Restricted Areas
Before boating, check with Local, State, and Federal authorities
to identify restricted areas. Because of the threat of terrorism, the
U.S. Coast Guard has and will continue to implement strict limits on
watercraft near U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships and other potential
targets.
12—Safety
Weather/Seas
Learn and understand weather patterns and signs of change.
Bad weather can cause an uncomfortable and unsafe situation. If
a storm approaches, seek a safe harbor. Check forecasts before
getting underway and continue to monitor conditions while on the
water.
Environmental Concerns
As a boater, you already appreciate nature’s beauty and the
peace of the great outdoors. It is a boater’s responsibility to protect
the natural environment by keeping waterways clean.
Foreign Species
If you trailer your boat from lake to lake, you have the potential
of unknowingly introducing a foreign aquatic species from one lake
to the next. It is important to thoroughly clean the bottom of the
boat below the water line, remove all weeds and algae, and drain
the bilge, ballast, and livewells before launching the boat in a new
body of water. Check local, state, country agencies as to laws and
regulations.
Fuel/Oil Spillage
The spilling of fuel or oil into our waterways contaminates the
environment and is dangerous to wildlife. DO NOT EVER discharge or
dispose of fuel, oil or other chemicals into the water; it is prohibited
and can result in fines. These are three common, accidental types of
discharge:
• During initial fueling of a nearly empty tank
• Overfilling the fuel tanks
• Pumping contaminated bilge water
Fumes from rags can collect in the
bilge and pose an extremely hazardous
fire and explosion risk, which can
result in injury or death. Never store rags used to wipe up fuel
or solvent spills in the boat. Dispose of rags properly ashore.
Discharge/Disposal of Waste
Waste means all forms of garbage, plastics, recyclables, food,
wood, detergents, sewage and even fish parts in certain waters – in
short, nearly everything. We recommend you bring back everything
you take out with you for proper disposal ashore.
Excessive Noise
Noise means engine noise, radio noise, loud conversation, or
even yelling. Many bodies of water have adopted noise limits. Noise
can carry a considerable distance on water, especially at night. Be
sure to follow regulations and be courteous.
Speed/Wake/Wash
Be alert for
NO WAKE
zones. You are responsible for any damage or
injury caused by your wake/wash. Prior to entering a NO WAKE zone,
reduce throttle, come off plane to the slowest steerable speed. Use
caution when operating around smaller crafts, in channels and marinas,
and in congested areas.
Some states and boating areas have imposed speed limits for
the operation of boats, including, but not limited to, no-wake zones.
Check local, state, and federal agencies as to laws and regulations.
The U.S. Coast Guard and local boating authorities are excellent
sources for this information, which can include penalties for failure
to observe the requirements.
Exhaust Emissions
Increased exhaust (hydrocarbon) emissions pollute our water
and air. Keep your engine tuned and boat hull clean for peak
performance. Consult your Malibu dealer for information.
Paints
If your boat is kept in water where marine growth is a problem,
the use of anti-fouling paint may reduce the growth rate. Be aware
of environmental regulations that may govern your paint choice.
Contact your local boating authorities for information.
Cleaning Agents
Household cleaners should be used sparingly and not discharged
into waterways. Never mix cleaners and be sure to use plenty of
ventilation in enclosed areas while cleaning your boat. DO NOT
use products which contain phosphates, chlorine, solvents, non-
biodegradable or petroleum based products. Refer to the Care and
Maintenance section in this manual for more information.
MARPOL Treaty
The USCG enforces the International Convention for the Prevention
of Pollution from ships, commonly referred to as the MARPOL Treaty
(Marine Pollution). This treaty prohibits the overboard dumping of all
ship-generated plastics, chemicals, garbage and oil.
ON PRODUCT WARNING LABELS
Warning Labels & Locations
Warning labels are placed at specific locations on your Malibu
boat at the time of manufacture to alert you to potential hazards
that may not be obvious. These labels also indicate how to avoid
these hazards. Warning labels should never be removed and must
remain legible. If you suspect a label is missing, or if a label becomes
damaged or becomes unreadable (damaged, faded, or sun bleached),
contact your dealer for replacement.
It is the responsibility of the boat owner and occupants of the
boat to understand and comply with all warning labels and safety
recommendations/requirements. The driver of the boat and the boat
owner are responsible for the proper operation of the boat and the
safety of the occupants of the boat. Failure to adhere to and comply
with the on-product warning labels and safety statements labeled as
dangers, warnings, and cautions that appear in this manual can lead
to serious injury, or death, as well as property damage.
READ AND
ADHERE TO ALL WARNING PLATES AND LABELS
from bow to stern,
including those that are installed inside the engine compartment,
lockers, and underneath seating.
