6.5 Preventing falling overboard

The boat’s working decks are areas where people can move about when the boat is being maneuvered.

The working deck area is shown in grey in the figure.

(1) 

Working deck area

(2)

Seats

Do not sit, stand or spend time in other parts of the boat while the boat is under way. 

Moving about in the aft part of the aft deck and on the front deck while the boat is under way is not recommended.

If the boat is equipped with aft deck gates, keep them closed while under way.

If a person has fallen into the water, the easiest way to get back on board is to use the swim ladder. The ladder can be pulled down also from the water.

Staying on deck

Staying in the bow of the boat is not recommended in speeds exceeding 30 knots.

A revolving propeller is life-threatening to a swimmer or a person who has fallen overboard.

  • Use the dead man’s switch.

  • Turn off the engine when someone is climbing on board.

If the sun deck cushions or the front deck table are in place, observe the maximum speed of 15 knots to avoid the cushions or table detaching at speed or in high waves.