BOMBARDIER SeaDoo Speedster 200, Operator'S Manual

Page: 22 / 113

SAFETY INFORMATION 21
Safe Boating Practices
YOU are responsible for your own
safety, the safety of your passengers,
and the safety of fellow boaters.
Drugs and Alcohol
Do not use drugs or drink alcohol while
operating a boat. Like driving a car,
driving a boat requires sober, attentive
care. Operating a boat while intoxicat-
ed or under the influence of drugs is
not only dangerous, but it is also a Fed-
eral offense carrying a significant pen-
alty. These laws are vigorously en-
forced. The use of drugs and alcohol,
singly or in combination, decreases re-
action time, impedes judgment, im-
pairs vision, and inhibits your ability to
safely operate a boat.
Safe Operation
For safety reasons and proper care, al-
ways perform “Daily Pre-Operation
Checks” as specified in your
Opera-
tor’s Guide before operating your craft.
Safe operation means that you do not
misuse your boat nor do you allow
your passengers to do so. Safe opera-
tion means using good judgment at all
times. It includes, without limitation,
the following actions:
– Load the 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 appropriate for
operating conditions.
– Do not use the boat in weather or
sea conditions beyond the skill or
experience of the operator or the
comfortable capability of the boat or
passengers.
– Be sure at least one other passen-
ger is familiar with the operation
and safety aspects of the boat in
case of an emergency.
– Make sure that passengers and
gear do not obstruct the operator's
view or ability to move.
– Do not exceed the maximum en-
gine power rating stated on the cer-
tification plate attached to the boat.
– Observe all safety signs and warn-
ings both inside the boat and in the
immediate boating area.
Passenger Safety
Before getting underway, show all
passengers where emergency and
safety equipment is stowed, and ex-
plain how to use it. Everyone aboard
should wear rubber-soled shoes which
resist slipping on wet surfaces. While
underway, passengers should remain
seated inside the deck rails. Don't al-
low passengers to drag their feet or
hands in the water. Always use hand-
holds and other safety hardware to
prevent falls. All non-swimmers, poor
swimmers, and children should wear a
PFD at all times. Federal regulations
require that children under 13 years of
age wear a PFD when the boat is un-
derway unless they are in an enclosed
cabin or below deck.

WARNING
Alcohol consumption and boating
do not mix! Operating under the
influence endangers the lives of
your passengers and other boat-
ers. Federal laws prohibit operat-
ing a boat under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
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