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Operator's Responsibility
Your degree of enjoyment on the water depends on
you, your equipment and other people who, like
yourself boat responsibly. As a boat operator you
should:
•
Make sure that all occupants always wear a
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while on
the water.
•
All boat operators should complete a boating
safety course (a requirement in many states).
•
All boat operators must become familiar with
the proper operation of all vessel features prior
to departure.
•
Always maintain a safe speed.
•
Be aware of conditions in every direction always
when underway.
•
Mind your wake. It can capsize a small boat or
damage moored boats or other property. You are
responsible for damage caused by your wake.
•
Reduce speed and post a lookout to identify
hazards when:
- Visibility is impaired
- In rough water
- In congested waterways
•
Display navigation lights between sunset and
sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility,
such as rain, fog, etc.
WARNING
!
A qualified operator must be in control of the
boat at all times. Do not operate the boat while
under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Never
operate your boat at speeds which exceed
the operator's ability to react if an emergency
develops. At night, turn on the appropriate
navigation lights and cruise at a reduced speed
that will allow you plenty of time to avoid
dangerous situations.
1-4
Section 1• Safety
• Load boat properly. The
manufacturer's load rating is the
maximum allowed under normal
conditions. Adjust downward if
weather, water or other conditions
are adverse.
• Allow passengers to ride only in areas
that do not pose a hazard to
themselves or the boat.
DO NOT allow passengers to ride on
the bow of a closed bow boat.
DO NOT allow several passengers to
ride in the bow of a small open-bow
boat, causing the boat to "plow" into
the water.
DO NOT allow passengers to ride on
the stern cushion or gunwales.
DO NOT overload the stern.
• Observe manufacturer's
recommended on-plane seating
locations.
• Passengers should remain seated
while boat is moving.
PERSONAL INJURY HAZARD-Stay alert. Use of
drugs, alcohol, or other substances which impair
judgement poses a serious threat to yourself
and others. The boat operator is responsible for
the behavior of passengers.
DROWNING HAZARD-Boats must carry one
wearable personal flotation device (PFD) for
every passenger on board. Boats must have at
least one throwable life preserver.
SLIPPING HAZARD-Wet decks are slippery.
Wear proper footwear and use extreme caution
on wet surfaces.
R
WARNING
!
STABILITY HAZARD
170 Montauk
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