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42 ■ Chapter 5 Avoiding Collisions A collision occurs when your boat or PWC collides with another vessel or with a fixed or floating object such as a rock, log, bridge, or dock. ◆ Collisions can cause very serious damage, injury, or even death. It is every vessel operator's responsibility to avoid a collision. ◆ To prevent a collision, boat and PWC operators should: • Follow the rules of navigation found in Chapter 3. • Pay attention to navigation aids. • Keep a sharp watch and appoint one person to be the "lookout." • Maintain a safe speed, especially in congested traffic and at night. • Look in all directions before making any turn. • Use caution if you are traveling directly into the sun's glare on the water. • Never operate when fatigued, stressed, or consuming alcohol. • Be aware that floating debris is more common after heavy rainfall. Dealing With Fire Emergencies Many boats and PWCs have burned to the water line needlessly. ◆ To help prevent a fire: • Don't mix the three ingredients required to ignite a fire—fuel, oxygen, and heat. • Make sure ventilation systems have been installed and are used properly. • Maintain the fuel system to avoid leaks, and keep the bilges clean. • Follow the safe fueling procedures outlined in Chapter 2. ◆ If fire erupts on your boat: • If underway, stop the boat. Have everyone who is not wearing a PFD put one on in case you must abandon the boat. • 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 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 (remember P.A.S.S.). • Never use water on a gasoline, oil, grease, or electrical fire. • Summon help with your VHF marine radio. Running Aground 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. ◆ 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 (see Chapter 4) or your VHF marine radio. To prevent a fire emergency, don't mix the three ingredients that cause a fire to erupt: fuel, oxygen, and heat. 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. P.A.S.S. Aim at base of fire. Squeeze handle. Sweep side to side. Pull pin. Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

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