Wyoming Boating Safety Course

COPING WITH FOUL WEATHER

PREPARATION FOR A STORM

• Ensure that all passengers are wearing PFDs that are secured properly.
• Reduce speed and proceed with caution, keeping an eye on approaching boats and floating debris.
• Close all hatchesan opening in a boat's deck. and ports to avoid swampingfor a boat to fill with water to the point where it will sink.
• All passengers should be low in the boat and near the centerline.
• Secure all loose items in the boat to avoid losing them overboard.
• Pump out bilges to keep the boat high in the water.
• Head for the nearest safe shoreline.
• Check marine chartseagoing maps; most charts are issued by government sources, showing buoys, depths and other aids to navigation.s for the nearest shelter, and note hazards.

WHEN THE STORM HITS

• If the engine stops, drop the anchor a metal device, fastened to a chain or line, to hold a vessel in position, partly because of its weight, but chiefly because the designed shape digs into the bottom. from the bow to combat drifting and swamping.
• Head the bow of the boat into waves at a 45-degree angle to keep the boat in the most stable position.
• If lightning is present: unplug all electrical equipment; keep low in the boat and away from metal objects.