Boating Safety
4.2
used engine speeds (RPMs). See the Fuel chapter in
this manual for further details.
Make sure you have enough fuel on board for antici-
pated cruising requirements. In general, use 1/3 of
your supply to reach your destination and 1/3 to return.
Keep 1/3 in reserve for changes in your plans due to
weather or other circumstances.
NOTE: The supply line for the optional generator is located
higher on the fuel tank than the engine’s supply lines. This
is for your safety by preventing the generator from depleting
your fuel supply should it ever be left running.
Be sure life-saving and fire extinguishing equipment is
on board. This equipment must meet regulatory agency
standards, and it should be noticeable, accessible, and
in a safe operating condition. Your passengers should
know where this equipment is and how to use it.
Keep an eye on the weather. Be aware of possible
changing conditions by checking a local weather report
before your departure. Monitor strong winds and elec-
trical storms closely.
Always keep accurate, updated charts of the area on
board your boat.
Before you leave the port or harbor, file a float plan with
a family member, relative, friend, or other responsible
person ashore.
Always operate your boat with care, courtesy, and
common sense.
Instruct at least one other passenger aboard in the
operating procedures in handling your boat. This per-
son can take over if you unexpectedly become unable
to do so.
Do not allow passengers to ride on parts of your boat
other than designated seating areas.
Ask all passengers to remain seated while the boat is
in motion.
Do not use the swim platform or boarding ladder while
engines are running.
Understand and obey the “Rules of the Road.”
Always maintain complete control of your boat.
Do not overload or improperly load your boat.
4.2.2 Safe Boating Courses
Within the U.S., safe boating information and courses are
available from a variety of sources. The Coast Guard
Auxiliary website for boat safety, www.cgaux.org, con-
tains a wide selection of opportunities for education on
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boat safety. Similarly, the U.S. Power Squadrons web-
site, www.usps.org, and the Boat Owners Association of
the U.S. website, www.boatus.com/foundation, also offers
opportunities for education in safety and operation.
Outside the U.S., contact your governmental branch
responsible for overseeing your country's recreational
boating for educational options on safe boating.
4.2.3 Voluntary Inspections
State boating officials in many states or the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary offer courtesy inspections to check out
your craft. They check your boat for compliance with
safety standards and required safety equipment. You
may voluntarily consent to one of these inspections and
are allowed time to make correction without prosecution.
Check with the appropriate state agency or the Coast
Guard Auxiliary for details.
4.2.4 Rules of the Road
Navigating a boat is much the same as driving an automo-
bile. Operating either one responsibly means complying
with a set of rules intended to prevent accidents. Just as
you assume other car drivers know what they are doing,
other boaters assume you know what you are doing.
As a responsible sailor, you will comply with the “Rules
of the Road”, the marine traffic laws enforced by the U.S.
Coast Guard. There are two sets of rules: The United
States Inland Navigational Rules and the International
Rules. The United States Inland Rules apply to all ves-
sels inside the demarcation line separating inland and
international waters. The Coast Guard publishes the
“Rules of the Road” in its publication “Navigational Rules,
International-Inland.” You can get a copy from www.
uscgboating.org, www.navcen.uscg.gov or from your
local U.S. Coast Guard Unit or the United States Coast
Guard Headquarters, 1300 E Street NW, Washington,
D.C. 20226.
4.2.5 Safety Equipment
IMPORTANT: Federal law requires you, the owner, to provide
and maintain safety equipment on your boat. Consult your Coast
Guard, state, and local regulations, to ensure your boat has all
required safety equipment on board. Additional equipment may
be recommended for your safety and that of your passengers.
Make yourself aware of its availability and use.
If your boat is configured to American specs, we have
installed or provided the following safety equipment in
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