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•.
Load.the.boat.within.the.limits.listed.on.the..
capacity.plate..Balance.loads.bow.and.stern.
and.port.to.starboard..Passengers.are.to.sit.
only.on.seats,.not.seat.backs,.gunwales,..
engine.cover,.or.any.other.unsafe.locations.
•.
Do.not.use.the.boat.in.bad.weather.or.sea.
conditions.beyond.the.skill.or.experience.of.
the.operator.or.the.comfortable.capability..
of.the.boat.or.passengers.
•.. Make.sure.the.passengers.and.gear.do.not..
obstruct.the.operator's.view.or.impede.his.
ability.to.move.
•.
Do.not.exceed.the.maximum.engine.power.
rating stated on the certification plate located
inside.the.boat.
C. Passenger Safety
Before.getting.underway,.show.all.passengers.where.
emergency.and.safety.equipment.is.stowed,.and.
explain.how.to.use.it..Everyone.aboard.should.wear.
rubber-soled.shoes.which.resist.slipping.on.wet.
surfaces..While.underway,.passengers.should.remain.
seated.inside.the.deck.rails.and.gates..Do.not.allow.
passengers.to.drag.their.feet.or.hands.in.the.water..
Always.use.handholds.and.other.safety.hardware.to.
prevent.falls..All.nonswimmers,.poor.swimmers.and.
small.children.should.wear.PFDs.at.all.times.
D. Propeller
PERSONAL INJURY
Do not allow anyone near a propeller, even
when the engine is off. Propeller blades can
be sharp and continue to turn even after the
engine is shut off. Do not allow anyone near
the propeller when the throttle is in neutral
position. Accidently engaging the shift can
result in a serious injury or death. (See actual
ladder warning labels and helm boarding
ladder warning label below).
Never approach or use ladder when motor is
running. Severe injury or death will result from
contact with rotating propeller.
Ladder Warning Label
Boating Safety - Section B
Shut off motor when near swimmers. Severe
injury or death will result from contact with
rotating propeller.
Helm Boarding Ladder Warning Label
When pulling skiers do not turn on the engine
until you are at least a boat length away from
the person in the water. When approaching a
downed skier, turn off the engine at least one
boat length away before reaching the skier in
the water.
E. First Aid
As a boater, you should be familiar with the basic first
aid.procedures.that.may.be.needed.while.you.are.
out.far.from.help..Fish.hook.accidents.or.minor.cuts.
and.abrasions.may.be.the.most.serious.mishaps.on.
board.a.boat.but.you.should.also.learn.the.proper.
procedures.and.be.ready.to.deal.with.the.truly.serious.
problems.like.mouth-to-mouth.resuscitation,.excessive.
bleeding,.hypothermia,.and.burns..First.aid.literature.
and.courses.are.available.through.most.Red.Cross.
chapters.
F. Operation By Minors
Minors.should.always.be.supervised.by.an.adult.
whenever.operating.a.boat..Many.states.have.laws.re-
garding.the.minimum.age.and.licensing.requirements.
of.minors..Be.sure.to.check.local.laws.or.contact.the.
state.boating.authorities.for.information..
G. "Rules of the Road"
As.a.responsible.boater,.you.must.comply.with.the.
"Rules of the Road," the marine traffic laws enforced
by.the.US.Coast.Guard..Navigating.a.boat.is.much.
the.same.as.driving.an.automobile..Operating.either.
one.responsibly.means.complying.with.a.set.of.rules.
intended.to.prevent.accidents..Just.as.you.assume.
other.car.drivers.know.what.they.are.doing,.other.
boaters.assume.you.know.what.you.are.doing..Infor-
mation.regarding.navigational.rules.and.the."Rules.of.
the Road" are discussed in further detail in C-1 & C-2
of.the.next.section.
Owner's Manual Page
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