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!
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.