Walker Bay Genesis Owenrs Safety Manual - page 12
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CAUTION
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WARNING
CHECKLIST BEFORE OPERATING
Perform checklist actions before operating.
- Documents including registration and licenses on board.
- Federal/state/local regulations concerning operation requirements
and safety equipment.
- Weather forecast.
- Local area and conditions.
- Inform someone of your intended route and return time.
- Surrounding area for swimmers or divers.
- Surrounding area for hazards such as submerged rocks.
- Tube pressure is correct and valves are securely fastened (see
INFLATION & VALVES).
- Drain plug is closed (see TYPICAL FEATURES & DECK PLAN).
- Fuel lines are intact and connections are secure.
- Adequate fuel for the return journey. Consider extra fuel for delays
due to weather or currents.
- Engine is securely fastened to motor mount and gear lever is in
“Neutral” position.
- People and cargo are correctly and evenly distributed and do not
exceed maximum capacity.
- Propeller is clear of obstructions.
- Safety equipment on board (see SAFETY EQUIPMENT).
- Review the section on OPERATOR INSTRUCTIONS if necessary.
ACCIDENT REPORTING (USA)
Obtain knowledge of accident reporting requirements for the United
States Coast Guard. Copies of the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Accident
Report are available by calling the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety
Hotline at 1 (800) 368-5647.
RENDERING ASSISTANCE (USA)
United States Code, Title 46 states that “The owner operator of a vessel
is required by law to render assistance to any individual or vessel in dis-
tress, so long as his vessel is not endangered in the process.”
U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Hotline:
1 (800) 368-5647 or 1 (202) 267-1070
PUNCTURE OR LOSS OF PRESSURE TO AIR CHAMBER
- Shift weight to opposite side of boat (use caution when shifting
weight).
- Secure leaking or deflated chamber by tying or holding up.
- Immediately proceed to nearest safe land.
LOSS OF POWER
- Drop anchor.
- Attempt to fix problem (carry motor owner’s manual, spare parts/
tool kit).
- Signal or call for help.
- Stay with boat.
PERSON OVERBOARD PROCEDURE
- Throw life jacket.
- Come around into wind and waves.
- Cut engine.
- Wear a lifejacket when motoring alone as re-boarding when
mooring alone is difficult.
RE-BOARDING WITHOUT CAPSIZE OR SWAMPING
- Turn motor off for re-boarding. Do not approach transom or motor
while motor is running.
- Use handles for re-boarding.
- Use caution when assisting re-boarding passenger.
- Distribute weight while re-boarding to prevent capsizing.
- To avoid falling overboard, when operating boat do not stand, sit
inside not on tubes, and use handles.
SWAMPING
- Bail boat using a bailer or,
- Open drain plug and motor. Water should drain out when boat is
moving forward. Close drain plug when water has drained.
EMERGENCY PROCEDURES
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SAFETY EQUIPMENT
Carry appropriate safety equipment such as but not limited to:
- Coast Guard approved lifejackets or personal flotation devices for
each passenger**
- Charts
- EPIRB device
- Tool kit/ spare parts kit
- Protective clothing in case of weather change
- Flares
- Whistle
- Fire extinguisher
- First Aid kit
- Anchor
- Navigation lights
- Flashlight
- Mobile phone
- Tow line(s)
- Tube repair kit
- Pump
- Bailer
- Oars/paddle
*Note: Specific safety equipment is mandatory in some countries.
Failure to carry safety equipment onboard could result in fines
or other penalties. Crew should be familiar with use of all safety
equipment and emergency maneuvering (re-boarding, towing, etc.).
Contact your local boating or sailing organization for information,
lessons or drill sessions.
**Note: All persons should wear a Coast Guard approved buoyancy
aid (life jacket/personal flotation device). In some countries, it is a
legal requirement to wear a buoyancy aid that complies with national
regulations at all times.
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CAUTION