S
A F E T Y
2–3
B
OATING
S
AFETY
T
IPS
Safety is an important aspect of boating. Your safety as well as the safety of your passengers
and vessel is your responsibility. The following precautions, and the ones mentioned in section 1
of
Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual,
will add to yours and your passengers’ boating
safety and pleasure.
• Before operating your Grady-White,
READ AND STUDY ALL OPERATION AND
MAINTENANCE MANUALS.
It is important that you fully understand how to use your
boat. Contact your Grady-White dealer for questions. Proper use and service will insure quality
performance and longevity of your boat.
• A written float plan left with a RESPONSIBLE person can serve as valuable information
should you not return as scheduled. Upon returning, your primary responsibility is to notify the
person of your return.
•
NEVER
operate or allow anyone to operate your boat while under the influence of drugs or
alcohol.
• Individuals under the age of 16 should not be allowed to operate your boat.
Inexperienced drivers should have constant and direct supervision.
• Instruct at least one passenger on the fundamentals of basic boating and safe operation in the
event of an emergency.
• While boating, passengers should be settled in a safe position. Use hand holds and rails for
steadiness. Do not allow bow, transom or gunwale riding. Remember, the captain is ultimately
responsible for the safety of the passengers aboard their vessel.
• Keep your boat speed under control. Respect for other boaters and those on shore are common
courtesy. The boat’s operator is responsible for injury or damage caused by the boat or the
wake. Your wake could swamp a smaller craft and endanger its passengers. Stay alert for
posted
“No Wake Zones”
.
• Become familiar with the handling personality and limitations of your boat.
•
Never allow swimmers/skiers to enter or exit the boat with engines running.
A shift lever
in neutral could become engaged accidentally. Also, exhaust fumes from the outboard engines
contain carbon monoxide gas. These fumes may concentrate in this area.
• Obtain information and a chart for new areas when possible.
• Clean water and air are responsibilities for all persons. Use litter containers on board and
dispose of refuse properly. See
“Pollution Regulations” on page 3–3
.
• Know and obey the “Rules of the Road”. See
Sportfish, Cruisers, Yachts Owner’s Manual
beginning on page 19 for a better understanding of rights of way, signals, and waterway
markers.