Glossary of Boating Accidents Terms
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z #
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Sail (only) - Any boat whose sole source of propulsion is the natural element (i.e., wind) or a boat designed or intended to be propelled primarily by sail, regardless of size or type.
Sharp Turn - An immediate or abrupt change in the boat’s course of direction.
Sinking - Losing enough buoyancy to settle below the surface of the water.
Skier Mishap – Skier mishap is defined by persons (1) falling off their water-skis, (2) striking a fixed or submerged object, or by (3) becoming entangled or struck by the tow line. Also includes mishaps involving inner-tubes and other devices on which a person can be towed behind a boat.
Standing/Sitting on gunwales, bow, and transom - Standing/Sitting on the upper edge of the side of a boat, usually on a small projection above the deck; and/or standing/sitting on the most forward part of the boat; and/or standing/sitting on the back of the boat.
Starting in Gear - The boat’s engine is started with the transmission in forward or reverse.
Steel hull - Hulls of sheet steel or steel alloy, not those with steel ribs and wood, canvas, or plastic hull coverings.
Sterndrive - An inboard/outboard engine system, with the engine inside the hull connected to an external lower unit containing a propeller. Steering is achieved by turning the lower unit.
Struck by Boat - A person is struck by a boat.
Struck by Propeller/Propulsion Unit - A person is struck by the propeller, propulsion unit, or steering machinery.
Struck Submerged Object - A boat’s collision with any waterborne or fixed object that is below the surface of the water.
