6.2 Driving

As the driver of the boat you are responsible for your own safety and the safety of everyone on board.

Learn the seafaring rules and the COLREG provisions (International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea). Always adapt your speed to the prevailing conditions and pay attention to the following:

  • Wave height.

  • Comfort of your passengers. 

  • Your own wake. Observe wake wash prohibitions and reduce your speed to minimize the wake for safety and out of courtesy for others.

  • Visibility.

  • Familiarity of the route. 

  • Narrow and crowded waterways. 

  • The time required for necessary stops and the space for evasive manoeuvers.

The rotating propeller may be fatal or cause severe injury for persons in the water.

Always stop the engine when a swimmer is approaching the boat or climbing aboard.

Parent topic: Operation