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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) your 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 your judgment and greatly reduces your
ability to react quickly.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one other person on board
in the basics of starting and operating the outboard, 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.
Never drive your boat directly behind a water skier in case the skier falls.
As an example, your boat traveling at 40 km/h (25 MPH) will overtake a
fallen skier 61 m (200 ft.) in front of you in 5 seconds.
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 assist the skier. The operator should always have
the down skier in sight and never back up to the skier or anyone in the
water.
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