A Course for Safe Boating

California Boating

A Course for Safe Boating

113

Chapter 5

Accident Prevention and Rescue

Case Study

A passenger on a sailboat was sitting on the gunwale of the boat when a

sudden shifting of the boat caused him to fall overboard. The operator of the

boat panicked and took a wide turn while trying to come about and lost sight

of the victim. The victim came into view momentarily but the boat passed by

quickly as it was picking up speed from the wind. The victim was not wearing

a life jacket and drowned.

Questions:

1. Identify the mistakes that the people made and the proper actions they

could have taken.

2. What could these people have done differently to prevent this accident?

3. What steps could you take to rescue the victims and/or make the

situation better?

COLLISIONS

Collisions can be two or more vessels crashing into one another, or a vessel

colliding with another object, such as a dock, pier or shore. Most collisions

can be avoided by using caution and good judgement.

Prevention

Keep a sharp lookout on all sides for boats and other obstructions, such

as piers, docks, buoys, shorelines and floating debris. Beware of tunnel

vision—don’t just look straight ahead.

Follow the rules of the road.

Be aware of things that can act as stressors, such as overexposure to sun,

wind, motion, noise and vibration.

Don’t drink alcohol and operate a boat because it can impair your judgment

and depth perception. The effects of natural stressors are made worse when

you use drugs or alcohol.

Slow down when approaching a landing, such as a shore or dock. Be

extra careful.

Maintain a safe distance between your boat and other boats. Be aware that

two boats approaching each other head-on can close the distance between

them very quickly.



REFER TO CHAPTERS 2–4

PAGES 25-26, 39-40, 78-81,

94, 96-97

TAKE NOTE

When a collision is about to happen,

take steps to avoid it.

The stand-on vessel must maintain

course and speed. The give-way

vessel must change its course and/

or speed to avoid a collision. If the

give-way vessel does not take proper

action, the stand-on vessel must

take action to avoid a collision. All

boaters have the responsibility to

avoid collision.