9
SAFE BOATING PRACTICES
YOU are responsible for your own safety, the safety of your passengers, and the safety of fellow
boaters. You are
asked to follow (but are not limited to) the following safe boating practices:
Drugs and alcohol
Alcohol consumption and boating do not mix! Operating under the influence endangers the lives of
your passengers and other water users. Federal laws prohibit operating a boat under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
Safe operation
Safe operation means that you do not misuse your boat, nor do you allow your passengers to do so.
Safe operation means using good judgment at all times. It includes, without limitation, these actions:
Load your boat within the limits listed on the capacity plate. Balance loads bow to stern and port to
starboard.
Maintain boat speed at or below the local legal limit. Avoid excessive speed or speeds not appropri-
ate for operation conditions.
Do not use your boat in weather or sea conditions beyond the skill and experience of the operator or
the capability of the boat or passengers.
Be sure at least one other passenger is familiar with the operation and safety aspects of the boat in
case of emergency. Do not operate a boat alone!
Always keep all gates closed while the boat is in motion to prevent falls overboard and possible
injury or even death by a rotating propeller!
Do not exceed the maximum power rating stated on the certification plate attached to your boat.
Make sure the passengers and gear do not obstruct the driverʼs view or ability to move.
DO NOT SMOKE WHILE FUELING YOUR BOAT.
Do not allow passengers to sit on foredeck or sundeck while the boat is moving. This will prevent
falls overboard and possible injury or death by the rotating propeller.
Make sure the engine is off and the propeller is completely stopped before using boarding ladders.
Provide a Personal Flotation Device (PFD) for each boat passenger.
Do not sit on
furniture backs.
Do not sit on swim
platform or sun pads
while boat is moving
or engine is running.
Do not sit on deck
with legs or arms
hanging from boat.
Do not use ladder
while engine is
running.
Do not use ladder
while engine is
running.
BASIC SAFE BOATING FIGURE
