condition, not exceeding the expiration date and stored in a cool, dry
location in a red or orange waterproof container.
Pyrotechnic signaling devices can cause fire
and/or explosion, death, serious injury, and
property damage if improperly handled.
Follow the pyrotechnic manufacturer’s directions.
Fire Extinguisher
A portable fire extinguisher is
required if your boat has an inboard
engine, or when fuel is stored in
closed stowage compartments.
Approved fire extinguishers are
classified by a letter symbol, either
horseshoe buoys. They are not designed to be worn and must be
supplemented by wearable PFD. It is important to keep these devices
immediately available for emergencies.
Type V PFD—Special Use Device:
Special use
PFDs include work vests, deck suits, and
hybrids for restricted use. Hybrid vests contain
some internal buoyancy and are inflatable to
provide additional flotation. These PFDs may be
used instead of a Type I, II, or III PFD with non-
towed participants if used in accordance with the approval conditions
on the label and if worn when the boat is underway. Some Type V PFDs
provide increased protection against hypothermia.
A Type V PFD must be worn to be
counted toward the minimum carriage
requirements.
Special life jackets are available for
skiing and other water sports. These
non-Coast Guard approved life jackets
do not count as PFDs.
Safety—7
Visual Distress Signals
All vessels used on coastal waters, the Great Lakes, territorial
seas, and those waters connected directly to them up to a point
where a body of water is greater than two miles wide, must be
equipped with USCG approved visual distress signals. Your dealer
or local authorities can help you select appropriate visual distress
signals for your area.
If you are required to carry distress signals, you must have three
USCG-approved pyrotechnic devices. Be sure they are in serviceable
Horn or Whistle
All boats over 16 feet (4.8 meters) in length must be equipped
with an operable horn or whistle. Test the operation of the horn
periodically, so as to make sure it will sound when you actually need
to alert someone or another boat. The following are standard signals
when using a whistle or a horn:
•
One prolonged blast:
Warning.
•
One short blast:
Pass on my port (left) side.
•
Two short blasts:
Pass on my starboard (right) side.
•
Three short blasts:
My engines are in reverse.
•
Five or more blasts:
Danger!
Bilge Pump(s)
Bilge pump(s) are installed in your boat to remove water that may
accumulate in the bilge. Know the location of the pump(s), where they
discharge, and where switches are located. Typically there are manual
switch and/or an automatic switch position(s). On boats equipped with
the mOS system, the bilge pumps are controlled via the touch screen
for manual operation. Periodically test the operation of bilge pumps by
activating the manual switch and observing the water discharge. It is
best to leave the bilge pump switches in automatic mode, so as to not
allow excess water to unknowingly accumulate in the bilge of your boat.
If your bilge pump comes on too frequently or continuously, investigate
the source of leaking water (check for hull damage, hose or piping leaks,
missing drain plug, exhaust system or ballast system failures, etc.), and/
or return to shore. Excess water in the bilge of your boat can cause loss
of engine power, sinking, and/or capsizing.
B-I or B-II with the B designating that the material will extinguish
flammable liquids such as gasoline, oil, etc. B-I extinguishers are
required for boats less than 26 feet in length. Check periodically
to ensure that the extinguisher is in working condition and fully
charged. Check local, state and federal agencies as to laws and
regulations.
Recommended Safety Equipment
As a precaution, a prudent boater will avoid potential problems
on an outing by having additional equipment on board. Normally, this
equipment is dependent on the size and type of the body of water
and the length of the trip. Your dealer can assist you in acquiring this
additional equipment.
We recommend the following equipment:
• First aid kit and manual
• Anchor with at least 75 feet (23 meters) of line
• Mooring lines and fenders
• Bailing device (bucket, hand pump)
• Combination paddle/boat hook
• Local charts and compass
• Day/night distress signals
• Waterproof flashlight and spare batteries
• Cellular phone
• Waterproof container for cell phone
• GPS Global Positioning System
• Binoculars
• Portable AM/FM radio with weather band
• A non-electric horn or whistle
• Extra engine oil
• Tool kit
• Spare propeller and mounting hardware
• Spare fuses
• Spare keys
• Sunglasses and sun block lotion
