Safety information

●Avoid sharp turns or other maneuvers that make it hard for others to avoid you or un- derstand where you are going.

●Avoid areas with submerged objects or shallow water.

●Ride within your limits and avoid aggressive maneuvers to reduce the risk of loss of con- trol, ejection, and collision.

●Take early action to avoid collisions. Re- member, boats do not have brakes, and stopping the engine or reducing throttle can reduce the ability to steer. If you are not sure that you can stop in time before hitting an obstacle, apply throttle and turn in anoth-

er direction.

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Weather

Stay informed about the weather. Check weather forecasts before boating. Avoid boating in hazardous weather.

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Accident reporting

Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident Report with their state boating law enforcement agency if their boat is involved in any of the following accidents:

1.There is loss of life or probable loss of life.

2.There is personal injury that requires medical attention beyond first aid.

3.There is property damage to boats or oth- er property over a certain amount.

4.There is complete loss of a boat. Contact local law enforcement personnel if a report is necessary.

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Boat education and training

Operators should take a boating safety course. This may be required in your state. Many of the organizations listed in the next section can provide information about courses in your area.

You may also want to consider an Internet- based program for basic boater education. The Online Boating Safety Course provided by the BoatU.S. Foundation, is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and recognized by the United States Coast Guard. Most, but not all, states accept this course to meet their minimum requirements. While it cannot replace an in-depth course such as one offered by the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Power Squad- ron, or other organization, this online course does provide a general overview of the basics in boating safety, requirements, navigation, and operation. Upon successful completion of the course, the user can download a certificate of completion immediately or, for a small charge, request one by mail. To take this free course, go to boatus.org.

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Passenger training

Make sure at least one other passenger is trained to operate the boat in the event of an emergency.

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Boating safety publications

Be informed about boating safety. Additional publications and information can be obtained from many boating organizations.

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Laws and regulations

Know the marine laws and regulations where you will be boating- and obey them. Several sets of rules prevail according to geographic location, but all are basically the same as the International Rules of the Road. The rules presented in the following section are condensed - and have been provided for your convenience only.

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