Polaris 2003 MSX owner manual Vehicle Modifications, Operator Fatigue and Dehydration, Hypothermia

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Operator Safety

Vehicle Modifications

Modifications to this machine could create safety hazards and reduce vehicle reliability as well as make it unsafe or illegal to operate. Do not modify this watercraft or any of its components. Any modifications to the watercraft will void your warranty.

Operator Fatigue and Dehydration

Long hours of boating with exposure to noise, vibration, sun, glare and wind can result in operator fatigue and dehydration. These conditions can affect your balance, vision, judgment and reaction time. Fatigue and dehydration can increase your risk of an accident resulting in bodily injury or death. Combining alcohol consumption with this condition greatly increases your risk of causing an accident.

Learn to recognize the early symptoms of fatigue, and allow your body to recover by taking a break from operating the watercraft. Drink plenty of non-alcoholic beverages to prevent dehydration, and wear protective riding gear to protect against exposure to weather elements.

SAFETY

Hypothermia

Your life may depend on a clear understanding of the effects of cold water on the human body. Many suspected drowning victims actually died from cold exposure (hypothermia) rather than drowning.

Hypothermia can begin in water as warm as 80° F.

(27° C). It’s a condition in which the body loses heat faster than it can produce it. Violent shivering develops, which may give way to confusion and a loss of body movement. Hypothermia can result in severe injury or death in a very short time.

To avoid hypothermia:

SDress warmly.

SWear proper gear and stay as dry as possible.

SSeek a warm environment at the first sign of hypothermia (mild shivering).

If you fall into the water:

SDo not discard clothing.

SWhile wearing your life jacket, draw your knees up toward your chest and hold them there with your arms in the Heat Escape Lessening Posture (HELP).

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Contents MSX Page We’ve created a web site, just for YOU Page Polaris Recreational Vehicles WelcomePolaris Professional Series Workmobilest Table of Contents Do Your Part Your ResponsibilitiesAge Restrictions Maintenance RequirementsIdentification Numbers Signal Words and Symbols SafetySafety Decals Safety To Avoid Collisions Righting Capsized Boat Located on the engine water manifold Informational DecalsOperator Guidelines Operator SafetySafety Personal Floatation Device Safe Riding GearEye Protection Suit/Shoes/GlovesOverloading the Watercraft Fire SafetyProtective Apparel Weather and DarknessObstacles and Shallow Water Turning and Accelerating Service and MaintenancePre-Operation Check Electrical Shock Hazard Jet Pump Water Intake SafetySafe Riding Position Lifting the WatercraftOperator Fitness Operator AwarenessBoating Under the Influence Operator Fatigue and Dehydration Vehicle ModificationsHypothermia To avoid hypothermiaExhaust Outlet Reverse Gate Features and Controls911 Reverse Operation Handle Features and Controls Engine Components under seat Engine Components New Generation Instrument NGI Accessible FunctionsPrimary Functions Function Overview Instrument Operation Display ModeCheck Engine Display WarningsRPM Limiter Standard Equipment AccessoriesOptional Equipment EPA Emissions Regulations EmissionsCalifornia Star Labels Two Stars Very Low Emission One Star Low EmissionThree Stars Ultra Low Emission Pre-Operation Inspection OperationWhat To Do Fuel Refueling Oil Ride Plate Impeller Drive Shaft Jet Pump IntakeThrottle SteeringEngine and Storage Compartments Seat Loose PartsFire Extinguisher Battery Drain Plugs and Bilge HullRiding Gear Switches/Buttons Principles of Operation Engine Break-in ProcedureOperation Right-of-way and Give-way Navigational RulesStand-on Vessel Give-way VesselEncountering Vessels RuleMeeting Vessels Crossing Paths Overtaking VesselsFishing Vessel Right-of-Way Non-Motorized CraftReading Buoys and Markers Avoid CollisionsLaunch Ramp Etiquette Stopping the Engine Launching the WatercraftStarting the Engine Before Starting the EngineIf the Engine Doesn’t Start Boarding and Starting in Deep Water Operator Only Boarding the WatercraftBoarding With a Passenger Turning the Watercraft Reverse OperationStopping the Watercraft Beaching the Watercraft Operating in Rough Conditions Towing a Disabled Watercraft Righting a Capsized Watercraft Operating With Passengers Daily Care Post Operation MaintenanceOperation Temporary Storage Transporting The Watercraft Submerged Waterlogged Engine Anti-Corrosion TreatmentEngine Water Removal Procedure General Maintenance Maintenance and LubricationMaintenance Schedule Key Periodic Maintenance ScheduleDescription Fuel System Hull / Deck / Steering / Controls Lubrication Steering Cable Joints and Inner WireThrottle Cable Drive LineThrottle Body And Oil Injection Pump Seat Latch And Hooks Steering Nozzle Pivot ShaftElectrical Connections Steering Handle Pivot ShaftSpark Plugs Maintenance and Lubrication Hull and Deck Care Polaris VES II Synthetic Lubricant OilPolaris Premium Gold Synthetic Lubricant Polaris Nature Oil Synthetic LubricantFuses Steering Cable InspectionThrottle Cable Inspection Battery Maintenance and Charging BatteryReplenishing Battery Fluid AntidoteBattery Removal Battery Charging Battery Storage Battery InstallationJet Pump Water Inlet Screen Salt Water and Unclean Water CareCooling System Flushing Engine and Exhaust System Draining Extended StorageWatercraft Engine Fogging Procedure Cleaning Lubrication Engine Doesn’t Turn Over Engine TroubleshootingEngine Turns Over But Doesn’t Start Engine Runs Irregularly, Stalls or Misfires Possible Weak Spark Cause SolutionEngine Backfires Engine OverheatsEngine Pings or Knocks Engine Loses PowerUnusual Noise or Vibration From Propulsion System Engine RPM is Too High With Limited SpeedOil and Lubricants Polaris ProductsCapacities / Dimensions SpecificationsPropulsion Obtaining Service and Warranty Assistance WarrantyWarranty Policy Engine Oil HOW to Obtain Warranty ServicePolaris Watercraft Engines California Emission Control System Limited WarrantyOWNER’S Warranty Responsibilities 109 Emissions Index111