10 BOAT BASIC SAFETY RULES CAUTION
Boating safety and the safety of your passengers is YOUR responsibility. You should fully understand and become familiar with the following basic safety rules before launching your Sardine boat.
- Never operate a boat while under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Doing so is a federal offense. Make sure only qualified drivers operate your boat.
- Your boat and equipment should be kept in safe operating condition. Regularly inspect the hull, engine, fuel lines, safety equipment and all other boating components.
- Use extreme CAUTION while fueling your boat. Become familiar with the capacity of your boat’s fuel tank and fuel consumption for commonly used RPMs. Avoid fueling at night except under well-lit conditions. Gas spills are hard to see in the dark.
- Keep enough fuel on board for your planned cruising requirements as well as for changes in your plans due to adverse weather or other situations. We recommend the 1/3 rule: use 1/3 of your fuel to reach your destination, use 1/3 to return, and keep 1/3 in reserve.
- All regulation lifesaving and fire extinguishing equipment on board, must easy to find unrestricted and in safe operating condition. All passengers should become familiar with the operation and location of all equipment.
- Keep an eye on the weather. Be aware of possible changing conditions by monitoring local weather broadcasts prior to departure. Strong winds and electrical storms should be personally monitored.
- At least one other passenger aboard should be indoctrinated on the basic operating procedures for handling your boat, in the event you unexpectedly become unable to do so.
- Never allow passengers to ride on areas of your boat other than designated seating area and all passengers should remain seated while the boat is moving.
- Never overload or improperly load to unbalance your boat.