Technical information

IN SHALLOW WATER: Operating in water too shallow for your boat presents

a number of hazards, chiefly to the propulsion system and hull. "Shallow

water" here means water generally too shallow for the boat, but also can

apply to deep water which contains stump fields, sand bars or other

unmarked underwater obstructions. Striking any of these at high speed

could, of course, cause serious injuries to you or your passengers.

Outboards are built to kick upward in these situations which could cause an

engine over-speed problem if the ignition is not shut off quickly. If you strike

anything, at any speed, you run the risk of rupturing the hull, damaging the

propeller, propeller shaft, struts or rudder. Even if you do not strike the

bottom or an obstruction, you run the risk of clogging your engine's cooling

water intakes with sand, aquatic weeds or debris. If you are unfamiliar with

the water, obtain a chart or ask local boatmen about depth conditions. Go

slowly, and keep a bow lookout when operating in shoal waters.

AT NIGHT: Nighttime operation is not necessarily hazardous, but it does

present you with a number of problems: Vision is restricted and could be

completely obscured in bad weather or fog; floating debris and fixed ob-

structions or even large waves can be hard to spot; your night vision can be

ruined by sudden exposure to a bright light. If you operate at night,

remember:

1. Your navigation lights must be working to warn other boats of your

presence and course. Observe the meeting and passing rules. If the bow

light of another boat shows red, you must yield; if the bow light shows

green only, you have right-of-way, but use common sense and keep clear.

Slow down even if you have the right-of-way.

2. Onshore lights can be helpful, but not always. Glare can destroy night

vision, and these lights can sometimes make lighted and reflective naviga-

tional lights and the lights of other boats difficult to pick out.

3. High speed operation must be avoided at night. The consequences of any

collision are more severe at high speed.

4. Keep a sharp lookout. Have a crew member assist you in watching for

other boats, possible hazards and navigation features.

5. Protect your night vision. Avoid staring at bright lights ashore and on your

boat.

WATERSPORTS

WATER SKIING: You are responsible for the safety -and conduct -of a water

skier, just as you are for passengers in your boat. Find out the skier's level of

experience before you start, and avoid any maneuvers which may cause

Falls overboard are doubly dangerous in cold water. PFD's should be worn at all

times, and anyone who falls overboard should be retrieved as fast as possible to

prevent hypothermia.