PERSONAL WATERCRAFT SAFETY CHECK
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
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 PWC decal may qualify your PWC for an insurance premium
discount. See your agent.
U.S. Department
of Transportation
Coast Guard
United States
Customer
Coast Guard
Infoline
Information on boating
safety recalls.
800-368-5647
To report possible
Call Toll Free
defects in boats.
for Information
To comment on U.S.C.G.
boarding procedures.
For answers to boating
questions.
For boating safety literature.
Before leaving the dock review these simple procedures.
EMERGENCY BOATING PROCEDURES
Inform all passengers of emergency procedures---
Identify emergency equipment: fire extinguishers, distress signals, 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 - If one available
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 the PWC, registration number, radio call sign.
Identify the PWC by description and color.
Give your location or compass heading to a known point.
Describe the emergency - stay calm.
Leaks or Damage Control
Ensure life jackets (PFD) are on, worn properly, look for leaks.
If hull is damaged stay with the PWC, it will not sink.
Fire or Explosion
Go overboard with life jacket.
Leave hatches closed.
Move away from the PWC.
Use radio procedure above, calling MAYDAY,
MAYDAY, MAYDAY, - If radio available.
Get signaling flares or flags.
Throw any flotation material overboard.
If you abandon PWC, stay together, use distress
signals when help is in sight.
Gather additional flotation material around you.
Man Overboard
Shout "MAN OVERBOARD" - continuously watch
person in the water, so you can maneuver to retrieve.
Don't jump in the water to assist.
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