Rules Of The Road - BOMBARDIER SeaDoo Speedster 200 Operator's Manual

First Aid
As a boat operator, you should be fa-
miliar with basic first aid procedures
that may be needed while you are far
from help. Fish hook accidents or mi-
nor cuts and abrasions may be the
most serious mishaps on board a boat,
but you should also learn the proper
procedures and be ready to deal with
the truly serious problems like exces-
sive bleeding, hypothermia, and burns.
First aid literature and courses are
available through most Red Cross
chapters.
Operation By Minors
Minors should always be supervised
by an adult whenever operating a boat.
Many states have laws regarding the
minimum age and licensing require-
ments of minors. Be sure to contact
the state boating authorities for infor-
mation. Bombardier recommends a
minimum operator age of 16 years old.

Rules of the Road

As a responsible boater, you will com-
ply 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 automo-
bile. 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 boaters as-
sume you know what you are doing.
Operating a craft can be compared
with driving unmarked highways and
roads. To prevent collisions or avoid
other boaters, a system of operating
rules must be followed. It's not only
common sense...it's the law!
Check local and federal boating laws
applicable to the waterways where
you intend to use your craft. Learn the
local rules of the road. Know and un-
derstand the applicable navigation sys-
tem (such as buoys and signs).
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Know the waters in which the craft is
to be operated. Current, tides, rapids,
hidden obstacles, wakes and waves
etc. can affect safe operation. It is not
advisable to operate the craft in rough
or inclement weather.
Remember these Rules
of the Road
Know the Right of Way Rules
Generally keep to your right and safely
avoid other craft by keeping a safe dis-
tance from other craft, people and ob-
jects.
CROSSING
Give right of way to craft ahead and to
your right. Never cross in front of a
boat.
RED light (give way to the other boat).
GREEN light (you have the right of way).
MEETING HEAD-ON
Keep right.
PASSING
Give right of way to other craft and
keep clear.
Navigation System
Navigational aids, such as signs or
buoys, can help you identify safe wa-
ters. Buoys will indicate whether you
should keep to the right (starboard) or
to the left (port) of the buoy or to which
channel you can continue. They may
also indicate whether you are entering
a restricted or controlled area such as
a no wake or speed zone. They may
also indicate hazards or pertinent boat-
ing information. Markers may be locat-
ed on shore or on the water. They can
also indicate speed limits, no power
craft or boating, anchorage and other
useful information. (The shape of each
type of marker will provide assis-
tance).
SAFETY INFORMATION