Malibu Boats Sportster Series User Manual

Also see for Response: Owner's manual Owner's manual Owner's manual Owner's manual Owner's manual

Malibu Boats Sportster Series User Manual Manual pdf 10 page image

1-44) Navigation Lights: Recreational boats are required to display navigational lightsbetween sunset and sunrise and other periods of reduced visibility (fog, rain,haze, etc.). Your navigation lights are provided to keep other boats informed ofyour presence and course. It is up to you to make sure they are operational andturned on when required.EmergenciesGiving AssistanceMany of the distress calls are not true emergencies. In most cases the boat is disabled forone reason or another, but there is no immediate danger of death or serious injury.However, emergencies can occur and you should know how to cope with them. If youobserve a boat in distress, assume it is a true emergency. Proceed to the scene and renderassistance. Federal law requires boat operators to offer assistance and aid to others. Thelaw’s “Good Samaritan” clause absolves you from any civil liability in the event that yourassistance causes injury or property damage.There is a way to handle nearly every emergency if you don’t panic. Learn your boatinglessons and safety procedures well, and you will have the confidence and ability tohandle an emergency should one arise.FiresMany boat fires involve flammable liquids such as gas or oil. Many inboard fires start inthe bilge area which at times can be filled with gas vapors. Since gas vapors cannot beseen, boat fires tend to travel very fast. If you encounter a fire onboard, turn off theengine immediately. If you have a fire extinguisher onboard and access to the fire, it maybe controllable. Direct the contents of the extinguisher at the base of the flames. Throwburning materials overboard if possible. Put on PFDs if not already on, signal for helpand prepare to abandon the boat if necessary.ReportingBoat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident report with their stateboating law enforcement agency when their boat is involved in certain boating accidents.A boating accident must be reported if there is a loss or probable loss of life, personalinjury requiring medical attention, damage exceeding $500, or there is a complete loss ofthe boat. If any of these conditions arise seek further assistance from local lawenforcement personnel.