Carver 356 2004, Owner'S Manual

Page: 25 / 225

16
B
OATING
S
AFETY
3307 6/02
S
ECTION
1
• A maintenance log to track the type and frequency
of maintenance procedures performed on your boat
and its systems. Refer to Section 7 for more infor-
mation on maintaining your boat.
• An engine/fuel log, which is essential for calculating
range and fuel requirements.
• A GPS/Loran log if your boat contains this equip-
ment.
Drugs and alcohol adversely affect a person’s ability to
make sound judgments, react quickly and, in general,
safely operate a boat. As a responsible boater, you must
refrain from using drugs or alcohol while operating your
boat. Operating a motorized boat while under the influ-
ence of drugs or alcohol carries a significant penalty.
If you have a ship-to-shore radio telephone, heed storm
warnings and answer any distress calls from other
boats. The word “MAYDAY” spoken three times is the
international signal of distress. Monitor marine radio
channel 16 which is reserved for emergency and safety
messages. You can also use this channel to contact the
U.S. Coast Guard or other boaters if you have trouble.
Never send a “MAYDAY” message unless there is a
serious emergency and you are in need of immedi-
ate assistance.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries or state boating
officials in many states offer courtesy inspections to
check your boat for compliance with safety standards
and required safety equipment. You may voluntarily
consent to one of these inspections, after which you are
allowed time to make corrections without prosecution.
Check with the appropriate state agency or the U.S.
Coast Guard Auxiliary for details.
The operator of a vessel used for recreational purposes
is required to file a report whenever an accident results
in loss of life or disappearance from a vessel, an injury
requiring medical treatment beyond first aid, property
damage in excess of $200 or complete loss of the vessel.
Voluntary
Inspections
Boating Accidents
Distress Calls
Drugs and Alcohol