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The boat can capsize, swamp or sink. In addition: • Stability may be substantially reduced if equipment is added above the deck. • Stability is substantially reduced by loose fluids or weight within the hull. Keep bilge area as dry as possible. ! WARNING Distribute passengers and gear as uniformly as possible from front to rear and left to right. The manufacturer's load rating is the maximum allowed under calm conditions. Reduce boat loading if weather, water or other conditions are adverse. 11. Maintain Control On the water there are no marked traffic lanes, no traffic signs or lights, and boats have no turn signals or brakes. The boat operator must keep her or his attention focused not only on what's ahead but what's on the left, right and behind the boat. Observe the safety rules listed below: The operator must always be alert to approaching boats (from the rear, right and left sides, as well as those ahead). In addition, the operator must be on the lookout for people in the water, partially submerged debris, and other navigational hazards such as rocks, sand bars, and dangerous currents, to name a few. Your passengers are relying on you to operate and maneuver the boat safely so that they are not in danger of going overboard. If you turn too quickly, increase or decrease speed abruptly, your passengers are at risk of being thrown overboard or thrown about the boat. When visibility becomes impaired because of weather, time of day or high bow angle you must slow down so that you have sufficient time to react if an emergency occurs. Nearby boats face similar risks in avoiding a collision with you. General Considerations • Know how your boat handles under different conditions. Recognize your limitations and the boat's limitations. Modify speed in keeping with weather, sea, and traffic conditions. • Instruct passengers on the fundamentals of operating your boat in case you are unable to do so. • You are responsible for passengers' actions. If they place themselves or the boat in danger, immediately correct them. 12. Weather There are four design categories of boats based upon their ability to withstand wind and sea or water conditions: A. Ocean Wind speed: above 40 knots (46 mph) Wave height: above 4 meters (13 feet) Boat may be used for extended ocean voyages. B. Offshore Maximum wind speed: 40 knots (46 mph) Maximum wave height: 4 meters (13 feet) Boat can be used offshore, but not for extended ocean voyages. C. Inshore Maximum wind speed: 27 knots (31 mph) Maximum wave height: 2 meters (6.5 feet) Boat use is limited to coastal waters, large bays, estuaries, lakes and rivers. ! WARNING Death or serious injury can result if you fail to observe these safety rules: • Anyone who controls the boat must have taken a boating safety course and have been trained in the proper operation of the boat. • Always operate the boat at speeds that will not put people or property in danger. • Be constantly aware of conditions in all directions when underway and before turning. • Reduce speed, use a lookout to identify possible hazards or difficulties, and turn on navigation lights when: - visibility is impaired; - in rough water; and - in congested waterways. • Watch your wake. It can capsize a small boat or damage moored boats or other property. You are responsible for damage caused by your wake. D. Sheltered waters Maximum speed: 15 knots (18 mph) Maximum wave height: 0.5 meters (1.5 feet) Boat use is limited to small lakes, rivers and canals. Your 242 Islander boat is Design Category C. The wind speed and wave height specified as the upper limit for your category of boat does not mean that you or your passengers can survive if your boat is exposed to these conditions. It is only the most experienced operators and crew that may be able to operate a boat safely under these conditions. You must always be aware of weather conditions and head for port or protected waters in sufficient time to avoid being caught in high winds and rough water. Do not take chances! Getting caught in severe weather is hazardous. Bad weather and/or rough sea or water conditions can cause an unsafe situation. Consult local weather information, or listen to the NOAA weather reports for the latest weather conditions or any impending deterioration of the weather before setting out and while underway. The following are a few basic weather-related rules: • Check the weather forecast and the water conditions before leaving and while underway. • A sudden change in wind direction or speed or an increase in wave height indicates deteriorating weather. • Have everyone wear a personal flotation device. • If a storm approaches, immediately seek a safe harbor. • If a storm hits, have everyone sit in the cabin or on the cockpit deck in the boat. Head the bow into the wind with enough power to maintain slow headway. • If you encounter fog, determine your position, set a safe course, slow down and alert other boats of your presence with a sound signal. • If a light...