1&2 Introduction
Educational Objectives
3 The Boat
Terminology
Boat Types
Measuring Length
Hull designs
Types of hulls
Propulsion
Carbon Monoxide
Capacity Plate
Engine Systems
Checklist
Review Quiz - 3
4 Legal Requirements
Who May Operate
Registration and Numbering
Hull ID Number
Required Equipment
Personal Flotation Devices
Navigation Lights
Fire Extinguishers
Ventilation
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Sound Producing Device
Visual Distress Signals
Pollution Regulations
MSDs
No Discharge Zones
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Recommended Equipment
Review Quiz- 4
5 Preparation
Vessel Check List
Trailering
Environmental Conditions
Leeway
Tide and Current
Local Hazards
Float Plan
Preventive Maintenance
Fueling
Review Quiz-5
6 Operations
Operator responsibility
Homeland Security
BUI
Navigation Rules
Definitions
Proper Lookout
Seamanship
Sound Signals
Rules of the Road
Meeting & Crossing
Commercial Vessels
Restricted Visibility
Aids to Navigation
Review Quiz-6
7 Getting Underway
Line Handling
Docking/Undocking
Maneuvering Underway
Anchoring
Water Sports
Hunting and Fishing
Swimming
Diving and Snorkling
Paddle Sports
Skiing and Towing
Personal Watercraft
Review Quiz-7
8 Accidents
Fatal Vs Non-fatal
Accident Reports
Crew Overboard
Assistance from Shore
Hypothermia
Fires on Board
First Aid
Rendering Assistance
Running Aground
Review Quiz-8
9 Special Items
Vessel Repairs
Locks
Dams
Security
Sailing
Review Quiz-9
State Requirements
Final Exam

Chapter VIII - AccidentsSection 1 - Fatal Vs. Non-Fatal

Accidents

Believe it or not, most boating accidents occur when the weather is calm and clear and winds are light.

Fatal Vs Non-Fatal

Most fatal accidents are caused by persons falling overboard or the boat capsizing and the victims drowning because they were not wearing PFDs. Even if you are a good swimmer, the urgency of going into the water unexpectedly along with fatigue caused by stressors could render you helpless.

Most non-fatal accidents are caused by collisions with other boats or objects in the water. Remember that the rules of the road require that a lookout be posted at all times. Make sure your lookout is doing his or her job.

Propeller Strike

Out of sight, out of mind might best describe a very dangerous hidden danger in boating. Because of the speed and torque, this hidden danger has the potential to kill, mangle or permanently disfigure an unsuspecting person in the water. That hidden danger is the boat engine propeller ("propeller strike").

In 2006, the U.S. Coast Guard reported 234 accidents involving being struck by a boat's propeller resulting in 28 fatalities.

Operating below the water line, the propeller is not readily visible to the operator, passengers, swimmers, skiers, etc. Common propeller strike events include “crew-overboard” and/or “circle of death” incidents. If you have a “crew overboard” event you should immediately turn toward the person in the water in order to push the stern in the opposite direction. Simultaneously, you should shift to neutral to stop the propeller from spinning.

A “circle of death” event occurs when the operator goes overboard and/or looses control of the steering. Whether you have an outboard, I/O or inboard engine, more likely than not your propeller is designed to spin in a clockwise manner. This built in prop pitch introduces “prop walk”, which, depending on the amount of throttle still applied when steering is lost will cause the boat to circle. This circling action has the potential of creating a scenario where the operator, now in the water, is actually run over by the boat and potentially hit by the propeller.

In order to minimize the potential of someone being struck by the propeller use the following cautions:

• Never run the engine while people are boarding or unboarding.
• Make sure everyone on board is seated properly before starting the engine.
• Do not allow passengers to stand, sit on the transom, gunwales, seatbacks or bow while underway.
• Do not operate within close proximity to people in the water. This includes swimmers, skiers, divers, etc.
• Keep a sharp lookout.

There are devices designed to decrease the potential of “propeller strike”. These include:

• Propellers guards which fully or partially surround the propeller.
• Interlocks which, if certain conditions exist, automatically shut off the engine.
• Sensors that can be worn by individuals; if they go overboard the sensors can electronically stop the engine, sound alarms, etc.

Capsizing

Small open boats can be unstable and tippy. Be sure that the boat is tied securely to the dock when boarding and step into the centerline of the boat running fore and aft. With a hand on the pier and one on the boat, lower yourself down into the center. Although not required, you should wear a PFD. All other passengers should follow suit and keep low when moving around in the boat.

You should not attempt to carry items aboard the boat. You should board first and load them one at a time and, again, place them along the centerline of the boat. Remember to not overload the boat. Read and take heed of the capacity plate information. Make sure all passengers and carry-on items are secure and the weight evenly distributed. Maintain 3 points of contact with the boat at all times.

Once underway, avoid standing up, riding on the bow or gunwale (side) of the boat, trim the boat so it rides level and avoid making sudden sharp turns.

The majority of small pleasure boats, and all built after 1978, have floatation to keep them from sinking even if they capsize. If you should capsize it may be safer to stay with the floating boat than try to swim to shore. Staying with the boat also provides another source of flotation and an easier object for rescuers to see.

• Capsizing is when a vessel is either on its side or turned completely over.
• Swamping is when the boat is upright but filled with water.

A small unstable, tippy boat may capsize from the following causes:

• Overloading slows a boat down and reduces the amount of freeboard (area above the waterline). A low freeboard increases the possibility of swamping the boat or taking on water which will slow the boat even more. Don’t overload your boat with passengers or equipment.

• Improper weight distribution can make the boat even more unstable. You must locate persons and equipment in order to balance the boat and keep water out.

• Waves can be a major factor in capsizing especially if they are unexpected. Anticipate all waves and aim the bow into them.

Should your boat capsize, take a head count to make sure everyone is there, don life jackets, check for injuries and stay with the boat.

If your life jackets (PFDs) have floated out of range you can use anything available to keep afloat until you can reach the boat. This might include ice chests, empty soda bottles, etc.

You should conserve energy but begin to signal for help using available equipment such as visual distress signals, horn, mirror, etc.

If you can, turn the boat upright and bail it out. Once most of the water is out climb back in. Or, if close to shore, just climb in the boat and paddle.

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