Safe Boating Suggestions - Mercury Mercruiser Tow Sport 5.7 MPI Manual

Section 3 - On The Water

Safe Boating Suggestions

To safely enjoy the waterways, familiarize yourself with local and all other governmental boating regulations and restrictions
and consider the following suggestions.
Know and obey all nautical rules and laws of the waterways.
• We recommend that all powerboat operators complete a boating safety course. In the U.S., the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary,
the Power Squadron, the Red Cross, and your state or provincial boating law enforcement agency provide courses. For
more information in the U.S., call the Boat U.S. Foundation at 1‑800‑336‑BOAT (2628).
Perform safety checks and required maintenance.
• Follow a regular schedule and ensure that all repairs are properly made.
Check safety equipment onboard.
• Here are some suggestions of the types of safety equipment to carry when boating:
• Approved fire extinguishers
• Signal devices: flashlight, rockets or flares, flag, and whistle or horn
• Tools necessary for minor repairs
• Anchor and extra anchor line
• Manual bilge pump and extra drain plugs
• Drinking water
• Transistor radio
• Paddle or oar
• Spare propeller, thrust hubs, and an appropriate wrench
• First aid kit and instructions
• Waterproof storage containers
• Spare operating equipment, batteries, bulbs, and fuses
• Compass and map or chart of the area
• Personal flotation device (one per person onboard)
Watch for signs of weather change and avoid foul weather and rough‑sea boating.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return.
Passenger boarding.
• Stop the engine whenever passengers are boarding, unloading, or are near the back (stern) of the boat. Shifting the drive
unit into neutral is not sufficient.
Use personal flotation devices.
• Federal Law requires that there be a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket (personal flotation device), correctly sized and
readily accessible for every person onboard, plus a throwable cushion or ring. We strongly advise that everyone wear a life
jacket at all times while in the boat.
Prepare other boat operators.
• Instruct at least one person onboard in the basics of starting and operating the engine and boat handling in case the driver
becomes disabled or falls overboard.
Do not overload your boat.
• Most boats are rated and certified for maximum load (weight) capacities (refer to your boat capacity plate). Know your
boat's operating and loading limitations. Know if your boat will float if full of water. When in doubt, contact your authorized
Mercury MerCruiser dealer or the boat manufacturer.
Ensure that everyone in the boat is properly seated.
• Do not allow anyone to sit or ride on any part of the boat that was not intended for such use. This includes the backs of
seats, gunwales, transom, bow, decks, raised fishing seats and any rotating fishing seat; anywhere that sudden
unexpected acceleration, sudden stopping, unexpected loss of boat control, or sudden boat movement could cause a
person to be thrown overboard or into the boat. Ensure that all passengers have a proper seat and are in it before any boat
movement.
Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating (it is the law).
• They impair your judgment and greatly reduce your ability to react quickly.
Know your boating area and avoid hazardous locations.
Be alert.
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