Prevention
Preventing Capsizing & Man Overboard Incidents
Specific safety steps can help lower the chances of capsizing, swamping, or accidentally falling overboard. Here are ways to increase your safety preparedness:
- Wear Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs): Everyone on the boat should wear a PFD.
- Take a headcount: Before departure, ensure everyone is on board and again immediately if there is a situation where someone may have gone overboard or if it is noticed that someone is missing.
- Have Emergency Tools: Carry devices for emergency communication and distress signaling on the boat and with you.
- Watch the Weather and Water: Keep an eye on weather and water conditions to stay away from dangerous situations.
- Follow Vessel Limits: Stick to the limits on the boat’s capacity plate or in the manual, and follow state laws.
- Be Careful About Overloading: Pay attention to how much free space is left on the boat to avoid overloading it.
- Balance Weight: Make sure people and gear on the boat are spread out evenly.
- Secure Your Gear: Store gear to minimize shifting around in bad weather. Keep gear low and centered.
- Check the Bilge Pump: If your boat has an automatic bilge pump, make sure it works.
- Ensure the Drain Plug is Secure: Confirm the drain plug is firmly in place and tight before you leave the dock or ramp.
- Deal with Leaks Quickly: If water gets in, bail it out fast and head to the closest shore.
- Stay Seated in Small Boats: Don’t stand up or move suddenly in small boats. This decreases stability.
- Coordinate Movements: Tell the operator and others if you need to move. Use the sides of the boat (gunwales) for support, and always keep three points of contact.
- Regularly Check the Engine and Battery: Keep the engine and battery in good shape, carry spare parts, and know how to do simple fixes to reduce the risk of engine trouble or failure.
