Walker Bay Generalion Owner's Manual - Warning
12
NAVIGATION
WARNING
Do not operate the boat under the influence of drugs or alcohol or any other impairment or disability.
CAUTION
Carry, read and understand navigation charts.
Observe right-of-way as defined by “Rules of the Road” and required by COLREGS.
Obey signs for restricted areas designated for swimming, bathing or other forms of recreation.
Learn to control your boat and know the limitations of your capabilities and the capabilities of your
boat. If necessary take a boating course to learn these limitations.
Inform someone of your Float Plan including time and place of departure, proposed route and expected
time of return.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT - BE A CLEAN BOATER
The practice of clean boating and good environmental stewardship make sense economically, for our family’s health
and safety, for the environment, and for the future of recreational boating. Clean Boating includes all aspects of boat
maintenance, operation, and housekeeping. Care must be taken during cleaning, fueling, motoring, pumpout, and trash
disposal to minimize potential effects on the aquatic environment.
Cleaning Your Boat:
When washing a boat’s deck and hull surface, people often use products that contain toxic ingredients. See MAINTE-
NANCE for guidelines on how cleaning agents should be chosen.
Fueling and Bildge Maintenance:
Take precautions not to overfill your fuel tank. If you overflow onto the boat or dock, wipe up the spill with a rag; do
not hose it into the water. If you do spill fuel or oil into the water, do not disperse it with detergent or soap! That only
sends the problem down to the seafloor where it becomes more toxic and more difficult to clean up. If the spill is large
or if it discolors the surface of the water, you must report it to the local authorities. Failure to do so is illegal and can
cost you civil penalties and/or criminal sanctions.
Exhaust Emission:
Increased exhaust emissions (hydrocarbons) cause water and air pollution. To achieve the highest efficiency, have the
engine properly tuned and the hull cleaned regularly. See the engine manufacturer’s manual for engine tuning direc-
tions.
Clean Motoring:
If you become grounded, do not attempt to motor your way out. This could cause serious damage not only to your mo-
tor and propellers, but also to the seafloor and local marine organisms. If you sight a marine mammal such as a mana-
tee, dolphin or whale, slow down and keep a safe distance of at least 100 yards. It is illegal to feed, harass, molest or
injure a marine mammal.
Clean Trash Discharge:
Stow all loose items, plastic bags, drink cans, and other articles properly so they do not blow overboard. Never discard
your garbage overboard. Whatever you take aboard, bring back.