Final answer:
The vessel operator should inform passengers about the location of life jackets, emergency procedures, and weather conditions before departing for proper boating safety.
Step-by-step explanation:
Before departing, a vessel operator should inform everyone on board about important safety protocols and the location of safety equipment. This includes:
- The location of life jackets and how to properly wear them.
- Emergency procedures, such as how to signal for help and what to do in case someone falls overboard.
- An understanding of the weather conditions and how they might affect the trip.
- The estimated time of arrival (ETA) to the destination, although this is less critical for safety.
While the ETA is useful, it is imperative that all passengers understand safety measures, such as knowing where life jackets are and how to respond in emergency situations. These are key aspects of boating safety, akin to knowing safety equipment locations in a laboratory, such as a fire extinguisher or eyewash station.