Boston Whaler 20 Justice Series, Operation & Maintenance Manual

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1-7
Safety Section 1
Swamping
Swamping (flooding the interior of the boat) can occur
for a number of reasons, including severe weather
conditions, improper operation, and improper load-
ing. Consider the following:
• Know the safe loading limits for this boat under
normal conditions. Refer to the boat specifica-
tions in Section 6 of this manual and the Certifica-
tion Plate in the boat.
• Consider reducing those loading limits during
emergencies, special operations, and severe
weather.
• Distribute any load or cargo evenly front to back
and port to starboard so that the approximate cen-
ter of the load is near the middle of the boat.
• Close all hatches, doors, and windows during
severe weather.
• Install the dive door, if equipped.
• Adjust boat trim and speed to match weather con-
ditions.
• Avoid backing into large waves whenever possi-
ble.
• Check operation of all bilge pumps, float switches,
and water level sensors before each trip.
Diving Operations
Navigational Rules require a vessel which is engaged
in diving operations to display a rigid replica of the
international Alpha signal flag during daylight hours.
During night operations, you would display RIAM
lights on a special display mast. Both these displays
indicate that your boat is operating with restricted
maneuverability.
Some local or state regulations might require the red
and white diver’s flag during daylight hours to indicate
that a person is in the water.
!
DANGER
Never start or operate the engine when people
are in the water near your boat. Contact with
the boat, engine, or rotating propeller can cause
serious injury or death.
KC-0250