Mercury 40 Jet Manual page 38

GENERAL INFORMATION
Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by law to maintain
a proper lookout by sight and hearing. The operator must have an
unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passengers, load,
or fishing seats should block the operators view when operating
the boat above idle speed.
Avoid shallow water conditions. Never operate the jet drive in
very shallow water or where there is a noticeable amount of floating
debris or weeks. Always be in at least 61 to 91 cm (2 to 3 ft.) of
water. Any loose material such as sand, shells, seaweed, grass,
tree branches, etc., can be pulled in by the pump. This may not
only block the water flow and cause lost of steering control, but can
be expelled from the rear of the pump as a high‑speed projectile.
Watch for boat movement in neutral. When the jet drive is in
neutral, the drive impeller continues to rotate. Although the
approximate balancing of forward and reverse thrust will minimize
boat movement, the boat may tend to move slowly forward or
backward. This is normal for a direct‑drive jet driven boat. The
operator should be aware of this and use caution whenever the
engine is running.
Never drive the boat directly behind a water skier in case the skier
falls. As an example, a boat traveling at 40 km/hr (25 MPH) will
overtake a fallen skier 61 m (200 ft.) in front of the boat in 5
seconds.
Watch fallen skiers. When using the boat for water skiing or similar
activities, always keep a fallen or down skier on the operator's side
of the boat while returning to assist the skier. The operator should
always have the down skier in sight and never back up to the skier
or anyone in the water.
Report accidents. Boat operators are required by law to file a
Boating Accident Report with their state boating law enforcement
agency when the boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A
boating accident must be reported if 1) there is loss of life or
probable loss of life, 2) there is personal injury requiring medical
treatment beyond first aid, 3) there is damage to boats or other
property where the damage value exceeds $500.00 or 4) there is
complete loss of the boat. Seek further assistance from local law
enforcement.
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