Mercury Jet 20 Manual page 35

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GENERAL INFORMATION
Safe Boating Suggestions (Continued)
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
Hot-line, 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. Don't allow anyone to sit or
ride on any part of the boat that was not intended for such use. This includes backs
of seats, gunwales, transom, bow, decks, raised fishing seats, any rotating fishing
seat; anywhere that sudden 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).
They impair your judgment and greatly reduce your ability to react quickly.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one person on board in the basics
of starting and operating the jet drive 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 operators view
when operating the boat above idle speed.
Avoid shallow water conditions. Never operate your jet drive in very shallow water
or where there is a noticeable amount of floating debris or weeds. Always be in at
least 2 to 3 feet of water. Any loose material such as sand, shells, seaweed, grass.
tree branches or etc. can be sucked up by the pump and 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.
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