b)
Put on life jackets.
c)
Wood cones of various sizes have been carried on commercial vessels for leak control. If these are onboard,
they can be used singly or in combination to plug leaks from through hull fittings or from impacting a
submerged object. They work best when inserted from the outside, but that is not always practicable.
d)
Rags, seat cushions or canvas can be stuffed into odd shaped holes. A piece of plywood or metal or a drink
cooler can be placed over the soft materials, and wood or metal shoring can fix that in place. Shoring is a
length of wood or metal which can be wedged between the patch and some part of the boat to combat the
pressure of the water.
e)
On most boats, the bilge pumps are electrically operated. The batteries should be elevated if possible to
retain power for the pumps.
f)
If there is any chance of flooding the batteries or switchboard, and there is a radio aboard, get your call for
assistance on the air early.
g)
Even the largest of our boats have watertight compartments which, if the bulkhead valves and deck closures
have been shut tightly, will retard the sinking of the vessel. Some smaller craft have level flotation foam and
will not sink. In any event, act quickly and get all lifesaving equipment (life jackets, rafts, flares, etc.) out
where they can be used. DO NOT leave any tied down or in a compartment.
h)
After the leak has been controlled, proceed at slow speed to the nearest safe refuge. It may be necessary to
stop occasionally to allow the bilge pumps to dewater the hull.
5.3
FIREFIGHTING
WARNING
I DO NOT USE WATER ON LIQUID OR ELECTRICAL FIRES
I BURNING PLASTICS EMIT TOXIC FUMES
NOTE
In order to stop fire you must remove at least one of the following: (a) the
combustible
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