Section 3 - On the Water
Page 26 90-866938081 MAY 2009
• Ensure that 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 backs
of seats, gunwales, transom, bow, decks, raised fishing seats, and any rotating fishing
seat; anywhere that sudden 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. Ensure that all passengers have a proper seat and are in it
before any boat movement.
•
Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating (it is the law).
Alcohol or drugs impairs your judgment and greatly reduce your ability to react
quickly.
•
Know your boating area and avoid hazardous locations.
• 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 operator's view when
operating the boat above idle or planing transition speed. Watch out for others, keep
your eyes on the the water, and be aware of your wake.
• 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 who was
61 m (200 ft.) in front of you in five 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 attend
to 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
US $500.00 or 4) there is complete loss of the boat. Seek further assistance from local
law enforcement.
Be Alert to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
Carbon monoxide is present in the exhaust fumes of all internal combustion engines
including the outboards, sterndrives and inboard engines that propel boats, as well as the
generators that power various boat accessories. Carbon monoxide is a deadly gas that is
odorless, colorless and tasteless.
Early symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning, which should not be confused with
seasickness or intoxication, include headache, dizziness, drowsiness and nausea.
!
WARNING
Carbon monoxide poisoning can lead to unconsciousness, brain damage, or death. Keep
the boat well ventilated while at rest or underway and avoid prolonged exposure to carbon
monoxide.
GOOD VENTILATION
Ventilate the passenger area, open the side curtains or forward hatches to remove
fumes.
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