GENERAL INFORMATION
25
Do not overload your boat. Most boats are rated and certified for
maximum load (weight) capacities (refer to your boat capacity
plate). If in doubt, contact your dealer or the boat's manufacturer.
Perform safety checks and required maintenance. Follow a regular
schedule and ensure that all repairs are properly made.
Know and obey all nautical rules and laws of the waterways. Boat
operators should complete a boating safety course. Courses are
offered in the U.S.A. by 1) the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 2) the
Power Squadron, 3) the Red Cross, and 4) your state boating law
enforcement agency. Inquiries may be made to the Boating
Hotline, 1‑800‑368‑5647 or the Boat U.S. Foundation information
number 1‑800‑336‑BOAT.
Make sure everyone in the boat is properly seated. Do not allow
anyone to sit or ride on any part of the boat that was not intended
for such use. This includes the back of seats, gunwales, transom,
bow, decks, raised fishing seats, any rotating fishing seat; or
anywhere that an unexpected acceleration, sudden stopping,
unexpected loss of boat control, or sudden boat movement could
cause a person to be thrown overboard or into the boat.
Never be under the influence of alcohol or drugs while boating (it
is the law). Alcohol or drug use impairs your judgment and greatly
reduces your ability to react quickly.
Prepare other boat operators. Instruct at least one other person
onboard in the basics of starting and operating your Mercury Jet
Drive, and boat handling, in case the driver becomes disabled or
falls overboard.
Passenger boarding. Stop the engine whenever passengers are
boarding, unloading, or are near the back (stern) of the boat. Just
shifting the outboard into neutral is not sufficient.
Be alert. The operator of the boat is responsible by law to maintain
a proper lookout by sight and hearing. The operator must have an
unobstructed view particularly to the front. No passengers, load,
or fishing seats should block the operator's view when operating
the boat above idle speed.
Never drive your boat directly behind a water‑skier in case the skier
falls. As an example, your boat traveling at 40 km/h (25 MPH) will
overtake a fallen skier 61 m (200 ft) in front of you in 5 seconds.
