SAFETY-8
Basic Rules of Safe Boating
Drugs and/or Alcohol and Boating DO NOT
Mix. Drugs and/or alcohol decrease your reac-
tion time, impair your judgement, and inhibit
your ability to safely operate your yacht. As a
responsible boater, you will refrain from using
drugs or alcohol (singly or combined) while you
are operating your yacht. Operation of motorized
vessels while under the infl uence of drugs and/or
alcohol carries a severe penalty.
Always maintain your yacht and its equipment
in safe operating condition. Inspect the hull,
engines, safety equipment and all boating ac-
cessories on a regular basis.
Stow all loose items properly to prevent injury or
damage caused by heavy sea conditions.
Be certain lifesaving and fi re extinguishing equip-
ment is on board. This equipment must meet
or exceed regulatory standards and it should
be noticeable, easily accessible and in proper
operating condition. Your passengers should
know where this equipment is located and how
to use it.
Be certain you have suffi cient fuel on board
for your anticipated cruising requirements. In
general, anticipate using 1/3 of your fuel supply
to reach your destination and 1/3 of your fuel
supply to return. Always maintain 1/3 of your
fuel supply in reserve for changes in your plans
due to unforeseen weather conditions or other
circumstances.
Use EXTREME CAUTION while fueling your
yacht. Be certain you know the capacity of the
fuel tank (s) and the amount of fuel you consume
when operating at your normal cruising speeds.
Read and have a thorough understanding of
the Fuel System Pages in the Systems Opera-
tion Section of this Owner’s Manual. It contains
valuable information and warnings that, if strictly
adhered to, will enhance your yachting pleasure
and safety.
Check the weather forecast before getting un-
derway. DO NOT venture out if the weather is,
or expected to be, threatening. While underway,
always be cognizant of changing weather condi-
tions by frequently checking the local forecast.
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Monitor strong winds and electrical storms
closely and head for sheltered waters or your
marina BEFORE they are encountered.
Always maintain accurate, updated charts of
your cruising area on board and refer to them
frequently. DO NOT rely on your memory of an
area. All waters, particularly tidal waters, are
subject to constant changes, such as shoaling
and underwater hazards.
Always fi le a Float Plan with a responsible person
before you depart on your cruise. A blank Float
Plan is in the back of the Owner’s Manual.
Instruct at least one other person on board your
yacht in its basic operating procedure. This per-
son can take over the operation of your yacht if
you unexpectedly become unable to do so.
DO NOT permit your passengers to ride on parts
of your yacht that are not intended for passenger
use, such as the gunwales or the bowrail.
Ask all persons to remain seated while your
yacht is in motion, particularly during inclement
weather.
DO NOT use the swim platform or boarding lad-
der while the engines are in operation, whether
or not your yacht is in motion.
Always maintain a good lookout. Keep away from
swimmers, divers and water-skiers. They should
display a fl ag when engaged in these types of
water sports, but DO NOT rely upon it; if you
suspect that type of activity, it is best to avoid
that area, if possible.
Understand and obey the “Rules of the Road”.
Understand and obey all local boating laws.
Always maintain complete control of your
yacht.
Finally, ALWAYS operate your yacht with care,
courtesy, and common sense.
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