As any experienced boater knows, the chances of an emergency or serious accident happening while boating are fairly low, especially if you are properly prepared and practice caution. But it is impossible to control every factor all the time, which means that emergencies can happen. It is important that you have some idea of what those emergencies are, so you can prepare for dealing with them as best you can.
Remember, more people die or incur serious injuries from driving than from boating. But if you take some to educate yourself, prepare for the worst and invest in professional yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL, you will be in good shape just in case something out-of-the-norm does occur.
With that in mind, here is an overview of some of the more common emergencies people experience when boating:
- Fire: Typically, a fire on your boat will be caused by one of three different things: human error (such as failing to extinguish a cigarette), a propane fire or a fuel fire. When you notice a fire on your boat, first yell “fire!” so that everyone is aware of the dangerous situation. Keep a fire extinguisher on your boat, so you can attempt to handle this issue yourself, but also call VHF for assistance.
- Collision: If it seems that a collision with another boat is inevitable, do not attempt to push back at the other boat with your hands and feet, as this is extremely dangerous and ineffective. Remember to prioritize the safety of your crew and passengers over the condition of your boat.
- Flooding: Flooding can occur on a boat, which can obviously be quite distressing for those involved. If you notice water seeping into your boat, first turn on your electric pumps. Then look for a seacock fitting whose hose came loose, as this is most often the cause of boat flooding if no collision has occurred.
- Engine failure: Engine failure can happen to anyone, but it is much more likely to happen if you have not invested in proper yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL. To avoid this fate, have your engine checked periodically. That said, it might still occur, so ask your service technician to give you a rundown of how your engine works and what might possibly cause engine failure. That way, you will know what to check and what to try if it happens to you.
- Man overboard: A person falling off of your boat can be quite scary, but it is important you keep a level head. There is a method called the “crash stop” that is thought to be the best method for dealing with this situation. Ask a yachting professional to educate you about this procedure.
Now that you know what could happen when boating, chances are you will be more prepared in the event of an emergency. Investing in things like a solid first aid kit and yacht maintenance in Fort Lauderdale, FL can help ensure you are as ready as possible to face a serious accident or dangerous situation.
If you have questions about any of the above information, please feel free to get in touch with Starboard Yacht Group LLC anytime.
Categorised in: Yacht Maintenence