Safety Alerts; Safe Boating Recommendations - Highfield Ocean Master 350 Owner's Manual

Safety alerts

This manual uses the following safety alerts to draw your attention to special safety instructions that should be
followed.
Degree of hazard and corresponding safety labels:
Danger
Denotes that an extreme intrinsic hazard exists which would result in high probability of death or irreparable
injury if proper precautions are not taken.
Warning
Denotes that an extreme intrinsic hazard exists which would result in high probability of death or irreparable
injury if proper precautions are not taken.
Caution
Denotes that an extreme intrinsic hazard exists which would result in high probability of death or irreparable
injury if proper precautions are not taken.

Safe Boating Recommendations

1. Always wear a life jacket
Local authorities require that you carry an approved personal flotation device, or life jacket, for each person
aboard your vessel. We recommend wearing a life jacket at all times while boating.
2. Use the kill switch lanyard
The operator of the boat must at all times wear a switch lanyard while driving. In the event of accidental
ejection or loss of balance, the boat will shut off automatically. Wearing a switch lanyard would possibly saving
the driver's life or that of someone else.
3. Know your boat
Knowing your boat is the foundation of good seamanship, which is simply the skill of managing a boat and
encompasses; navigation, safety, boat handling, line handling, anchoring, troubleshooting of engine problems
and appropriate emergency response.
4. Take a boating safety course and know the navigation rules
A boating course will teach you the basics of seamanship mentioned above. The knowledge you will gain by
taking a boating safety course will never be wasted. Learn to read nautical charts, and keep them on your vessel
to become familiar with the area in which you boat. Taking a boating safety course is the next step, where you
will learn to navigate using charts, GPS, RADAR and a compass.
5. Boat sober
Alcoholic drinks are even more dangerous on the water than on land because the marine environment
accelerates impairment. Besides the safety risks, boating while intoxicated, or BUI, is illegal and heavy penalties
are enforced by both state and federal agencies.
6. Avoid collisions.
Observe the rules of priority as defined in the Navigation Rules and imposed by the international regulations
for preventing collisions at sea. Ensure that you always have sufficient room to stop or manoeuver if necessary in
order to avoid a collision. Avoid abrupt maneuvers at full speed.
7. Protect people