Catalina Owner's Manual - Chris Craft

Safety and Operations
Flooding, Sinking, and Capsizing
If the vessel encounters flooding, swamping, or is in danger of capsizing you should, as a general measure:
1. Ensure everyone has, and is wearing, a PFD.
2. Perform a head count. Confirm everyone is present and accounted for.
3. Seek assistance from any nearby vessels.
If your vessel encounters flooding and/or hull leaks, in addition to the general measures:
1. Bring the boat to a complete stop.
2. Identify the source of the leak/flooding.
3. If possible stop or reduce leaking by using plugs, a hull patch kit, towels, rags, or any other available material.
4. Engage the bilge pump(s).
5. Assist the bilge pump(s) by removing the water with buckets or some other suitable device.
6. Abandon the vessel only as a last resort.
If the boat is in danger of capsizing, or has capsized, in addition to the general measures:
1. If you are far from shore and the vessel is not fully submerged, stay with it.
2. Climb onto the overturned hull to remove you and your passengers from the water. This helps you retain body
heat and reduces the possibility of hypothermia.
3. Signal for help with an appropriate signaling device.
Collisions
If your vessel is involved in a collision and depending upon the severity of the collision, perform the following
tasks:
• Ensure everyone has, and is wearing, a PFD.
• Perform a head count. Confirm everyone is present and accounted for.
• If injuries have occurred render appropriate first aid.
• Inspect the boat for damage, flooding, and/or leakage. If necessary engage the bilge pump(s).
• Attempt to stop any leaks by using plugs, a hull patch kit, towels, rags, or other available material.
• If necessary, seek assistance from any nearby vessels and/or signal for help using an appropriate signaling
device.
If you are involved in a collision, you are required to file an accident report. Contact the nearest state
enforcement agency or Coast Guard office. If boating outside territorial waters, consult the nation you are
visiting for accident reporting requirements.
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