Mercury 565 Manual page 27

GENERAL INFORMATION
Accidental ejections are also likely to result from poor operating practices, such
as:
• Sitting on the back of the seat or on the gunwale at planing speeds
• Standing at planing speeds
• Operating at planing speeds in shallow waters or where there are many
obstacles
• Releasing your grip on the steering wheel that is pulling in one direction
• Operating the boat after consuming alcohol or drugs
• Performing high‑speed boating maneuvers
The lanyard cord is usually 122–152 cm (48–60 in.) long when stretched out. It
has an element on one end made to be inserted into the switch and a clip on
the other end for attaching to the operator's PFD or wrist. The lanyard is coiled
to make its at‑rest condition as short as possible to minimize the likelihood of
entanglement with nearby objects. Its stretched‑out length is made to minimize
the likelihood of accidental activation should the operator choose to move
around in an area close to the normal operator's position. If it is desired to have
a shorter lanyard, wrap the lanyard around the operator's wrist or leg, or tie a
knot in the lanyard.
Activation of the lanyard stop switch will stop the engine immediately, but the
boat will continue to coast for some distance, depending upon the velocity and
degree of any turn at shutdown. While the boat is coasting, it can cause injury
to anyone in the boat's path as seriously as the boat would when under power.
Always instruct other occupants on proper starting and operating procedures
should they be required to operate the engine in an emergency (if the operator
is accidentally ejected).
Avoid serious injury or death resulting from being struck by an uncontrolled
boat. Failure to use the lanyard safety device substantially increases the risk
of being struck by an uncontrolled boat should you, as operator, be ejected.
As operator, always use the lanyard stop switch, which will automatically
disable the engines in the case of ejection or being thrown from the operator
position.
Accidental or unintended activation of the switch during normal operation is
also a possibility. This could cause any, or all, of the following potentially
hazardous situations:
• Occupants thrown forward due to the unexpected loss of forward motion ‑
a particular concern for passengers in the front of the boat who could be
ejected over the bow and possibly struck by the propulsion or steering
components.
• Loss of power and directional control in heavy seas, strong current, or
high winds.
• Loss of control when docking.
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WARNING
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