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Federal law requires an approved personal flotation device for every person aboard, as well as a throwable cushion or ring.
Flotation devices must fit correctly and be readily accessible.
Know your boating area and avoid hazardous locations. Be alert.
By law, boat operators are responsible for ensuring that they can see or hear indications of danger. In particular, the operator's
forward view should not be obstructed by passengers, cargo, or removable seats. Be aware of others, the water, and your wake.
Never follow a water skier.
Your boat will quickly overtake a fallen skier. If a skier falls, a boat following 61 m (200 ft) behind at 40 km/h (25 mph) will overtake
the skier in five seconds.
Watch fallen skiers.
Never back up to anyone, including skiers, in the water. The operator should always keep the skier in sight, and on the operator's
side of the boat while returning to assist the skier.
Report accidents.
Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident Report with their state boating law enforcement agency when their
boat is involved in certain boating accidents.
A boating accident must be reported if there is:
•
Apparent or probable loss of life.
•
Personal injury requiring medical treatment beyond first aid.
•
Damage to boats or other property where the damage value exceeds $500.00.
•
A complete loss of the boat.
IMPORTANT: Consult local law enforcement for a complete explanation of rules and regulations.
Be Alert to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is present in the exhaust fumes of all internal combustion engines including the outboards, sterndrives and
inboard engines that propel boats, as well as the generators that power various boat accessories. Carbon monoxide is a deadly
gas that is odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which should not be confused with seasickness or intoxication, include headache,
dizziness, drowsiness and nausea.
Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death. Keep the boat well ventilated while at rest
or underway and avoid prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide.
Good Ventilation
Ventilate the passenger area, open the side curtains or forward hatches to remove fumes.
1.
Example of desired air flow through the boat.
Poor Ventilation
Under certain conditions, permanently enclosed or canvas enclosed cabins or cockpits with insufficient ventilation may draw in
carbon monoxide. Install one or more carbon monoxide detectors in your boat.
Although the occurrence is rare, on a very calm day, swimmers and passengers in an open area of a stationary boat that contains
or is near an operating engine may be exposed to a hazardous level of carbon monoxide.
1.
Examples of poor ventilation while a boat is stationary:
a
90-864197084 NOVEMBER 2008
WARNING
!
mc79553-1
b
mc79554-1
Section 3 - On The Water
a -
Operating the engine when
the boat is moored in a
confined space
b -
Mooring close to another boat
with its engine operating
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Troubleshooting
