust outlets.
Never sit on the back deck, �“teak surf,” or hang on the �swim platform.
Ventilate immediately if you �detect fumes.
Install marine-rated CO detectors.

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Never enter areas under swim platforms as air in these areas could be fatal if breathed in.

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Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Before each boating trip:

Know the location of exhaust outlets.
Educate passengers about CO poisoning.
Check operation of exhaust outlets.
Listen for any change in exhaust sound.
Test each CO detector.

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Personal Injuries

Medical Conditions

Be aware of those who have medical conditions or take medications.
Recognize signs of distress
Be prepared to give assistance
Consider taking a CPR/First Aid Course

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Personal Injuries

.

Maintain First Aid Kit

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Personal Injuries

If Serious, Stabilize, Then Seek Medical Help

Shock

Keep warm, still, lying down
Elevate feet

Bleeding

Apply direct pressure

Burns

Cold water and dry bandage

Broken Bones

Temporary splint

Head, Neck, or Spinal Injury

Avoid movement

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Summoning Help

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Summoning Help

Are there other boaters in the area?

What can you do to get their attention?

Hail them - Yell
Shoot off a flare
Use a Whistle, Horn or Flashlight
Use a distress flag
Wave Your Arms
Call them on the radio

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Summoning Help

Useful items:

Visual distress signals
Mobile phone
Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
VHF marine radio Ch. 16

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Visual Distress Signals

Day

Handheld Orange Smoke
Floating Orange Smoke
Orange Flag

Night

Electric Light

Day and Night

Red Meteor
Red Flare

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Mobile Phone

Can call 911, Coast Guard or local law enforcement.
Can send out text messages
CG App for Smart Phones

Does not produce general broadcast
May not receive signal in certain areas

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EPIRB

Emergency Position-Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Uses satellites to relay GPS coordinates to Coast Guard in case of emergency.

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Personal Locator

Beacon (PLB)

Works similar to EPIRP for personal use.
Can use PLB supported by the Coast Guard or available Commercial versions.

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VHF-FM Marine Radio

Monitored by the US Coast Guard and other boaters
Be prepared to listen for other boaters
Use Channel 16 to make an emergency call
Use ONLY when danger to life/vessel
Say “Mayday,Mayday,Mayday”
May make contact with another boat on Channel 16, but must immediately transfer to another channel.

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Courtesy of Standard Horizon

If you have an HF radiotelephone tuned to 2182 kHz, send the radiotelephone alarm signal if one is available. If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first.

Distress signal "MAYDAY", spoken three times.

The words "THIS IS", spoken once.

Name of vessel in distress (spoken three times) and call sign or boat registration number, spoken once.

Repeat "MAYDAY" and name of vessel, spoken once.

Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which) and distance to a well-know landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.

Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).

Kind of assistance desired.

Number of persons onboard.

Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.

The word "OVER"

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How to Make A �Distress Call

“Mayday,Mayday,Mayday”
“This is Name of boat” (repeat 3 times)
Who: Name and description of boat
Where: GPS or landmarks
What: Problem you need help with
Say “Over” when Done
Release button

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Courtesy of Standard Horizon

If you have an HF radiotelephone tuned to 2182 kHz, send the radiotelephone alarm signal if one is available. If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first.

Distress signal "MAYDAY", spoken three times.

The words "THIS IS", spoken once.

Name of vessel in distress (spoken three times) and call sign or boat registration number, spoken once.

Repeat "MAYDAY" and name of vessel, spoken once.

Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which) and distance to a well-”know landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.

Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).

Kind of assistance desired.

Number of persons onboard.

Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.

The word "OVER"

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VHF-FM Marine Radio

Monitored by the US Coast Guard and other boaters
Be prepared to listen for other boaters
Use Channel 16 to make an emergency call
Use ONLY when danger to life/vessel
Say “Mayday,Mayday,Mayday”
May make contact with another boat on Channel 16, but must immediately transfer to another channel.

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Courtesy of Standard Horizon

If you have an HF radiotelephone tuned to 2182 kHz, send the radiotelephone alarm signal if one is available. If you have a VHF marine radio, tune it to channel 16. Unless you know you are outside VHF range of shore and ships, call on channel 16 first.

Distress signal "MAYDAY", spoken three times.

The words "THIS IS", spoken once.

Name of vessel in distress (spoken three times) and call sign or boat registration number, spoken once.

Repeat "MAYDAY" and name of vessel, spoken once.

Give position of vessel by latitude or longitude or by bearing (true or magnetic, state which) and distance to a well-know landmark such as a navigational aid or small island, or in any terms which will assist a responding station in locating the vessel in distress. Include any information on vessel movement such as course, speed and destination.

Nature of distress (sinking, fire etc.).

Kind of assistance desired.

Number of persons onboard.

Any other information which might facilitate rescue, such as length or tonnage of vessel, number of persons needing medical attention, color hull, cabin, masks, etc.

The word "OVER"

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Chapter 5 Review

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Review Exercises

Which of these provides warning that dangerous weather is approaching?

Clear, sunny skies and no wind.

Drop in wind speed and calmer water.

White clouds and gentle waves.

d. Dark clouds and shifting winds.

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Review Exercises

What should you do to reduce the risk of falling overboard?

Stand up when changing seats.

Move around while underway.

Keep centered in the boat.

d. Keep two points points of contact if you move.

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Review Exercises

What should a motorboat operator do when someone is

being pulled into the boat from the water?

Put the engine in forward gear at the slowest speed.

Put the engine in reverse gear at the slowest speed.

Keep the engine idling in neutral.

d. Turn the engine off.

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Review Exercises

Why is carbon monoxide gas dangerous?

It is flammable and ignites easily.

It creates a cloud that blocks your view of other vessels.

It causes corrosion on electrical connections that can cause sparks.

d. It is colorless, odorless, and tasteless and can be fatal.

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Review Exercises

What is the first action required of a boat operator who

witnesses a boating accident?

To provide assistance.

Keep out of the way.

Write an accident report.

d. Wait for rescue personnel.

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Review Exercises

Under what condition is a person at the greatest risk of

developing hypothermia?

After being in the wind for a long time.

When deprived of liquid.

When exposed to cold air.

d. When immersed in cold water.

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Review Exercises

What should you do if you fall overboard into cold water?

Try to re-board your boat, even if it is swamped.

Remove any unnecessary clothing .

Tread water or swim around to generate heat.

d. Try to float on your stomach with legs extended.

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End Chapter 5�