Mercury 10 TwoStroke Operation, Maintenance & Installation Manual page 23

GENERAL INFORMATION
Do not overload your boat. Most boats are rated and certified for maximum
load (weight) capacities (refer to your boat capacity plate). If in doubt, contact
your dealer or the boat's manufacturer.
Perform safety checks and required maintenance. Follow a regular
schedule and ensure that all repairs are properly made.
Know and obey all nautical rules and laws of the waterways. Boat
operators should complete a boating safety course. Courses are offered in the
U.S.A. by 1) the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 2) the Power Squadron, 3) the
Red Cross, and 4) your state boating law enforcement agency. Inquiries may
be made to the Boating Hotline, 1‑800‑368‑5647 or the Boat U.S. Foundation
information number 1‑800‑336‑BOAT.
Make sure everyone in the boat is properly seated. Do not allow anyone to
sit or ride on any part of the boat that was not intended for such use. This
includes the back of seats, gunwales, transom, bow, decks, raised fishing
seats, any rotating fishing seat; or anywhere that an unexpected acceleration,
sudden stopping, unexpected loss of boat control, or sudden boat movement
could cause a person to be thrown overboard or into the boat.
Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating (it is the
law). Alcohol or drug use impairs your judgment and greatly reduces your
ability to react quickly.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one other person onboard in
the basics of starting and operating the outboard, and boat handling, in case
the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard.
Passenger boarding. Stop the engine whenever passengers are boarding,
unloading, or are near the back (stern) of the boat. Just shifting the outboard
into neutral is not sufficient.
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
operator's view when operating the boat above idle speed.
Never drive your boat directly behind a water‑skier in case the skier falls.
As an example, your boat traveling at 40 km/h (25 MPH) will overtake a fallen
skier 61 m (200 ft) in front of you in 5 seconds.
Watch fallen skiers. When using your boat for waterskiing 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 their
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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