Carol Carmody, acting chairperson for the National Transportation Safety Board, caught a ride on the Sea-Doo GTX 4-TEC during an event introducing the new-for-2002 O.P.A.S. system.

Carol Carmody, acting chairperson for the National Transportation Safety Board, caught a ride on the Sea-Doo GTX 4-TEC during an event introducing the new-for-2002 O.P.A.S. system.



The National Transportation Safety Acting Chairperson Carol Carmody recognized Bombardier Recreational Products for responding to the Board's recommendation for product design safety improvements with its Off Power Assisted Steering system system, according to a press release from Bombardier. The O.P.A.S. system is designed to provide added maneuverability by assisting the steering of the watercraft in off-power operation.

"Recreational boating safety, including personal watercraft safety, is everyone's responsibility",
Carmody said during the August 25 introduction of the new system. "The Safety Board wants to be sure that PWC activities remain safe and enjoyable for everyone. We congratulate Bombardier for its innovative action. I hope other PWC manufacturers will take similar action to advance personal watercraft safety."

The Sea-Doo O.P.A.S. system uses a dual-rudder design that assists the watercraft to decelerate and redirect its path when the throttle is released or the power is turned off and the handlebars are turned to one side. The system will be offered on the all-new 2002 Sea-Doo GTX 4-TEC and GTX DI watercraft and the entry level 2002 Sea-Doo GTI LE and GTI watercraft.

"Promoting responsible boating has always been one of Bombardier's motivations in advancing technology to new levels," said Michel Baril, president and COO of Bombardier Recreational Products. "The new O.P.A.S. system greatly enhances driver maneuverability during off-throttle and off-power situations"