Safe Boating Suggestions; Recording Serial Number - Mercury 200 User Manual

Check with your dealer before installation of accessories. The misuse of acceptable accessories or
the use of unacceptable accessories can result in serious injury, death, or product failure.
Some accessories not manufactured or sold by Mercury Marine are not designed to be safely used with
your outboard or outboard operating system. Acquire and read the installation, operation, and
maintenance manuals for all your selected accessories.

Safe Boating Suggestions

In order to safely enjoy the waterways, familiarize yourself with local and other governmental boating
regulations and restrictions, and consider the following suggestions.
Use flotation devices. Have an approved personal flotation device of suitable size for each person aboard
(it is the law) and have it readily accessible.
Do not overload your boat. Most boats are rated and certified for maximum load (weight) capacities (refer
to your boat capacity plate). If in doubt, contact your dealer or the boats manufacturer.
Perform safety checks and required maintenance. Follow a regular schedule and ensure that all repairs
are properly made.
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.
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.

Recording Serial Number

It is important to record this number for future reference. The serial number is located on the outboard
as shown.
GENERAL INFORMATION
WARNING
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