Safety Measures; General; Operation - Sea-doo UTOPIA Operator's Manual

SAFETY MEASURES

General

To fully appreciate the pleasures,
enjoyment and excitement of boat-
ing there are some basic rules that
should be observed and followed by
any boater. Some rules may be new
to you or covered in the PWC/Sport
boat Safety Handbook or Safety Vid-
eo, others may be common sense
or obvious... irrespective, we ask
that you please take a few minutes
of your time to completely read
these safety instructions before
you operate your craft. Failure to
follow this safety information and
safe boating rules could result in
injury, including the possibility of
death to you, your passenger(s),
or other water users.
Become completely familiar with
the controls and operation of the
craft before embarking on your first
trip or taking on a passenger(s). If
you have not had the opportunity to
do so with your dealer, practice driv-
ing solo in a suitable area and feel
the response of each control. Be ful-
ly familiar with all controls before
applying the throttle above idle
speed. As its operator, you control
and are responsible for the craft's
safe operation.

Operation

Always perform the pre-operation
checks as specified in this guide.
Always keep in mind that as the
throttle lever is released to idle posi-
tion, less directional control is avail-
able and that directional control is
lost when engine is off. To turn the
craft, both steering and throttle
are necessary.
6
Like any other boats, this craft has
no brake. Stopping distance will vary
depending on initial speed, load,
wind, and water conditions. Practice
stopping and docking in a safe, traf-
fic free area to have an idea of how
long it will take to stop the craft un-
der varying conditions. Do not re-
lease throttle when trying to steer
away from objects. You need throt-
tle to steer. Do not use the craft's
reverse, if so equipped, to stop.
Ensure that all passengers know
how to swim and how to reboard
the craft from the water.
The operator and passenger(s)
should be properly seated and
wearing a coast guard approved
personal flotation device (PFD) or
make sure that a coast guard ap-
proved PFD of appropriate size for
each person is on board before
starting or moving the craft and at
all times when craft is in motion.
Do not start or operate the craft if a
person(s) is seated on the sun deck
or swim platform, or are nearby in
the water.
The craft's jet thrust can cause inju-
ry. Always accelerate slowly.
To prevent accidental starting or unau-
thorized use, always detach the safe-
ty lanyard from the craft especially
when swimmers are boarding or
nearby, or during removal of any
weeds or debris from the intake grate.