Specifications

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• Use personal flotation devices. Federal Law requires that there be a U. S. Coast Guard approved,
wearable-type life jacket (personal flotation device), correctly sized and readily accessible for every person
on board, plus a throwable cushion or ring. We strongly advise that everyone wear a life jacket at all times
while in the boat.
• Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one person on board in the basics of starting and operating
the engine and boat handling in case the driver becomes disabled or falls overboard.
• Do not overload your boat. Most boats are rated and certified for maximum load (weight) capacities (refer
to your boat capacity plate). Know your boat’s operating and loading limitations. Know if your boat will float
if full of water. When in doubt, contact your dealer or the boats manufacturer.
• Make sure everyone in the boat is properly seated. Don’t allow anyone to sit or ride on any part of the boat
that was not intended for such use. This includes backs of seats, gunwales, transom, bow, decks, raised
fishing seats, 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. See 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). They impair 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 operators view when operating the boat above idle or planing transition speed. Watch “the
other guy,” the water and your wake.
• Never drive your boat directly behind a water skier in case the skier falls. As an example, your boat
traveling at 25 miles per hour (40 km/hr) in 5 seconds will overtake a fallen skier who was 200 feet (61 m)
in front of you.
• 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 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
$500.00 or (4) there is complete loss of the boat. Seek further assistance from local law enforcement.
INDEX