Safety Information Basic Safety Rules of Boating High Performance Boat Operation We recommend that you contact your local boating or- ganization for more detailed information on safety afloat. High performance is not only defined by engine size, but by a combination of engine power (horsepower), hull design, and the size of the boat. Your new en- gine(s) produce a high power output. Depending on the boat type, the top speed may be much higher than what you are accustomed to. Shut off the engine when people who are in the water come near the boat. Propellers are inherently dangerous and, as such, are potential safety hazards.
Make sure that the propeller is not operating when people who are in the water come near the boat. High speed operation requires an experienced opera- tor who has mastered handling of high performance boats. It is advisable that you learn the boat’s behavior before you take passengers on board. Inform your passengers about your boat’s characteristics and the maneuvers you intend to do. Use the boat’s perform- ance with due consideration and care! Avoid standing up or shifting weight suddenly in small, lightweight boats. Keep your passengers seated in seats. The boat’s bow, gunwale, transom, and seat backs are not intended for use as seats.
When operating at high speeds, remember that other boaters may not realize the speed at which you are travelling, especially when you close in on another boat from astern or from ahead. Always keep a good distance to allow for the unexpected! Always be pre- pared for what other boaters may do unexpectedly. High speed driving requires the driver to give a high degree of attention to boat operation and surrounding conditions. Insist on the use of personal flotation devices by all passengers at all times. 7743722 - Downloaded from www.volvopenta.com 13/05/2008 20:17:06 Know the “rules of the road” and obey them. If you are not familiar with the “rules of the road,” take the U.S.
Coast Guard’s boater safety course. You may find information about boating safety at WWW.USCGBOATING.ORG and WWW.CGAUX.ORG/CGAUXWEB/PUBLIC/PUB- FRAME.HTM. A boat travelling at a speed of approximately 70 M.P.H. (60 knots) covers about 101 feet (30 meters) in 1 second. The faster you go the quicker things will happen. High speed driving requires a lot of water and a good distance from possible hazards! Always allow for adequate reaction time. Always reduce speed when visibility is reduced for whatever reason. Prevent explosion and fire by maintaining your fuel delivery system in top condition. Fuel vapor is volatile; handle fuel with care.
Keep your boat and equipment neat and in top operating condition. Carry a selection of spare parts for the engine. (Volvo Penta’s on-board kit contains a selection of essential items that a boat owner should carry at all times. See your Volvo Penta dealer.) When driving, make sure that all passengers are safe- ly seated. Emphasize this especially if you have a larger, high performance cabin cruiser where one nor- mally moves about during operation. Reduce speed considerably, or stop completely if someone needs to move about the boat. NEVER OPERATE THE BOAT IF YOU ARE UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF DRUGS OR ALCOHOL. The driver should always use the emergency stop switch!
The emergency stop switch lanyard which is securely connected to the driver, immediately shuts off the engine(s) should the driver be thrown from the driving position. Even if the risk of being thrown over- board is practically nonexistent in your type of boat, the risk of the driver falling and being dazed in rough seas can be even greater. If boating in waters that are unfamiliar, obtain appropriate charts to avoid damage from under- water objects. Remember, even when the engine(s) is stopped in a high performance boat that is planing, it will travel ap- proximately 325 feet (100 meters) before dropping through the planing threshold and stopping! VPA 7743722 English 10-2004 11