Protecting People In The Water; High-Speed And High-Performance Boat Operation - Mercury Ski User Manual

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.
Know your boating area and avoid hazardous locations.
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 or planing transition speed. Watch "the
other guy," the water and your wake.
Never drive your boat directly behind a water skier in case the skier falls. As an example, your boat
traveling at 25 miles per hour (40 km/hr) in 5 seconds will overtake a fallen skier who was 200 feet in front
of you.
Watch fallen skiers. When using your boat for water skiing or similar activities, always keep a fallen or down
skier on the operator's side of the boat while returning to attend the skier. The operator should always have
the down skier in sight and never back up to the skier or anyone in the water.
Report accidents. Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident Report with their state
boating law enforcement agency when their boat is involved in certain boating accidents. A boating accident
must be reported if (1) there is loss of life or probable loss of life, (2) there is personal injury requiring medical
treatment beyond first aid, (3) there is damage to boats or other property where the damage value exceeds
$500.00 or (4) there is complete loss of the boat. Seek further assistance from local law enforcement.
CA282
While You Are Cruising
It is very difficult for a person standing or floating in the water to take quick action to avoid a boat heading in his/her
direction even at slow speed.
Always slow down and exercise extreme caution any time you are boating in an area where there might be people
in the water.
Whenever a boat is moving (coasting) and the drive unit is in neutral position, there is sufficient force by the water
on the propeller to cause the propeller to rotate. This neutral propeller rotation can cause serious injury.
While Boat Is Stationary
Shift the drive unit into neutral and shut off the engine before allowing people to swim or be in the water near
your boat.
Stop your engine immediately whenever anyone in the water is near your boat. Serious injury to the
person in the water is likely if contacted by a rotating propeller, a moving boat, a moving gear case, or
any solid device rigidly attached to a moving boat or gear case.
CA283

High-Speed And High-Performance Boat Operation

If your boat is considered a high-speed or high-performance boat with which you are unfamiliar, we recommend
that you never operate it at its high speed capability without first requesting an initial orientation and
familiarization demonstration ride with your dealer or an operator experienced with your boat. For additional
information, obtain a copy of our "Hi-Performance Boat Operation" booklet (Part Number 90-86168--3) from your
dealer, distributor, or Mercury Marine.

Protecting People In The Water

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