SEAL OF SAFETY
COURTESY MARINE EXAMINATION
A free Voluntary Service From the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Know Before You Go
The Courtesy Marine Examination is one of several services performed by members of the
Auxiliary, a civilian, non-military arm of the U.S. Coast Guard. Public Education
classes are also offered by the Auxiliary. They include Boating Skills and Seamanship,
Advanced Coastal Navigation, Sailing and Seamanship and youth courses.
MEMBERSHIP IN THE AUXILIARY offers pleasure boaters the opportunity to join other
skippers in further training, voluntary operations for and with the Coast Guard and the
fellowhip of boaters with mutual interests. To take a Coast Guard Boating Safety Class,
call 1-800-336-Boat or your local Auxiliary unit. For other information or to join the
Auxiliary call 1-800-368-5647. Award of a CME decal may qualify your boat for an
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Boating Safety Infoline
United States
800-368-5647
Coast Guard
Call Toll Free
Information on boating
for Information
safety recalls.
To report possible
defects in boats.
To comment on U.S.C.G.
boarding procedures.
For answers to boating
questions.
For boating safety literature.
Additional Federal Requirements
Capacity Plate
Certificate of Compliance
Hull Identification Number
These are additional Federal Requirements supplied by the manufacturer when specified.
EMERGENCY BOATING PROCEDURES
Before leaving the dock review these simple procedures
Inform all passengers of emergency procedures---review this list.
Identify emergency equipment: fire extinguishers, pumps, etc.
Locate ignition switch, power switches, fuel valves, etc.
Recommend each passenger wear a life jacket (PFD) while underway
Leave a float plan with a friend or relative.
Radio Procedure
Switch to Channel 16 (Marine Radio) or if not equipped to use Marine
Radio, Channel 9 (CB Radio)
Call the Coast Guard on Channel 16 or any emergency station on CB
Give boat name, registration number, radio call sign
Identify the boat by size, description and color.
Give your location or compass heading to a known point,
Describe the emergency - stay calm.
Leaks or Damage Control
Put on life jackets (PFD), open deck hatches, look for leaks.
Start bilge pump, get manual pumps or buckets.
Shut off engine only if leak may be from engine hoses.
If hull is damaged and engine is inboard (not stern drive),shut off engine,
close sea cock, disconnect intake water hose, place end in bilge, restart
engine to act as a bilge pump.
Fire or Explosion
Be ready to go overboard with life jacket.
Reduce air to fire area - leave hatches closed, close doors, shut off
electric supply.
Use extinguisher, if possible.
Jettison burning material, if possible.
Use radio procedure above, calling MAYDAY, MAYDAY, MAYDAY.
Prepare to abandon ship, get signaling flares or flags, throw flotation
material overboard.
is in sight, gather additional flotation material around you.
Man Overboard
Shout "MAN OVERBOARD" - continuously watch person in the
water, point direction so skipper can maneuver to retrieve.
Stop engine (propeller rotation) if person overboard is near the boat.
Throw life ring, seat cushion, or marker light in area of the person.
Don't jump in the water to assist.