Mercury Bravo Three Operation & Maintenance Manual page 11

Know signs of weather change and avoid foul weather and
rough-sea boating.
Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to
return.
Passenger boarding. Stop the engine whenever passengers are
boarding, unloading or are near the back (stern) of the boat. Just
shifting the drive unit into neutral is not sufficient.
Use personal flotation devices. Federal Law requires that there
be a U. S. Coast Guard approved, wearable-type life jacket (per-
sonal flotation device), correctly sized and readily accessible for
every person on board, plus a throwable cushion or ring. We
strongly advise that everyone wear a life jacket at all times while
in the boat.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one person on
board in the basics of starting and operating the engine and boat
handling in case the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard.
Do not overload your boat. Most boats are rated and certified
for maximum load (weight) capacities (refer to your boat capacity
plate). When in doubt, contact your dealer or the boats manufac-
turer. Know your boat's operating and loading limitations.
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; any-
where 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 boat-
ing (it is the law). They impair your judgment and greatly reduce
your ability to react quickly.
Know your boating area and avoid hazardous locations.
Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by law to "main-
tain a proper lookout by sight (and hearing)." The operator must
have an unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passen-
gers, load, or fishing seats should block the operators view when
operating the boat above idle or planing transition speed. Watch
"the other guy," the water and your wake.
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