platform near the water while the engine is running. The USCG
has deemed platform dragging as a dangerous and hazardous
activity which should be prohibited, as it can result in injury or
death.
• In the event that someone exhibits the symptoms of carbon
monoxide exposure (nausea, headache, dizziness, or drowsiness),
have them breathe fresh air and, if necessary, immediately seek
medical attention.
Hazardous boating situations involving carbon monoxide include:
Blockage of boat exhaust by obstruction.
Passenger Safety
The operator of the boat is responsible for the safety of the
passengers, all skiers/riders, as well as his/her own safety.
Ensure that you and your passengers adhere to these safety
recommendations:
• Any time you take your boat out, make sure that there is at least one
other passenger aboard who is familiar with the operation of your
boat.
• Ensure that all passengers are properly and securely seated in
appropriate seating locations to avoid falling or falling overboard.
• While the engine is running, and while the boat is maneuvering, all
occupants should be properly seated.
DO NOT
stand while the boat is
moving.
•
DO NOT
sit on the engine box, seat backs, transom seating, sun pad,
boarding platform or gunwales while the boat is underway. You could
fall overboard and be hit by the propeller, or another boat.
GENERAL BOATING SAFETY TOPICS
Safe Speed
Navigation rules state that a boat be operated at a safe speed at
all times. Determination of a safe speed involves consideration of
many factors, such as, but not limited to:
• Boating activity (tubing, water skiing, wakeboarding, wake
surfing, etc.)
• Boat traffic congestion
• Water conditions
• Environmental conditions (shore line, docks, and depth of water)
• Weather
• Visibility
The boat should not be driven at a rate of speed faster than will
8—Safety
allow it to be brought to a full stop within the operator’s field of
view given the environmental conditions at the time. Safe speed for
the conditions and driver attention (lookout) are important factors in
avoiding collisions which may cause injury or death. When in doubt it
is prudent to slow down within adequate time and distance so as to
be able to assess the conditions and paths of other boats.
It is important to know the Rules of the Road, although do not
assume that all boaters also know the rules or that they will abide
by them. Avoid collisions by constantly assessing the ever-changing
situation and be sure to make appropriate speed and course changes
early.
•
DO NOT
allow objects, arms or legs, or any other body parts to hang
over the bow or gunwales. Stay within the boat.
• Passengers should not sit in locations that obstruct the operator’s
visibility.
• Persons and gear should be stowed in a way that distributes weight
appropriately and in a manner that trims the boat properly (pitch
angle). Excessive weight at either the bow or the stern relative to one
another can cause trim problems leading to reduced driver visibility,
erratic steering, loss of control, or bow submergence and flooding/
swamping.
• Passengers should be well aware of emergency equipment and
instructed in its use.
• Passengers should assist with lookout duties and notify the operator
of any approaching watercraft or potentially unsafe conditions to
provide assistance with collision avoidance.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a deadly, colorless and odorless gas
produced by all engines and fuel-burning appliances. Even with the
best boat design and construction, plus the utmost care in inspection,
operation and maintenance, hazardous levels of carbon monoxide may
be present in or near the boat under certain conditions. The boat owner,
operator, as well as all boat occupants, must understand the dangers of
carbon monoxide and must comply with all safety recommendations/
requirements. For boats with cabins, always ventilate the boat interior
and avoid boating situations which cause increased exposure.
Carbon monoxide (CO) can cause brain
damage or death. Engine and generator
exhaust contains odorless and colorless
carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide
will be around the back of the boat when engines or generators
are running. Move to fresh air, if you feel nausea, headache,
dizziness, or drowsiness.
• DO NOT
allow people to be on or near the swim platform or in the
water near the swim platform while the engine is running. Carbon
monoxide will exist around the back of the boat when engines are
running.
•
DO NOT
operate the engine in a confined space or while the boat
is tethered to another vessel.
•
DO NOT
go under the boat cover while the engine is running or
shortly after the engine has been running. Carbon monoxide may
be trapped under the cover. It is important to remove the cover
and/or ventilate the area before going under the boat cover.
•
DO NOT
“platform/teak” surf or platform drag. Carbon monoxide
will exist in high concentrations in the vicinity of the swim
