PURSUIT S 408 SPORT 2017, Owner'S Manual

Page: 94 / 178

Section 9 Safety Equipment
9-6
Items like a sea anchor, working anchor,
extra dock lines, flare pistol, life vests, a line
permanently secured to your ring buoy, etc.,
could at some time save your passengers’
lives, or save your boat from damage. Refer
to the “Federal Requirements and Safety Tips
for Recreational Boats” pamphlet for a more
detailed description of the required equip-
ment. You can also contact the U.S. Coast
Guard Boating Safety Hotline, 800-368-
5647, for information on boat safety courses
and brochures listing the Federal equipment
requirements. Also, check your local and
state regulations.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a “Courtesy
Examination.” This inspection will help ensure
your boat is equipped with all of the neces-
sary safety equipment.
The following is a list of the accessory equip-
ment required on your boat by the U.S. Coast
Guard:
Personal Flotation Devices
(PFD’s)
PFD’s must be Coast Guard approved,
in good and serviceable condition, and of
appropriate size for the intended user. Wear-
able PFD’s must be readily accessible,
meaning you must be able to put them on
in a reasonable amount of time in an emer-
gency. Though not required, the Coast Guard
emphasizes that PFD’s should be worn at all
times when the vessel is underway. Throw-
able devices must be immediately available
for use. All Pursuit boats must be equipped
with at least one Type I, II or III PFD for each
person onboard, plus one throw-able device
(Type IV).
Visual Distress Signals
All Pursuit boats used on coastal waters,
the Great Lakes, territorial seas, and those
waters connected directly to them, must be
equipped with Coast Guard approved visual
distress signals. These signals are either
Pyrotechnic or Non-Pyrotechnic devices.
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress
Signals
Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be
Coast Guard approved, in serviceable condi-
tion and readily accessible. They are marked
with a date showing the service life, which
must not have expired. A minimum of three
are required. Some pyrotechnic signals meet
both day and night use requirements. They
should be stored in a cool, dry location. They
include;
• Pyrotechnic red flares, hand held or
aerial.
• Pyrotechnic orange smoke, hand-held or
floating.
• Launchers for aerial red meteors or
parachute flares.
Pyrotechnics are universally recognized as
excellent distress signals. However, there
is potential for injury and property damage
if not handled properly. These devices pro-
duce a very hot flame and the residue can
cause burns and ignite flammable material.
Pistol launched and hand-held parachute
flares and meteors have many characteris -
tics of a firearm and must be handled with
caution. In some states they are considered
a firearm and prohibited from use. Make sure
you are careful and follow the manufacturer’s
instructions when using pyrotechnic distress
signals.