In addition to the “required safety equipment”, there are
additional items that will provide an extra margin of
safety and comfort for you and your passengers. You
should consider adding some or all of the following gear
based upon your boating needs:
• Auxiliary propulsion (oar/paddle)
• Boat hook
• Compass
• Dock fenders
• Extra clothing
• First aid kit
• Flashlight
• Foul weather gear
• Ground tackle (anchor and anchor line)
• Nautical charts of the boating area
• Ring life buoy
• Signal flares (handheld and/or aerial)
• Sunscreen lotion
• Tow line
• VHF marine radio (dash unit or handheld)
Safe Boating Practices
As the Skipper of your vessel, YOU are responsible for
your own safety, the safety of your passengers, and the
safety of fellow boaters. Alcohol and/or drug consump-
tion and boating DO NOT mix. Operating under the influ-
ence of drungs and/or alcohol endangers the lives of
your passengers and other water users. Federal laws
prohibit operating a boat under the influence of alcohol or
drugs.
Safe Operation
Safe operation means that you do not misuse your boat
nor do you allow your passengers to do so. Safe opera-
tion means using good judgment at all times. It includes
these actions:
Be sure at least one other passenger is familiar with the
operation and safety aspects of the boat in case of emer-
gency. Do not operate a boat alone!
Do not exceed the maximum power rating stated on the
certification plate attached to your boat.
Do not use your boat in weather or sea conditions
beyond the skill and experience of the operator or the
capability of the boat.
Load your boat within the limits listed on the capacity
plate. Balance loads bow to stern and port to starboard.
Maintain boat speed at or below the local legal limit.
Avoid excessive speed or speeds not appropriate for
operation conditions.
Make sure the passengers and gear do not obstruct the
driver’s view or ability to move.
Provide a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each boat
passenger.
DANGER
• Do not smoke while fueling your boat.
• Do not allow passengers to sit on the foredeck
or sun deck while the boat is underway. This
will prevent falls overboard and possible
injury or death by the rotating propeller.
• Make sure the engine is off and the propeller
is completely stopped before using boarding
ladders.
• Always keep all gates closed while the boat is
in motion to prevent falls overboard and pos-
sible injury or even death by a rotating propel-
ler!
SAFETY
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