Boating Safety and Submerged Objects

In the news recently, I have noticed an increase in reports of boating accidents and fatalities as a result of boats striking submerged objects. Some waterways are more prone to floating debris and submerged objects than others - the Puget Sound for instance. While stationed in the San Juan Islands in the Coast Guard, I struck more than one object - usually logs called deadheads - on our routine patrols. Deadheads are common, and hard to spot, especially at night. Fortunately, the most damage the boat sustained was a spun hub on one of the outboards, but even that situation could have turned deadly if weather conditions were adverse. In a recent incident, two men weren't so lucky. When their boat struck a submerged log it ripped a gash in the hull, capsized the vessel and sadly, the occupants were killed.

Submerged objects are no joke, so here are a few ways to avoid striking submerged objects or floating debris while boating:

Know the area you are boating in. Familiarize yourself with the waterways by using nautical charts to show you submerged objects and other hazards such as wrecks, pilings, old piers, and shallow water.

Slow down, especially at night. There is never a good enough reason to drive full-throttle at night. Slow down and use a spotlight to light the path ahead of your vessel so you can spot danger before you strike it.

Know emergency procedures in the event your vessel does strike a submerged object. Immediately after hitting an object, do a round of your vessel to check for damage to the hull and resulting water intrusion. Call for help on VHF channel 16 if you begin taking on water or lose your engines in threatening weather.

Related Articles:

• Operate Your Boat at a Safe Speed at Night

• How to Read a Nautical Chart

• Coast Guard Navigation Rules: Operate Your Boat at a Safe Speed

• VHF Marine Radios - Your Lifeline in an Emergency