Passenger Safety In Pontoon Boats And Deck Boats; Boats Having An Open Front Deck; Boats With Front-Mounted, Raised-Pedestal Fishing Seats; Wave And Wake Jumping - Mercury TDI 3.0L Owner's Operation And Maintenance Manual

Section 2 - On The Water

Passenger Safety in Pontoon Boats and Deck Boats

Whenever the boat is in motion, observe the location of all passengers. Do not allow any passengers to stand or use seats
other than those designated for traveling faster than idle speed. A sudden reduction in boat speed, such as plunging into a
large wave or wake, a sudden throttle reduction, or a sharp change of boat direction, could throw them over the front of boat.
Falling over the front of the boat between the two pontoons will position them to be run over.

Boats Having an Open Front Deck

No one should ever be on the deck in front of the rail while the boat is in motion. Keep all passengers behind the front rail or
enclosure.
Persons on the front deck could easily be thrown overboard or persons dangling their feet over the front edge could get their
legs caught by a wave and pulled into the water.
Sitting or standing in an area of the boat not designed for passengers at speeds above idle can cause serious injury or death.
Stay back from the front end of deck boats or raised platforms and remain seated while the boat is in motion.

Boats with Front-Mounted, Raised-Pedestal Fishing Seats

Elevated fishing seats are not intended for use when the boat is traveling faster than idle or trolling speed. Sit only in seats
designated for traveling at faster speeds.
Any unexpected, sudden reduction in boat speed could result in the elevated passenger falling over the front of the boat.

Wave and Wake Jumping

Wave or wake jumping can cause serious injury or death from occupants being thrown within or out of the boat. Avoid wave
or wake jumping whenever possible.
Operating recreational boats over waves and wakes is a natural part of boating. However, when this activity is done with
enough speed to force the boat hull partially or completely out of the water, certain hazards arise, particularly when the boat
reenters the water.
The primary concern is the boat changing direction while in the midst of the jump. In such cases the landing may cause the
boat to violently veer in a new direction. Such a sharp change in direction or turn can cause occupants to be thrown out of their
seats or out of the boat.
Page 28
WARNING
!
WARNING
!
mc79680-1
mc79555-1
mc79557-1
90-8M0145546 MAY 2018
eng