A Course for Safe Boating

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California Boating A Course for Safe Boating 71
Chapter 3 u Vessel Operation
LEARN TO MAKE EMERGENCY REPAIRS
Problem Possible Solution
Broken drive belt You can temporarily use a small line, like a bathing suit
drawstring or a pair of pantyhose, in place of the broken
belt. Tie the ends together tightly around the pulleys
with a square knot.
Broken pipe or hose Wrap the break with duct tape.
Engine failure Check the portable fuel tank for vapor lock. Check to see
if seaweed, rope, or fishing line has fouled the propeller
or if the drive pin has been sheared.
Engine oil leak Catch the oil in a pan and pour it back into the engine.
While Underway
ƒ ƒ Check to make sure passengers are not riding on the bow or gunwales.
ƒ ƒ Check the posted speed signs—move slowly when near the shore or
crowded areas.
ƒ ƒ Check crowded areas for collision hazards, especially in fog or storms.
ƒ ƒ Check for and obey “no wake” signs. You may have to pay for damage
caused by your wake.
ƒ ƒ Check for any posted local laws or regulations.
ƒ ƒ Check for wood, plastic bags, seaweed or anything else that may foul the
propeller or jet pump.
In smaller boats, passengers should not stand up or move around.
If a passenger must move to another seat, make sure that:
ƒ ƒ The skipper is informed of passenger movement.
ƒ ƒ The passenger holds onto the gunwales.
ƒ ƒ The passenger keeps his center of gravity as low as possible.
ƒ ƒ The other passengers or gear are moved to counter-balance the shift
in weight.
TAKE NOTE
A Practical Guide to Gauging
the Distance
When you don’t see speed limit signs,
operate the boat so that it will not
endanger others. Speed is limited to
5 mph within 200 feet of a beach
with bathers…a swimming or diving
platform…or a landing or dock
where boats are tied up or which
passengers are using…or 100 feet of
bathers in the water.
 A distance of 200 feet is two-thirds
the length of a football field.
 A distance of 100 feet is one-third
of a football field.