Nautique 230 - Manual (Page 25)

Boating Safety
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Reporting Accidents
The USCG requires the owner or operator of a boat involved in an
accident, to report the incident to the proper marine law
enforcement agency for the state in which the accident occurred.
Immediate notification to the nearest State boating authority is
required if a person dies or disappears as a result of a recreational
boating accident. If a person dies or sustains injuries requiring
more than first aid, a formal report must be filed within 48 hours of
the accident. A formal report must be filed within 10 days for
accidents exceeding $500 in property damage or complete loss of
boat.
Rendering Assistance
If you see a distress signal or suspect a boat is in trouble, you must
assume it is a real emergency and render assistance immediately. By
law, the operator in charge of the craft is obligated to provide
assistance to any individual in danger if such assistance can be
provided safely. Failure to render assistance can result in a fine
and/or imprisonment.
The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to a "Good
Samaritan" boater providing good faith assistance, and absolves a
boater from any civil liability arising from such assistance.
Required Safety Equipment
The Federal Boat Safety Act of 1971 (FBSA/71) established
minimum safety standards for boats and associated equipment,
specified by the USCG. In addition, the ABYC and the NMMA work
with boat builders to develop voluntary standards that exceed base
requirements.
The included safety equipment on your Nautique boat meets or
exceeds the standards of the USCG, ABYC and the NMMA. Some
required safety equipment such as PFDs are not included with your
Nautique boat. Your Nautique dealer can help you choose the
appropriate equipment.
NOTICE
Many states’ equipment requirements go beyond USCG requirements.
Contact your state boating office for further information.
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