4.4.3 Safety labels on board

The safety labels on your boat emphasize important safety precautions, which every crew member must pay attention to.

Figure 1. Location of safety labels on your boat
Table 1. Safety labels on board
Number Label Clarification

1

Indicates a lifting point.

2

WARNING

Keep stairs and door shut while underway.

3

WARNING

Carbon monoxide (CO) can cause brain damage or death. Carbon monoxide can be present in the cabin. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of consciousness. Get fresh air if anyone shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. Get fresh air if carbon monoxide detector alarm sounds. Carbon monoxide detector must be functioning at all times.

4

DANGER

Leaving window open could induce exhaust fumes into cabin resulting in severe personal injury or death.

5

WARNING

Running the boat when the door marked with the warning is open could induce exhaust fumes into cabin. See the owner’s manual for instructions concerning carbon monoxide.

6

Indicates a designated emergency exit.

7

The maximum load allowed on the bathing platform is 300 kg (660 lb).

8

Indicates the location of a fire extinguisher.

9

WARNING

No ventilation is provided. Fuel vapors are a fire and explosion hazard. To avoid injury or death, do not store fuel or flammable liquids here.

10

STOP AQUATIC HITCHHIKERS

Recreational boating may spread aquatic invasive species. Clean off visible aquatic plants, animals, and mud from the boat, engine, trailer, and equipment before leaving water access. Drain the engine, bilge, and other water containing devices. Let everything dry for at least five days or wipe with a towel before reuse.

11

WARNING

The water in the fresh water system is non-potable. Do not drink it.

12

Indicates a risk of head injury due to reduced headroom.

13

WARNING

A rotating propeller may cause a serious injury or death. Shut off the engine when there are people in the water near the boat.

14

DANGER

Carbon monoxide (CO) can cause brain damage or death. Engine and generator exhaust contains odorless and colorless carbon monoxide gas. Carbon monoxide will be around the back of the boat when engines or generators are running. Move to fresh air if you feel nausea, headache, dizziness or drowsiness.

15

WARNING

Electrical shock and fire hazard. Failure to follow these instructions may result in injury or death.

  1. Turn off the boat’s shore power connection switch before connecting or disconnecting the shore power cable.

  2. Connect the shore power cable at the boat first.

  3. If the polarity-warning indicator is activated, immediately disconnect the cables.

  4. Disconnect the shore power cable at the shore outlet first.

  5. Close the shore power inlet cover tightly.

Do not alter the shore power cable connectors.

16

WARNING

Keep the door shut when the boat is moving.

17

WARNING

Gasoline vapors are explosive! Avoid serious injury or death from fire or explosions, resulting from leaking fuel. Inspect the system for leaks at least once a year.

The contents can be under pressure. Open slowly in a well ventilated area.

The use of fuels containing ethanol higher than 10% (E-10) can damage your engine or fuel system and will void the warranty. Never use (E-85).

Open flame appliances can ignite gasoline vapors, causing death or injuries from fire or explosion. Turn off all open flame appliances when refueling.

18

WARNING

Gasoline vapours may cause fires or explosions. Do not overfill the fuel tank. Keep the boat away from flames and sparks. Do not start the engine if liquid gasoline or vapours are present. Always replace the engine cover (or seat) before starting.

19

WARNING

Leaking fuel can cause fire or explosion which may lead to serious injury or death.

20

WARNING

Swimmers can be injured by the spinning propellers when Skyhook is activated.

Before activating Skyhook, check that no one is in the water and tell the passengers not to enter water.

21

WARNING

Carbon monoxide (CO) can cause brain damage or death. Engine and generator exhaust contains odorless and colorless carbon monoxide gas. Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headache, dizziness, drowsiness, and lack of consciousness. Get fresh air if anyone shows signs of carbon monoxide poisoning. See the owner’s manual for information regarding carbon monoxide poisoning.

22

WARNING

Attach the shut down switch lanyard to a qualified operator while the engine is in operation. An uncontrolled boat may cause injury or death. Read the owner’s manual before use.

23

WARNING

A qualified operator must be in control at all times. Operation by an unqualified operator can cause loss of control. This may result in severe injury, death or property damage. Boat stability and handling will change with weight distribution. Read the owner’s manual before use.

24

WARNING

Use caution when a skier is in tow as the tow rope may backlash into the cockpit when released.

25

BOATMAN’S CHECKLIST

For maximum safety and enjoyment, check each of the items listed on the label BEFORE you start your engine:

  • DRAIN PLUGS (Securely in place?)

  • LIFE-SAVING DEVICES (One for every person on board?)

  • STEERING SYSTEM (Working smoothly and properly?)

  • FUEL SYSTEM (Adequate fuel? Leaks? Fumes?)

  • BATTERY (Fully charged? Cable terminals clean and tight?)

  • ENGINE (In neutral?)

  • CAPACITY PLATE (Are you overloaded or overpowered?)

  • WEATHER CONDITIONS (Safe to go out?)

  • ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT (Lights, horn, pump, etc. work OK?)

  • EMERGENCY GEAR (Fire extinguisher, bailer, paddle, anchor & line, signaling device, tool kit, etc. OK and available on board?)

26

DISCHARGE OF OIL PROHIBITED

The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste upon or into any navigable waters of the United States, or the waters of the contiguous zone, or which may affect natural resources belonging to, appertaining to, or under the exclusive management authority of the United States, if such discharge causes a film or discoloration of the surface of the water or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the surface of the water. Violators are subject to substantial civil penalties and/or criminal sanctions including fines and imprisonment.

27

WARNING

Death or serious injury can result if you fail to observe these safety rules:

  • Anyone who controls the boat should have taken a boating safety course and have trained in the proper operation of the boat.

  • Always operate the boat at speeds that will not put people or property in danger.

  • Be constantly aware of conditions in all directions when underway and before turning.

  • Reduce speed, use a lookout to identify possible hazards or difficulties, and turn on navigation lights when:

    • visibility is impaired;

    • in rough water; and

    • in congested waterways.

  • Watch your wake. It can capsize a small boat or damage moored boats or other property. You are responsible for damage caused by your wake.

28

Label calling attention to reading the manual and paying attention to the warning labels.

Check the equipment manufacturers’ manuals for more information about safety precautions.

Parent topic: Safety on board