2-18
255 Owner’s Manual
Section 2
Cuddy Cabin
Wake/Wash
Reporting Accidents
The USCG requires the owner or operator of a boat
involved in an accident, to report the incident to the
proper marine law enforcement agency for the state
in which the accident occurred.
Immediate notification to the nearest state boating
authority is required if a person dies or disappears
as a result of a recreational boating accident. If a
person dies or sustains injuries requiring more than
first aid, a formal report must be filed within 48
hours of the accident. A formal report must be filed
within 10 days for accidents exceeding $500 in
property damage or complete loss of boat.
Rendering Assistance
If you see a distress signal or suspect a boat is in
trouble, you must assume it is a real emergency
and render assistance immediately. By law, the
operator in charge of the craft is obligated to
provide assistance to any individual in danger if
such assistance can be provided safely. Failure to
render assistance can result in a fine and/or
imprisonment.
The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to a
“Good Samaritan” boater providing good faith
assistance, and absolves a boater from any civil
liability arising from such assistance.
Water Sports Safety
Larger boats produce a larger wake which may be
too big for skiers. Only boats equipped with a
ski-tow eye should be used to pull water skiers. If
you use your Cobalt boat for water sports, you
should be familiar with water sport safety and hand
signals.
When participating in water sports, be safe and
courteous and follow these guidelines:
• Be considerate to fishermen and others you
share the water with.
• Do not perform water sports in congested
areas.
• Stay away from navigation markers.
• Stay away from other boats and water sports
participants.
• Return immediately to a fallen water sport
participant and turn off engines.
• Regularly inspect water sport equipment to
ensure it is safe.
• Do not use any fuel burning appliances with a
transom exhaust port when swimming from the
stern swim platform.
A
WARNING
Avoid injury, death or damage to
property. Observe “No Wake” markers.
Use caution when operating around
smaller crafts, in channels and marinas,
and in congested areas. You are
responsible for injury and damage
caused by your wake.
NOTICE: It is unlawful to
participate in water sports while
under the influence of alcohol or
other drugs.
A
DANGER
Avoid injury or death. Do not practice
unsafe water sports.
KC-0271C
CIRCLE
SPEED OK
TURN LEFT
TURN RIGHT
BACK
TO DOCK
STOP
SKIER IN WATER
WATER SPORT HAND SIGNALS
SPEED FASTER
CUT ENGINE
SPEED SLOWER
SKIERS O.K.
COB_255_OM_forWeb.book Page 18 Friday, June 9, 2006 2:23 PM