1. Never operate a boat while under the influ-
ence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so is a
Federal offense. Make sure only qualified
drivers operate your boat.
2. Keep your boat and its equipment in safe
operating condition. Regularly inspect the
hull, engine, safety equipment and all other
boating gear.
3. Keep all lifesaving equipment including fire
extinguisher in safe operating condition and
in easily accessible locations. All passen-
gers should know where this equipment is
and how to use it.
4. Use extreme CAUTION while fueling your
boat. Become familiar with the capacity of
your boat’s fuel tank and fuel consumption
for commonly used RPMs. Avoid fueling at
night except under well-lit conditions. Gas
spills are hard to see in the dark.
5. Keep enough fuel on board for your planned
cruising requirements as well as for
changes in your plans due to adverse
weather or other situations. We recommend
the 1/3 rule: use 1/3 of your fuel to reach
your destination, use 1/3 to return, and
keep 1/3 in reserve.
6. Keep an eye on the weather. Be aware of
possible changing conditions by monitoring
local weather broadcasts prior to departure.
The captain or first mate should personally
monitor strong winds and electrical storms.
7. Always keep accurate up-to-date charts of
your boating area on board.
8. Before departure file your Float Plan with a
responsible person ashore.
9. Always operate your boat with consideration,
courtesy and common sense.
10. At least one other passenger aboard should
be indoctrinated on the basic operating pro-
cedures for handling your boat in the event
you unexpectedly become unable to do so.
NOTE: The presence of the boat’s maximum
capacity plate does not override your responsi-
bility to use common sense or rational
judgment. The capacity of your boat is reduced
by turbulent water and other adverse weather
conditions. You should have prior knowledge of
existing water and weather conditions before
getting underway.
SAFETY EQUIPMENT
NOTE: As the owner of the boat, you are respon-
sible for supplying a fire extinguisher approved
by the U.S. Coast Guard and all other required
safety equipment. Check state and local regula-
tions and call the U.S. Coast Guard Boating
Safety Hotline at 1-800-368-5647 for informa-
tion about required safety equipment. You
should also consider supplying additional equip-
ment recommended for your safety and that of
your passengers. A list of this equipment
appears later in this section. Make yourself
aware of its availability and its use.
PERSONAL FLOTATION DEVICES (PFDS)
You are required by Federal Regulations to have
at least one Coast Guard approved personal
flotation device (PFD) for each person in your
boat. You may not use your recreational boat
unless all your PFD’s are in serviceable condi-
tion, are readily accessible, legibly marked with
the Coast Guard approval number, and are of an
appropriate size (within the weight range and
chest size marked on the PFD) for each person
on board. Your PFD provides buoyancy to help
keep your head above the water and to help you
remain in a satisfactory position while in the
water. Figures 2.1 through 2.5 show the five
types of PFDs approved by the U.S. Coast
Guard.
PFD Type I, Wearable, (Figure 2.1) has the
greatest required buoyancy. Its design allows for
turning most unconscious persons in the water
from face down position to a vertical or slightly
backward, face-up position. Type I is most effec-
tive for all waters, especially offshore when
rescue may be delayed.
2-2
Each time you fill up, inspect fuel lines
for leaks and hose deterioration, and
be sure the engine compartment is
free of gasoline vapors. Leaking fuel is
a fire and explosion hazard and can
cause severe injury or death. The use
of alcohol modified fuels can cause
deterioration of the fuel system.
