Various emergencies can occur while out at<unk> . Therefore, the following sections will discuss how to prevent and respond to those commonly experienced.
A fire on a boat can be quite dangerous, especially with fuel in close proximity. It can lead to explosions or capsize the vessel if not addressed properly. Therefore, abide by the following guidelines to prevent fires at<unk> .
Use marine-grade wire. Check for cracks, charring, and deteriorating insulation
Be careful when taking on fuel.
Store extra fuel in appropriate plastic containers on deck
Transfer gasoline on deck or off the boat, not below deck.
Never leave stove unattended while in use
Do not completely enclose battery compartments
Inspect engine and exhaust system routinely
Store fuels, solvents, paints, and other combustibles in a deck storage locker
Have smoke detectors, flame detectors, and heat-activated fire extinguishing system in the engine compartment
Place fire extinguishers away from the intended area of use. Inspect them regularly. Know how to use the extinguisher.
Responsibilities during a fire should be delegated to personnel beforehand. In the event of a   fire, initiate a MAYDAY call and state position. Ensure life rafts are not in the immediate vicinity. Reduce speed and use the wind to keep smoke and flames clear of the crew and vessel. Keep the fire on the downwind side of the ship. Cut off the source of the fire if possible. Attempt to smother the fire by closing doors and hatches that supply air. If the fire is too large or out of control, abandon ship before the fuel tanks explode.
Taking on some water while out to<unk>  is to be expected; however, keep astute to malfunctions that can lead to the intake of large volumes of water. These issues require quick attention to prevent the vessel from sinking. Common sources of flooding include:
Waves
Collision with floating or submerged objects/punctured hull
Failure of through-hull fittings
Failure of hose connections, clamps, pipes, and fittings
Failure of a check valve
Structural failure
Clogged cockpit drains
Keep the supplies needed to perform repairs on hand in the event of flooding. Useful items include: extra buckets, conical wood or foam plugs, hose clamps, caulking gun, epoxy putty sticks, water-activated fiberglass repair fabric, duct tape, electrical tape, and stainless steel screws, bolts, nuts, and washers.
As stated in a previous section, collision with another vessel is one of the most common types of recreational boating incidents. Collisions place both the vessel and occupants at risk of injury. Adhering to the following recommendations will help prevent these incidents.
Post a lookout
Know the rules of the road and right of way
Use radar and running lights. Do not assume other boats have operations or unobstructed running lights.
Always be prepared to change course and speed. Do not assume you are seen as deck cargo and containers can obstruct views.
If you hear a foghorn, stop and let the other ship steer around you
Danger signal = five or more short blasts on the horn
VHF channel 13 is the bridge-to-bridge channel
Avoid congested routes
Give large ships a wide berth
Storms and associated lightning also pose danger to those at<unk> . We have already acknowledged the hazards of storms. The electrical current and fire-starting potential make lightning a valid threat to<unk> . Therefore, you should implement the following procedures to avoid injury.
Get out of the water and get off the beach
Get off the boat if possible
Remove wet clothing and put on dry clothes
Remove metal articles and avoid contact with metal objects
Stay away from the mast
Lower the sail
Put fishing rods down
Put nonessential personnel below deck
Safety at sea
Pregnancy and lactation drug labeling
Penile diagnoses
Care under fire
Diagnosis of death
Conducted energy device
Getting started
Commercial in-flight medical emergencies