l Highwires - Always check for overhead power lines.


l Lightning - Prepare for lightning hazards, review weather forecast.


l Distress - Demonstrate a distress signal or display a distress flag on your sailboat.


LIGHTNING AND DISTRESS SIGNALS DISTRESS SIGNALS


E Using the VHF radio distress button. E Slowly and repeatedly waving both outstretched arms. E An electronic hand flare. E A smoke signal giving off orange-colored smoke. E A rocket parachute flare or a hand flare. E Rockets or shells, throwing red stars, fired one at a time at short intervals.


E Flashlight or other device signaling SOS (dot-dot-dot, dash-dash-dash, dot-dot-dot) in the Morse Code.


E Continuous sounding of a horn. E “Mayday” spoken over a VHF Radio, Ch 16. E A signal consisting of a square flag having above or below it a ball or anything resembling a ball.


E A high intensity white light flashing at regular intervals from 50 to 70 times per minute.


Floating electronic hand flare


E Signals transmitted by an Emergency Position- Indicating Radio Beacon (EPIRB).


USE AND REGULATIONS FOR FLARES Pyrotechnic flares fired from a pistol or launcher are visible over the horizon day or night. Handheld flares can pinpoint your location for rescuers but should be held downwind and used with great caution. An electronic flare and flag are certified to meet the applicable U.S. Coast Guard requirements allowing them to be carried in lieu of traditional pyrotechnic flares on most recreational boats. The U.S. Coast Guard requires vessels over 16 feet to have three daylight and three night flares or three combination daylight/night devices. They should be stowed in a readily available location, and their expiration date should be checked during your pre-sail check list.


ELECTRICAL HAZARDS While there are hazards on the water and on your boat, there’s one very important hazard you need to look up to see.


Electrical power lines can be deadly! Make sure you have the proper clearance before crossing under power lines, especially when moving boats on trailers onshore. Remember to take into account higher water levels from tides, river runoff, or recent rains.


Another electrical danger in some regions is lightning. Should you be overtaken by a lightning storm, you should head immediately for port and keep your crew away from the mast and any metal or electrical components aboard your boat.


103 Table of Contents


SKILL EVALUATION


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