Malibu Boats Wakesetter 20VTX 2018, Owner'S Manual, Page: 37 / 200

Malibu Owners Manual • 2018 • Safety • Page 1-24
controlled area danger boats Keep out information
Uniform State Waterway Marking System (USWMS)
Diver’s Flag
Used by recreational
divers–indicates
position. Stay far
away from diver flags.
Someone is underwater
in the vicinity.
Alpha Flag
Worldwide vessels
engaged in diving
operations–does
not indicate diver’s
position. Stay far
away from diver
flag. Someone is
underwater in the
vicinity.
Distress Flag
Indicates fellow boater
is in need of assistance.
Warning Markers
It is a good idea to ask local authorities if there are hazardous areas and
how they are marked. Boaters must also recognize the flag designs, which
indicate that skin divers are present and keep well clear of the area. Divers
underwater cannot be seen. Stay well away from boats or floats displaying
Diver Flags.
Watch for swimmers. Swimming areas may not be marked. Steer clear
from the area and remain alert.
sKin diver warning flag swim area warning buoy
Navigation markers serve as a means of identifying navigable routes, and indicate water hazards. Boaters should become familiar with
navigation markers and stay within marked boundaries and clear of hazards.
NIGHT RUNNING
Boats operating between sunset and sunrise (hours vary by state) must use navigational lights. Nighttime operation, especially during bad
weather or fog can be dangerous. All Rules of the Road apply at night, but it is best to slow down and stay clear of all boats, regardless of who
has right of way. Protect your night vision by avoiding bright lights and have a passenger, if possible, help keep watch for other boats, water
hazards and aids to navigation. It is best to proceed slowly at night, as there is always the possibility of unlit boats, floating objects, and fixed
objects which will be very difficult to see in time to avoid if you are at planing speeds or above.