Equipment, Storage and Emergencies

Fishing From Boats

• General  • Moving Boats  • Handling A Boat  • Boating Laws  • Storms  • Equipment

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Equipment and Storage
A boat should always be kept tidy. Life-saving gear must be stored where it can be reached quickly. Gasoline containers should be placed in the stern and clamped in brackets or held down with cords. Anchors should be stowed in the bow with the anchor line coiled neatly for instant use.

Batteries should be stored in battery boxes and have their terminals covered to prevent electrical shorting and fires. All other gear, including fishing tackle, should be stored so that it doesn't move around or blow out when the boat is under way.

Learn to use a compass correctly, and then always carry one on board because fog, rain, or darkness can cause you to lose your way.

Emergencies

By staying alert and watching out for other people and potentially hazardous situations, you can avoid conditions that cause boats to sink or capsize. Many accidents are caused by speeding, unsafe turns, overloading the boat, or hitting an underwater object. Capsizing and people falling overboard cause many life-threatening situations. Everyone should wear a PFD at all times.

If someone falls overboard, throw a PFD with a line attached. Then, carefully bring the boat to the person, stopping the engine when near the person in the water. Maneuvering a boat into position and pulling someone out of the water without capsizing the vessel is very difficult. Review Chapter 2 to learn the correct procedure.

Every boat with a gasoline engine should have at least one fire extinguisher. It should be a Coast Guard-approved extinguisher for electrical and gasoline fires. Keep it where it can be reached quickly, near the stern of the boat, but not too close to the engine.

This information provided by Future Fisherman Foundation