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NEVER OPERATE A BOAT WHILE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL.
Doing this is a Federal offense. Make sure only qualified drivers operate your boat.
Keep your boat and equipment in safe condition. Inspect the boat, engine, safety equipment, and all
boating gear regularly.
Be sure lifesaving and fire-extinguishing equipment is on board. This equipment must meet regula-
tion standard and it should be noticeable, accessible, and in safe working condition. Your passengers
should know where this equipment is and how to use it.
Supervise children at all times.
Before you leave shore, tell a responsible person ashore where you are going and when you expect to
return.
Do not allow passengers to ride on parts of your boat other than designated seating areas. All pas-
sengers should remain seated while the boat is moving. Do not allow bow, transom, rail, sun deck
pad, furniture backrest, or swivel fishing seat riding while your boat is moving.
Do not overload or improperly load your boat. The capacity plate is a guide for load limits.
The capacity of your boat is reduced by turbulent water and other adverse weather conditions.
Check water and weather conditions before leaving shore. Use common sense and good judgment
when loading your boat.
Instruct at least one passenger on the fundamentals of basic and safe operation in the event of an
emergency.
NEVER ALLOW SWIMMERS/SKIERS TO ENTER OR EXIT THE BOAT WITH THE
ENGINE RUNNING OR THE PROPELLER MOVING.
Obtain information and chart for new areas when possible.
READ, UNDERSTAND, AND FOLLOW ALL WARNING LABELS ON YOUR BOAT.
Never allow individuals under the age of 16 to operate your boat. Inexperienced drivers, passengers,
and all children should have constant and direct adult supervision.
SAFETY GEAR & EQUIPMENT
As the owner of your boat, you are responsible for supplying all required safety equipment. Check
state and local regulations and call the U.S. Coast Guard Safety Hotline at 800-368-5647 for infor-
mation about required safety gear.
Minimum requirements include the following:
Personal Flotation Devices (PFD) (Note - Some states may restrict the use of certain types of PFD)
• Fire Extinguisher
• Visual Distress Signal
• Navigation Lights
• Horn
• Throwable Life Buoy
Please note that children and non-swimmers are advised to wear Personal Flotation Devices at all
times.
Contact the U.S. Coast Guard for complete details pertaining to required safety gear and equipment.
In addition to the “required safety equipment”, there are additional items that will provide an extra
margin of safety and comfort for you and your boating passengers.
You should consider adding
some or all of the following gear based upon your boating needs:
Basic Equipment:
Anchor and anchor line Sunscreen lotion
Tow line
Dock fenders Boat hook
Extra warm clothing
First aid kit
Signal Flares
Flashlight
Oar/Paddle VHF Radio
Foul weather gear
Charts of the boating Area Ring Life Buoy
Compass
