Operators use the remote control console and have full operational control of Coastie. It is important to remember that you will always need to be able to see Coastie for safe operation. Sometimes you will need to steer Coastie by looking at his two flagpoles in a large crowd. When moving Coastie, always make sure the path is clear of children and any obstacles before you move ahead. Always maintain eye contact with the Director, as he is your safety observer while in a large crowd at a Boat Show. Coastie has many features that you will control that will maintain the children's attention. Operating Coastie in a safe manner is very important as injuries could occur during interaction and animation in close quarters. Coastie should always have some movement and be doing something active every 5 seconds so he will appear to be alive. This is where the magic of Coastie makes him so effective as the children experience a great deal of fun and gain educational value from their new friend.

Bow microphone for hearing the children: There is a microphone in the bow so the Operator can hear what the children are saying. Coastie will need to be fairly close to the children so the operator can hear and reply. Children talk very softly and the Director may need to assist with their names and responses. Do not place anything over the microphone or let it become obstructed in any way. If children lean against the microphone the operator will not hear. Be careful to keep children from putting their fingers on the microphone since this will also reduce hearing and may actually damage it or push it through the hull.Headset microphone voice transmitter: Coastie's Operator has a microphone on the headset to transmit his voice to Coastie and then through a Voice Modifier. The Voice Modifier makes the Operator's voice sound like a cartoon character voice by shifting the voice frequency up one octave. The Voice Modifier must be adjusted when a female operator takes the controls. If not, the voice will be to high. It is important to talk slow and articulate your words. If you talk to fast the children will not be able to understand Coastie.Coastie's eye lids move up and down: The eye lids move up and down, independently, or together. Children always want to touch the eye lids so it is imperative that the Director protects Coastie's eye lids and, at the same time, tactfully tell the children, "Please don't touch Coastie's eyes because it might hurt him".Coastie's eyes move left and right: The eyes move left and right. For Coastie to be alive his eyes must maintain consistent movement. Coastie should look towards the person he is talking with. The eyes are another area of concern as they are fragile and could be easily damaged. The Director must maintain control of the situation by asking the children not to touch Coastie's eyes.Coastie's eyes light up and blink: The lights behind the eyes automatically blink to the sounds of music or voice.Running lights operate by remote control: You can turn the running lights on or off. There is a port, starboard, center cabin and stern light. The lights are not regulation although in this application it isn't important.Coastie has an operational horn: Coastie's horn is very loud. Before sounding the horn the Director should tell the children to cover their ears. Younger children can be very frightened so you must be aware of the age group of your audience.Coastie has a siren: You can sound Coastie's siren. Again, the Director should warn the children, especially younger ones, in advance so that they are not frightened by the sudden noise.Coastie can play music through his remote cassette player:You can play cassette tapes through Coastie using the remote control. Remember, however, that you can only play the song that is next on the tape. One advantage of the cassette player is that you can record your own tapes and establish a song list for events and parades.Coastie can also be equipped with a remote cd player: With the remote control CD player you can play prerecorded CDs and, using the CD remote, you can select any song you wish to play. This operation of the CD must be controlled by the Director since he is with Coastie. (This is an optional accessory although it is now part of the Coastie package)Coastie can also pump his bilge: Coastie can pump his bilge but you will have to open the value inside his hull and possibly change the horn switch position. Installation varies with each boat so read the special instructions in the operations manual. The Director should have one of the children hold the bilge bucket at the through hull fitting so water doesn't get on the floor. (This is an optional accessory)Coasties mobility allows diversified movement: Coastie is very mobile and can turn left, right, go forward or backwards, spin around and dance. The dancing is initiated by rocking him fore and aft. His flags will move back and forth during his dance routine. This takes some practice on the part of the Operator.Coastie can squirt water 25 feet: If Coastie is equipped with a water squirter system you can squirt water at least 25 feet, which the children just love in warm weather. If the children are too close they can easily be squirted in face and eyes so caution is very important. The floor can also become very slippery and someone could get hurt, so consider the surface before using the Squirter.Coastie's rotating beacon controls the class: Coastie's rotating amber beacon is remote controlled. The beacon is used to calm the children down when they get to noisy and are not paying attention to the Instructor and Coastie. They should be told that they must be very quiet when the light comes on or Coastie will become very quiet and take a nap. This works very well during the class room sessions.Coastie's search light can make you a star: Coastie's search light draws a large amount of voltage from the battery. It is advisable not to used it too often. One cute little routine that can be done with the parents or children and that always brings a smile follows: Coastie says, "I can make you a Star!" (Mom Dad or Child) Then he points the search light at the individuals chest (not eyes) and says, "You're a star!" The newer Coasties have a very high candlepower search light. Extreme caution should be taken not to shine the beam directly in anyone's eyes.SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Remember that Coastie has the power to easily knock down a small 2- 4 year old child. As the Operator you must always be focused on the interaction taking place and not be distracted by other events going on around you.

PROFICIENCY OF OPERATION COMES WITH PRACTICE Once you have mastered the operational aspects of Coastie it will be just like driving a car or riding a bike. Your control will be a natural reaction with smooth and precise results. This will come with time and experience. So, practice, practice, practice!