CHAPTER 1: BOATING SAFETY 1-11
Sport Boat Owner’s Manual
Read and understand this manual and the engine manual, and be sure
that you understand all controls and operating instructions before
attempting to operate the boat. Improper operation can be extremely
hazardous.
Before each outing you should check all safety equipment, such as fire extinguish-
ers, PFDs, flares, distress flags, flashlights, engine stop switch, etc. They should
be operable, in good condition, readily visible, and easily accessed.
Tell someone of your travel plans. Check local weather reports before casting off;
do not leave the dock area when strong winds and electrical storms are in the area
or predicted to be in the area.
Know the weight capacity of your boat. Do not overload your boat.
Our Environment
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.
Don’t put anything in the water you wouldn’t want to eat
or drink!
Conserve Fishery Resources
There is a tremendous drain on our fishery resources. Over-fishing and pollution
have strained the fish population. Do your part by keeping only what you will eat
by practicing catch-and-release.
Foreign Species
If you trailer your boat from lake to lake, you may unknowingly introduce a for-
eign aquatic species from one lake to the next. Thoroughly clean the boat below
the water line, remove all weeds and algae, and drain the bilge and livewells
before launching the boat in a new body of water.
Fuel and Oil Spillage
The spilling of fuel or oil into our waterways contaminates the environment and is
dangerous to wildlife. Never discharge or dispose fuel or oil into the water; it is
prohibited and you could be fined. There are two common, accidental types of dis-
charge:
•
Overfilling the fuel tank
•
Pumping contaminated bilge water
Fumes from rags can collect in bilge and be extremely hazardous.
Never store rags used to wipe-up fuel or solvent spills in the boat.
Dispose of rags properly ashore.
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WARNING
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WARNING