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• 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 un-
derway, 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 en-
gaging 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 run-
ning. Severe injury or death will result from con-
tact with rotating propeller.
Ladder Warning Label
Shut off motor when near swimmers. Severe
injury or death will result from contact with rotat-
ing propeller.
Helm Boarding Ladder Warning Label
378 Vista™ Owner's Manual
™
378
When pulling skiers do not turn on the en-
gine until you are at least a boat length away
from the person in the water. When ap-
proaching a downed skier, turn off the en-
gine 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 proce-
dures and be ready to deal with the truly serious prob-
lems 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 when-
ever 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 U.S. 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 boat-
ers assume you know what you are doing. Informa-
tion regarding navigational rules and the "Rules of
the Road" are discussed in further detail in C-1 & C-
2 of the next section.
H. Voluntary Inspections
State boating officials in many states or the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliaries offer courtesy inspections to check
out your craft. They will check for compliance with
safety standards and required safety equipment. You
may voluntarily consent to one of these inspections,
and you are allowed to make corrections without pros-
ecution.
Section B
Page 12
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