What does a boat owner need to do while water is being supplied during motor flush decontamination?

During motor flush decontamination, a boat owner needs to start the engine while water is being supplied. This is crucial because running the engine allows water to circulate through the cooling system, ensuring that any invasive species or debris present in the engine is flushed out effectively. The process is designed to remove any aquatic invasive species that may have been introduced to the waterway, and the engine must be operational for the flushing to achieve maximum effectiveness.

Additionally, keeping the engine running during this stage helps maintain proper pressure and flow, which is necessary for effective cleaning. Engaging the propeller is not relevant to the flushing procedure, as it does not contribute to the decontamination of the engine, and turning off the engine would prevent the flushing system from working as intended. Removing the drain plug is also not necessary during this process because the goal is to ensure the system is thoroughly flushed while water is circulated through it.