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damage caused by the boat’s wake. Your wake could swamp or damage a smaller craft
or endanger its passengers. Stay alert for posted “No Wake Zones”.
If your boat is equipped with a boarding ladder never attempt to use it while the engine is
running. A shift lever in the neutral position could accidently become engaged causing
severe harm to swimmers. Your boarding ladder is designed for use by persons
boarding the boat from the water. Do not use the boarding ladder while the boat is out of
the water. Damage to the boat and/or ladder could result.
Do not operate your boat in swimming or diving areas at any time. Serious injury or
death could occur from the rotating propeller blade.
Use extreme caution whenever swimming near the boat, even when the engine is off. A
propeller will tend to rotate if subject to a current and could cause serious injury or death.
When venturing into unknown waters collect information on the boating area. Obtain
charts for new areas whenever possible.
Use boat shoes or tennis shoes to reduce the risk of slipping or falling.
Y
Required Safety Equipment
The US Coast Guard (USCG) requires every boat to have specific
equipment on board. Check with local regulations on mandatory
equipment apart from the following list of Coast Guard
requirements:
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICE (PFD)
You must have a USCG approved personal flotation device of Type
I, II, or III aboard for each passenger, in addition to one Type IV
throwable PFD. All occupants of your boat should wear a PFD at all
times. In some jurisdictions, children are required to wear a PFD.
Check your local regulations for any other applicable requirements.
FIRE EXTINGUISHER
At least one Type-1 hand held portable fire extinguisher must be
carried on board. For boats over 20’ two are required. Check your
extinguisher regularly for charge status.
SOUND SIGNALING DEVICE
Your boat should have a horn, whistle or some other device which meets the
USCG requirements for a sounding device.
VISUAL DISTRESS SIGNALS
USCG approved visual distress signals are required for day and night use when operating in US
waters. Approved signals include flares, orange smoke, an orange distress flag, or an electric
distress light.
LIGHTING
For nighttime and any low visibility condition, your boat must be operated with USCG approved
navigation and anchor lights that comply with applicable law.
Additional Recommended Equipment
In addition to the required safety equipment, there are additional items that will provide an extra
margin of safety and convenience for you and your passengers while boating, such as:
