table of contents
safety
Embracing Safety .......................................................................................................................4
Signal Words and Symbols Used in This Manual ......................................................................4
Basic Safety Rules .....................................................................................................................4
Pre-Operation Check List–Before Leaving the Dock ................................................................5
Precautions While Underway ....................................................................................................5
Safety While Maintaining the Vessel ........................................................................................7
Owner Responsibility and Boating Education .........................................................................8
Important Safety Information ..................................................................................................8
Responsibilities of Boat Owner and Operators ........................................................................8
Registration ..............................................................................................................................9
Insurance ............................................................................................................................... 10
Boating Safety Education Opportunities ............................................................................... 10
Operation by Minors and Licensing ....................................................................................... 11
Safety and Required Equipment .............................................................................................. 11
Navigation Lights ................................................................................................................... 12
Emergency Safety Stop Switch .............................................................................................. 12
Personal Flotation Devices .................................................................................................... 13
Fire Extinguisher .................................................................................................................... 14
Horn or Whistle ...................................................................................................................... 15
Bilge Pump(s) ......................................................................................................................... 15
Visual Distress Signals ........................................................................................................... 15
Recommended Safety Equipment ......................................................................................... 16
General Boating Safety Topics ............................................................................................... 16
Safe Speed ............................................................................................................................. 16
Passenger Safety ................................................................................................................... 17
Carbon Monoxide Safety........................................................................................................ 17
Proper Loading....................................................................................................................... 19
Weighting Your Boat During Watersport Activities ............................................................... 20
Visibility of the Operator ....................................................................................................... 21
Boating Under the Inuence .................................................................................................. 21
Product Misuse ...................................................................................................................... 22
Reporting Accidents ............................................................................................................... 22
Rendering Assistance ............................................................................................................ 22
Hazardous Conditions ............................................................................................................ 22
Environmental Concerns ....................................................................................................... 23
On Product Warning Labels .................................................................................................... 25
Warning Labels and Locations ............................................................................................... 25
Basic Rules of the Road ........................................................................................................... 28
Boating Regulations .............................................................................................................. 28
Encountering Another Vessel ................................................................................................ 28
Privileged Vessel .................................................................................................................... 28
Burdened Vessel .................................................................................................................... 29
Crossing ................................................................................................................................. 29
Meeting Head-On ................................................................................................................... 29
Overtaking ............................................................................................................................. 29
The General Prudential Rule .................................................................................................. 30
Other Rules of the Road ......................................................................................................... 30
Aids to Navigation .................................................................................................................. 30
Night Running ........................................................................................................................ 33