ENstig8or
Active Member
- Jun 4, 2013
- 265
- Boat Info
- 2016 Sea Ray 21 SPX BR
- Engines
- Mercruiser 4.3L (21 SPX)
About 5 years ago, I took my daughter (24 yrs old) for a cruise about 5 miles off the coast in my old 310 Sundancer. I stopped the boat for a moment to check on something and without warning a wave hit the starboard side of the boat. I was thrown into the side window and slammed my forehead on the metal window frame. It stunned me for a moment and took me a minute or two before my head cleared up to think clearly. Afterward, I asked her what she would have done if I had passed out. She had no idea. She did not know anything about the boat, radio, or even where we were. I do have an MMSI number and EPIRB. You could have the finest equipment available, but if nobody onboard knows anything about it, then it is of litttle or no help. I realized at this point I had failed miserably. It was my job to ensure people onboard at least understood the basic fundamentals of how to communicate and summon assistance in an emergency situation. Soon after, I convinced her to take the boater safety course and I spent time explaining to her what she needed to know about the boat and the equipment on it.