2017 OWNERS MANUAL /
28
BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE
Boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs can be as deadly
as driving a car while under the influence!
Did you know:
• A boat operator is likely to become impaired more quickly than a
vehicle driver, drink for drink?
• The penalties for BUI can include large fines, revocation of oper-
ator privileges and serious jail time?
• The use of alcohol is involved in about one-third of all recreation-
al boating fatalities?
It is illegal to operate a boat while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs in every state. The Coast Guard also enforces a federal law
that prohibits BUI.
Alcohol affects judgment, vision, balance and coordination. These
impairments increase the likelihood of accidents afloat for both
boat operators and passengers. U.S. Coast Guard data shows that
in boating deaths involving alcohol use, over half the victims cap-
sized their boats and/or fell overboard.
Alcohol is even more hazardous on the water than on land. The
marine environment of motion, vibration, engine noise, sun, wind
and spray accelerate a drinker’s impairment. These stressors cause
fatigue that makes a boat operator’s coordination, judgment and
reaction time decline even faster when using alcohol.
LAW ENFORCEMENT
A vessel underway, when hailed by a Coast Guard vessel, is required
to heave to, or maneuver in such a manner that permits a boarding
officer to come aboard.
Other federal, state and local law enforcement officials may board
and examine a vessel. The Coast Guard may impose a civil penalty
up to $1,000 for failure to comply with equipment requirements;
failure to report a boating accident; or comply with other federal
regulations. Failure to comply with the Inland Navigation Rules Act
of 1980 can result in a civil penalty up to $5,000. Details of the Act
are available online or through the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast
Guard Auxiliary.
OPERATOR’S LICENSE
Some states are implementing operator’s license requirements.
These requirements vary widely. Many states now have restrictions
regarding age. If you are operating in a location where minors are
allowed to operate the boat, careful supervision by an adult should
be the rule of thumb always. Whether operating a boat locally or in
a remote location, operators should annually verify with state and
local authorities regarding whether a license or training is required.
LEGAL
REQUIREMENTS
Summary of Contents for NXT20 2017
Page 3: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL SAFETY KNOWLEDGE ...
Page 27: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 48 2017MODEL FEATURESANDSPECS ...
Page 40: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 74 DASHESAND VIDEOSCREENS ...
Page 42: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 78 XANDXTSERIESINSTRUMENTPANEL 4 3 VIDEOSCREEN XSTARINSTRUMENTPANEL ...
Page 43: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 80 PROSTARINSTRUMENTPANEL NXTSERIESINSTRUMENTPANEL ...
Page 58: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 110 XANDXTSERIES VIDEOSCREEN OPERATIONSHV450 ...
Page 67: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 128 XSTAR VIDEOSCREEN OPERATIONS XSTARINSTRUMENTPANEL ...
Page 80: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 154 PROSTAR VIDEOSCREEN OPERATIONS ...
Page 97: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 188 NXT OPERATIONS ...
Page 101: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 196 NXT20 22 VIDEOSCREEN OPERATIONS ...
Page 107: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 208 BOAT OPERATIONS ...
Page 158: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 310 PREPARATION ...
Page 172: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 338 CAREAND MAINTENANCE ...
Page 204: ...2017 OWNERS MANUAL 402 TRAILERS ...