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GENERAL INFORMATION
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) any 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 judgment and greatly
reduces the ability to react quickly.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one other 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 the jet drive in
very shallow water or where there is a noticeable amount of floating
debris or weeks. Always be in at least 61 to 91 cm (2 to 3 ft.) of
water. Any loose material such as sand, shells, seaweed, grass,
tree branches, etc., can be pulled in by the pump. This 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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