!
Your degree of enjoyment on the water depends on
you, your equipment and other people who, like
yourself boat responsibly. As a boat operator you
should:
• Make sure that all occupants always wear a
U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while
on the water.
• All boat operators should complete a boating
safety course (a requirement in many states).
• All boat operators must become familiar with
the proper operation of all vessel features
prior to departure.
• Always maintain a safe speed.
• Be aware of conditions in every direction always
when underway.
• Mind your wake. It can capsize a small boat
or damage moored boats or other property. You
are responsible for damage caused by your
wake.
• Reduce speed and post a lookout to identify
hazards when:
-Visibility is impaired
-In rough water
-In congested waterways
• Display navigation lights between sunset and
sunrise and during periods of restricted visibility,
such as rain, fog, etc.