Polaris 2003 MSX owner manual Operator Awareness, Operator Fitness, Boating Under the Influence

Page 24

SAFETY

Operator Safety

Operator Awareness

A collision can cause severe injury or death. Always be aware of other watercraft, swimmers and other obstacles while operating the watercraft. Always maintain a safe distance, especially if you’re an inexperienced operator. Do not exceed idle speed if any person is within 50 feet (15 m) of the rear of the watercraft.

Operator Fitness

Safe operation of this rider-active craft requires good judgement and physical skills. Persons with cognitive or physical disabilities who operate this vehicle have an increased risk of overturns and loss of control, which could result in serious injury or death.

Riding personal watercraft is strenuous. All riders should be in good physical condition. Pregnant women should consult their physicians before riding any watercraft.

Reboarding the watercraft in deep water can also be strenuous. Operators and passengers should be physically fit enough to reboard the watercraft in deep water. Practice boarding in chest-deep water to be sure you are physically able to reboard if the need arises.

Boating Under the Influence

Operating any watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs could result in an accident and lead to severe injury or death.

More than half of all the people who drown have consumed alcohol prior to their accident. Even if you’re not intoxicated, any amount of alcohol can be a threat to your safety and the safety of others. The equivalent of one beer will impair your balance, vision,

judgment and reaction time, making you a potential danger to yourself and others.

Do not operate any watercraft while under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

22

Image 24

Contents MSX Page We’ve created a web site, just for YOU Page Welcome Polaris Recreational VehiclesPolaris Professional Series Workmobilest Table of Contents Your Responsibilities Do Your PartMaintenance Requirements Age RestrictionsIdentification Numbers Safety Signal Words and SymbolsSafety Decals Safety To Avoid Collisions Righting Capsized Boat Informational Decals Located on the engine water manifoldOperator Safety Operator GuidelinesSafety Safe Riding Gear Personal Floatation DeviceEye Protection Suit/Shoes/GlovesFire Safety Overloading the WatercraftWeather and Darkness Protective Apparel Obstacles and Shallow Water Service and Maintenance Turning and AcceleratingPre-Operation Check Jet Pump Water Intake Safety Electrical Shock HazardSafe Riding Position Lifting the WatercraftOperator Awareness Operator FitnessBoating Under the Influence Vehicle Modifications Operator Fatigue and DehydrationHypothermia To avoid hypothermiaFeatures and Controls Exhaust Outlet Reverse Gate911 Reverse Operation Handle Features and Controls Engine Components under seat Engine Components Accessible Functions New Generation Instrument NGIPrimary Functions Function Overview Display Mode Instrument OperationDisplay Warnings Check EngineRPM Limiter Accessories Standard EquipmentOptional Equipment Emissions EPA Emissions RegulationsCalifornia Star Labels One Star Low Emission Two Stars Very Low EmissionThree Stars Ultra Low Emission Operation Pre-Operation InspectionWhat To Do Fuel Refueling Oil Jet Pump Intake Ride Plate Impeller Drive ShaftSteering ThrottleEngine and Storage Compartments Loose Parts SeatFire Extinguisher Battery Hull Drain Plugs and BilgeRiding Gear Switches/Buttons Engine Break-in Procedure Principles of OperationOperation Navigational Rules Right-of-way and Give-wayStand-on Vessel Give-way VesselRule Encountering VesselsMeeting Vessels Overtaking Vessels Crossing PathsNon-Motorized Craft Fishing Vessel Right-of-WayAvoid Collisions Reading Buoys and MarkersLaunch Ramp Etiquette Launching the Watercraft Stopping the EngineBefore Starting the Engine Starting the EngineIf the Engine Doesn’t Start Boarding the Watercraft Boarding and Starting in Deep Water Operator OnlyBoarding With a Passenger Reverse Operation Turning the WatercraftStopping the Watercraft Beaching the Watercraft Operating in Rough Conditions Towing a Disabled Watercraft Righting a Capsized Watercraft Operating With Passengers Post Operation Maintenance Daily CareOperation Temporary Storage Transporting The Watercraft Anti-Corrosion Treatment Submerged Waterlogged EngineEngine Water Removal Procedure Maintenance and Lubrication General MaintenancePeriodic Maintenance Schedule Maintenance Schedule KeyDescription Fuel System Hull / Deck / Steering / Controls Steering Cable Joints and Inner Wire LubricationThrottle Cable Drive LineSeat Latch And Hooks Steering Nozzle Pivot Shaft Throttle Body And Oil Injection PumpElectrical Connections Steering Handle Pivot ShaftSpark Plugs Maintenance and Lubrication Hull and Deck Care Oil Polaris VES II Synthetic LubricantPolaris Premium Gold Synthetic Lubricant Polaris Nature Oil Synthetic LubricantSteering Cable Inspection FusesThrottle Cable Inspection Battery Battery Maintenance and ChargingReplenishing Battery Fluid AntidoteBattery Removal Battery Charging Battery Installation Battery StorageSalt Water and Unclean Water Care Jet Pump Water Inlet ScreenCooling System Flushing Extended Storage Engine and Exhaust System DrainingWatercraft Engine Fogging Procedure Cleaning Lubrication Engine Troubleshooting Engine Doesn’t Turn OverEngine Turns Over But Doesn’t Start Possible Weak Spark Cause Solution Engine Runs Irregularly, Stalls or MisfiresEngine Overheats Engine BackfiresEngine Loses Power Engine Pings or KnocksEngine RPM is Too High With Limited Speed Unusual Noise or Vibration From Propulsion SystemPolaris Products Oil and LubricantsSpecifications Capacities / DimensionsPropulsion Warranty Obtaining Service and Warranty AssistanceWarranty Policy HOW to Obtain Warranty Service Engine OilCalifornia Emission Control System Limited Warranty Polaris Watercraft EnginesOWNER’S Warranty Responsibilities 109 Index Emissions111