Copyright © 2003 by Boat Ed. All rights
reserved. No part of this BOAT ALABAMA
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Class Plan
 Lesson One:
KNOW YOUR BOAT

BEFORE YOU GET UNDERWAY
Lesson Two:
 Lesson Three: OPERATING YOUR BOAT SAFELY

Lesson Four:
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS OF
BOATING
 Lesson Five:
BOATING EMERGENCIES

ENJOYING WATER SPORTS
Lesson Six:
LESSON ONE
KNOW YOUR BOAT
Lesson One: Key Topics
•
Vessel classifications
•
Hull types and shapes
• Vessel parts
•
Kinds of engines
•
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
•
Sailboats
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Objectives
You should…

be able to identify the different types of hulls and
their performance characteristics

be able to identify the basic parts of a boat, a PWC
and a sailboat

be able to identify the different kinds of engines
commonly found in recreational vessels and their
uses
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Length Classes
Vessels divided into classes by length which dictates
equipment necessary to comply with federal and state
laws. Length measured from tip of bow in straight line
to stern
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Length Classes (cont.)
Four most common length classes are:
• Less than 16 feet (Class A)
•
16 feet to less than 26 feet (Class 1)
•
26 feet to less than 40 feet (Class 2)
•
40 feet to less than 65 feet (Class 3)
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Hull Types and Shapes
Displacement hulls
are designed to cut
through water
Planing hulls rise up
and glide on top of
water
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Hull Shapes and Types (cont.)
There are four basic hull shapes
Hull Shapes
Advantages
Disadvantages
Flat Bottom Hull
Planing hull with shallow
draft; good for fishing in
small lakes and rivers
Rides roughly in
choppy waters
Deep Vee Hull
Planing hull gives
smoother ride in rough
water
Takes more power
to move than a flat
bottom hull; may
roll or bank in sharp
turns
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Hull Shapes and Types (cont.)
Hull Shapes
Advantages
Disadvantages
Round Bottom Hull
Typical displacement hull
that moves easily through
water even at slow speeds
Has a tendency to roll
unless it has a deep
keel or stabilizers
Multi-Hull
Another displacement
hull; has greater stability
because of wide beam
Needs large area
when turning
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Vessel Terminology
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Vessel Terminology (cont.)
Additional term:
Transom: Vertical surface at the back of the hull
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Engine Types - Outboards
•
Complete power unit
ranging in size from
under one horsepower
to more than 300 hp
•
Higher HP-to-WT ratio
than other engine types
•
Separate fuel tanks that
are either portable or built into vessel
•
Internal combustion engines
•
Steered by controlling tiller or steering wheel
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Engine Types - Inboards
•
Mounted inside hull’s
midsection or in front
of transom
•
Four-stroke automotive
engine adapted for
marine use, if on vessel
•
Two-stroke engine on PWC
•
Steering is controlled by rudder behind the propeller
(except PWC and jet drive boats)
•
PWC steering controlled by jet flow of water
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Engine Types - Inboards
•
Known as inboard/outboards (I/O),
combine features found on both
•
Mounted inside vessel and
attached through transom
to drive unit
•
Four-cycle automotive
engines adapted for
marine use
•
Steering controlled by drive unit that swivels like outboard
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Engine Types – Jet Drives
•
Jet drives propel vessel by jet of water forced out back of
vessel. Directing jet steers vessel
•
PWC are most common type of vessels using jet drive
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Engine Types – Jet Drives
•
May power larger vessels – commonly used for vessels
designed for shallow water conditions. Jet boats can
have inboard or outboard jet drives
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
•
PWC are small vessels which use an inboard jet drive as
primary source of propulsion. They are designed to be
operated by a person sitting, standing, or kneeling on the
vessel
•
U. S. Coast Guard includes PWC in group of inboard
vessels, less than 16 feet in length
•
PWC are subject to same laws and requirements of any
other vessel plus some specific to PWC
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Sailboats
Sailboats range in size and
complexity, but basically consist
of four components:
• Hull carries passengers and
supports rigging
•
Rigging includes lines, sails,
boom and masts
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Sailboats (cont.)
•
Keel or centerboard is attached to
bottom of hull and keeps vessel
from sliding sideways through
water
•
Rudder is used to steer sailboat
and is controlled by tiller or
steering wheel
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Review Questions
What are four length classes of vessels?
What are the two basic types of vessel hulls?
Name four basic hull shapes
Which side of the vessel is the port side?
Which part of the vessel is the stern?
What are the three basic types of engines?
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Review Questions (cont.)
What do stern drive and inboard engines have in
common?
How does the U. S. Coast Guard classify a PWC?
Are personal watercraft subject to the laws and
requirements of other vessels?
What do you call a device that is used to pump water
in a desired direction under pressure?
Lesson One: Know Your Boat
Summary
 Vessels are divided into four classes by length
 Most powerboats and PWC have planing hulls; most
sailboats and cruisers have displacement hulls
 There are three kinds of engines – outboards,
inboards, and stern drives
 PWC are classified by the U. S. Coast Guard as
inboard vessels and are subject to all laws
governing vessels
LESSON TWO
BEFORE YOU GET
UNDERWAY
Lesson Two: Key Topics
• Vessel’s capacity
• Float plans
• Fueling a vessel
• Trailering
• Lines and knots
• Theft prevention
• Vessel and engine maintenance
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Objectives
You should…
 be able to locate and understand a vessel’s capacity
plate
 know how to file a proper float plan
 be able to fuel a vessel safely
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Objectives (cont.)
 be able to launch and retrieve a vessel from a trailer
safely and courteously
 know what to do to prevent theft
 know the basics of vessel and engine maintenance
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Capacity
Never take a vessel on the water with too many people
or too much gear onboard. Vessels loaded beyond
capacity will more easily swamp or capsize
•
Capacity plate is located
near the operator’s position
or on the transom
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Capacity (cont.)
•
Indicates maximum weight
capacity (including passengers,
gear and motors) or maximum
number of people vessel can
safely carry
•
Federal law requires single-hull
vessels have capacity plate if
less than 20 feet in length
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Capacity (cont.)
•
Recommended capacity for PWC and sailboats is found in
the owner’s manual and on manufacturer’s warning decal
•
Vessels with no capacity plate
Number of people = vessel length (ft.) X vessel width (ft.)
15
•
On outboard powerboats capacity plate also displays
recommended maximum horsepower rating
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Float Plan
For shorter daytime outings, at minimum you should:
•
Inform a responsible person of:
─ Where you are boating and when you
are returning
─ Telephone number of local authorities
to call if you are overdue
•
Contact this person again when you
return or if you decide to extend your trip
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Float Plan (cont.)
For extended outings, leave float
plan with someone. Float plan
should:
•
Describe vessel, its number, size,
make, horesepower and engine type
•
Lists where you are going, detailed
route, and your expected return time
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Float Plan (cont.)
•
Give number of passengers, their
names, addresses, and a contact in
case of emergency
•
Include description and license plate
of tow vehicle and trailer
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Fueling Your Vessel
•
Never smoke or strike a match while fueling or when
near fueling dock
•
Try to fuel in daylight. If light is needed, use a flashlight
or spark proof light
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Fueling Your Vessel (cont.)
Before fueling your vessel:
•
Check fuel lines for leaks;
replace cracking hoses; tighten
connections frequently
•
Turn off engines and electrical
equipment; shut off fuel valves;
close all windows, doors and
openings
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Fueling Your Vessel (cont.)
Before filling a tank or gas can:
•
Remove portable tanks from vessel
•
Touch fuel pipe or tank with spout to prevent build up
of static electricity
•
Never fill tank to brim; leave room for gas to expand
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Fueling Your Vessel (cont.)
After fueling:
•
Open all windows and hatches
•
If vessel equipped with a power ventilation system, turn it
on for at least four minutes, prior to starting your engine
to help eliminate gas vapors in the bilge
•
Put fill cap on tightly to prevent vapors from escaping
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Fueling Your Vessel (cont.)
•
Immediately wipe up any spilled gas
•
Store gas onboard in safety-approved storage tank, away
from engine, in an area of good ventilation
•
Before starting engine, sniff bilge and engine
compartment for fumes – consider gas vapor detection
and alarm device
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Fueling A PWC
•
Check entire fuel system for leaks
•
Check connections frequently
•
Avoid spills when fueling
in or near the water
•
After fueling, sniff engine
compartment for any
evidence of gas fumes
•
Do not tip a PWC to fill all
the way up
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
PWC Fuel Selector Switch
•
Off position used when
PWC’s engine is turned
off
•
On position used while
you are underway
•
Reserve position used if
you run out of fuel while
underway
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel
Have the right trailer for your vessel:
•
Width and length of vessel determine width and length
of trailer
•
Weight of vessel, engine
and gear should not
exceed 90% of trailer’s
recommended load
capacity
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
Check owner’s manual of towing vehicle to make sure
it is rated to tow combined weight of vessel, motor and
trailer
•
Most trailers connect to ball hitch on towing vehicle. If
using vehicle bumper mounted hitch, do not exceed
weight rating of bumper
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
Coupler size must match the size of the ball hitch -never use a ball hitch that is too small:
─ Size rating will be stamped on the ball
─ On the trailer, size will be stamped
on the coupler
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
Tongue weight is the weight a loaded trailer places on the
towing hitch and should be 7 - 10% of combined weight
of the vessel and trailer
•
Trailers should be equipped
with two safety chains that
are strong enough to control
the trailer if the hitch or
coupling breaks
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
Before leaving home you should:
•
Secure all gear firmly and arrange it so that weight is
evenly distributed
•
Secure vessel with several tie-down straps and/or safety
lines. Never trust bow winch alone to hold vessel
•
Inspect all lines, tie-downs and winch
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
Tilt and secure vessel engine to increase road clearance
•
Inspect hitch and safety chains. Criss-cross chains when
attaching them to towing vehicle
•
Grease bearings in hubs of axles
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
Make sure trailer lights work properly – check brakes if
trailer has them
•
Make sure you have spare trailer tire – check pressure of
all tires
•
Tighten the lug bolts on the trailer wheels to the
recommended torque
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
While on the road you should:
•
Steer wider on corners to clear curbs
•
Allow more time and greater distances for stopping
•
Remember length added by your trailer when passing
other vehicles
•
On long trips, pull over periodically to check rigging, tires
and bearings
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
When launching your vessel from a trailer:
•
Prepare your vessel well away from the boat ramp
─ Transfer all equipment and supplies to the vessel
─ Disconnect trailer lights from the towing vehicle
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
─ Remove all tie-downs except winch line before backing
down the ramp
─ Make sure drain plug is placed in the drain hole of vessel
─ Tie a line to the bow to maintain control of the vessel while
launching
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
Back the vessel into the water so that the
lower unit of the engine can be lowered
and submerged with the vessel still on
the trailer
─ Set parking brake on the towing
vehicle
─ Start vessel’s engine with lower
unit submerged
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
Once engine is started and warmed up, back trailer into
water until vessel floats; undo winch line, put vessel
engine in reverse and back slowly off trailer
•
When launching (and retrieving) a sailboat, watch for
overhead wires
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
Retrieving your vessel back onto trailer:
•
Back trailer into water so that 2/3 of the rollers or bunks
are submerged. Set parking brake of towing vehicle and
put it in park or first gear
•
Drive vessel onto trailer
far enough so that winch
line can be attached to
bow eye of vessel.
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
Finish pulling vessel onto trailer by cranking the winch
•
Shut off engine and raise outboard or stern drive
•
Tow vessel out of water and off the ramp well out of way
of others
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
While at the landing, remove and dispose of all weeds
from vessel and trailer; remove drain plug to release bilge
water, and drain any live wells to help prevent spread of
aquatic nuisance plants and animals
•
Secure items inside vessel
•
Reattach tie-downs and plug in trailer lights – make sure
trailer lights are working before departing
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
Practice courtesy on the boat ramp:
•
Prepare vessel for launching well away from the ramp
•
Use at least two experienced
people to launch and retrieve
the vessel
•
Never block ramp with an
unattended vessel or vehicle
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Trailering Your Vessel (cont.)
•
When retrieving, do not pull your vessel into a launch
lane until towing vehicle is at ramp
•
After retrieving vessel from water, pull it well away from
ramp before preparing it for drive home
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Lines and Knots
Six basic knots are:
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Preventing Theft
•
Store vessel so it is not easily seen and trailer cannot
be moved
•
Chain and lock outboard motor and fuel tanks to vessel
•
Mark or engrave all equipment with identifier
•
Photograph or video tape interior and exterior of vessel
showing all installed equipment and additional
equipment
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Preventing Theft (cont.)
•
Title and register vessel. Make complete inventory of
equipment, vessel and trailer
•
Remove expensive electronics or other valuables if
vessel is left unattended
•
Cover vessel and always remove keys and registration
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Vessel Maintenance
•
Examine interior and exterior of hull when it is out of the
water
•
Hang canoes upside down
•
Store vessels in dry area out of the sun; if stored outside
for long period of time, place trailer on blocks. Keep
covered but leave opening to circulate air
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Vessel Maintenance (cont.)
•
Clean lines and ropes; keep them out of the sun when not
in use
•
Clean sails with soft brush and examine for small tears or
open seams
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Engine Maintenance
•
Keep engine well tuned
•
Check oil and fluid levels before every outing
•
Change oil according to the owner’s manual
•
Make sure battery connections are tight, clean and free
of corrosion
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Engine Maintenance (cont.)
•
If battery is weak when you start the engine, recharge it
•
Keep exterior of engine clean
•
Check engine for anything that requires tightening,
repairing or replacing
•
Never use automotive electrical parts; use marine parts
only
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Boating Accessories
•
Carry spare parts and extra fuel and oil
•
Carry emergency equipment and supplies
─ Bailer
– Tool kit
─ Anchor
– Throw rope
─ Paddles
– Visual distress signals
required on high seas
and coastal waters
─ Flashlight
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Boating Accessories (cont.)
•
Carry compass, maps and a radio or mobile phone
•
Carry personal supplies and extra clothing
─ First aid kit
– Cap
─ Sun block lotion
– Gloves
─ Sun glasses
– Shoes
─ T-shirt
– Wet suit
─ Drinking water
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Review Questions

What information is displayed on the capacity plate
of an outboard vessel?
 Give three things which should be included on your
float plan before you embark on a cruise

What should you do before fueling your vessel?

What fraction is used in a rule of thumb to prevent
running out of fuel?
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Review Questions (cont.)
 If the weight of the vessel and its engine is more
than 90% of the recommended load capacity of the
trailer, should you get a larger trailer?
 What is tongue weight?

Tongue weight of a trailer should be what percent of
the vessel and trailer weight?
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Review Questions (cont.)

Where should you prepare your vessel before
launching it from the trailer?

Name (and demonstrate) six nautical knots

Name three engine maintenance tips
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Summary
 Don’t exceed the maximum carrying capacity or
horsepower stated on your vessel’s capacity plate
 Turn on your vessel’s power ventilation system for
at least four minutes after fueling, before starting
the engine. Use the “sniff test” after fueling a PWC
before starting the engine
 Before trailering a vessel, make sure the coupler is
securely attached and criss-cross the safety chains
Lesson Two: Before You Get Underway
Summary (cont.)
 When launching a vessel from a trailer, make sure
the drain plug is in. After backing down the ramp,
start the engine while the vessel is still on the trailer
 Be considerate of other boaters when launching and
retrieving your vessel from the trailer
LESSON THREE
OPERATING YOUR
BOAT SAFELY
Lesson Three: Key Topics
• Casting off and docking • Anchoring
•
Navigation rules
•
Sound signals
•
•
•
Types of navigation
lights
Encountering other
vessels at night
Navigational aids
• River navigation, dams,
locks and bridges
• Compasses and charts
• PWC operation
• Ignition safety switches
• Steering pull (“torque”)
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Objectives
You should…
 be able to cast off and dock under different wind and
current conditions
 know three major responsibilities of a vessel operator
 know what to do when encountering another vessel
 be able to use and interpret sound signals
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Objectives (cont.)
 know types of night navigation lights and how to
interpret them
 know what to do when encountering Lateral System
buoys and markers
 understand dangers inherent in boating near dams,
locks and bridges and effects of tides and currents
on vessels
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Objectives (cont.)
 be able to anchor vessel correctly
 be able to operate PWC safely and courteously
 be strongly aware that power is required for steering
control of PWC
 understand how ignition safety switches work
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Casting Off
If the wind or current is holding the vessel to the dock:
•
Cast off stern line. Move
and secure bow line to
mid-vessel position on dock
•
Put vessel slowly into forward
gear and steer bow into dock
•
After stern swings away from
dock, cast off bow line, and
back away
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Casting Off (cont.)
If the wind or current is pushing the vessel away from
the dock:
•
Cast off all lines
•
Push vessel away from dock
(for your vessel to be able to
turn, stern must be free to
move)
•
Shift to forward and slowly
leave area
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Docking
Docking basics:
•
Approach into wind if possible and move slowly
•
Bring vessel to stop by using reverse gear
•
Never try to stop with your arms or legs
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Docking (cont.)
If there is no wind or current:
•
Approach dock at a narrow
angle (10° to 20°)
•
When close enough, secure
bow line
•
Swing stern in, secure it, then
shut off engine
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Docking (cont.)
If wind or current is pushing you away from dock:
•
Point bow toward dock at
40° to 50° angle; approach
dock and secure bow line
•
Use reverse to swing in stern
•
Secure stern line
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Docking (cont.)
If the wind or current is pushing you toward the dock:
•
Approach parallel to dock
•
Allow wind and current to push you to dock
•
Secure bow and stern lines
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Docking (cont.)
If you must approach downwind or down current:
•
Move as slowly as possible while still retaining control
•
Be ready to use reverse to stop and maintain your
position
•
Secure stern line first and then bow line
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules
Three basic rules of navigation:
•
Practice good seamanship - Every operator should take
action in ample time to avoid collision
•
Keep a sharp lookout at all times for other vessels,
navigational hazards and others in water
•
Maintain a safe speed that insures you will have ample
time to avoid collision
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules (cont.)
There are two terms to help explain what to do when
encountering other vessels
•
Give-way boat – vessel which
is required to take early and
substantial action to keep
well away from other vessels
by stopping, slowing down
or changing course
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules (cont.)
•
Stand-on boat - vessel which should maintain its course
and speed unless it becomes apparent that give-way
boat is not taking appropriate action
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules (cont.)
Navigation rules depend on:
•
Type of situation: meeting head-on, crossing or
overtaking
•
Type of vessels involved: power (any vessel operating
using engine power) and sail (sailboat operating using
wind power)
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules (cont.)
When meeting another vessel head-on:
•
Power vs. Power : Neither
vessel is stand-on boat -- both
vessels should keep to
starboard (right)
•
Power vs. Sail: Powerboat is
give-way boat
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules (cont.)
When meeting another vessel in a crossing situation:
•
Power vs. Power: Vessel on
port (left) is give-way boat
•
Power vs. Sail: Powerboat is
give-way boat
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules (cont.)
When overtaking another vessel:
•
Power vs. Power: Vessel
which is overtaking
another vessel is giveway boat
•
Power vs. Sail: Vessel
which is overtaking
another vessel is giveway boat
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules (cont.)
When a sailboat encounters another sailboat:
•
•
Wind on different sides: Boat with
wind on starboard (right) side is
stand-on boat
Wind on same side: Leeward
boat is stand-on boat
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules- Exceptions
If operating a power boat, you must give-way to:
•
Vessel not under command, such as anchored or
disabled vessel
•
Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver or a vessel
constrained by its draft such as large ship in channel
•
Vessel engaged in commercial fishing
•
Sailboat under sail unless it is overtaking
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules- Exceptions (cont.)
If operating a sailboat under sail, you must give-way to:
•
Vessel not under command
•
Vessel restricted in ability to maneuver
•
Vessel engaged in commercial fishing
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules- Exceptions (cont.)
Operating in Narrow Channels:
•
A vessel in a narrow channel must keep as far to right of
channel as is safe and practical
•
If operating a power-driven vessel heading upstream on
Mississippi River system, all vessels coming toward you
from opposite direction have right-of-way and you must
give-way
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules- Exceptions (cont.)
•
You may not get in the way of vessels that can only
navigate within a channel (such as a tugboat or large ship)
if you are operating a vessel:
─ Less than 20 meters (65.6 ft.)
─ Under sail or engaged in fishing
─ Crossing channel
•
You must not anchor in a narrow channel unless
circumstances require doing so
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Rules- Exceptions (cont.)
•
You must use appropriate sound signals and use caution
while operating in a narrow channel when:
─ Overtaking or being overtaken
─ When your view is obstructed such as when you approach a
bend in the channel
•
If you are leaving a dock, slip or tie-up mooring, you must
give-way to all approaching vessels
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Sound Signals
Sound signals are composed of short and long blasts:
•
Short blast is about one second in duration
•
Prolonged blast is 4-6 seconds in duration
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Sound Signals (cont.)
Vessel operators use sound signals to communicate
change in direction to other boaters:
•
One short blast (TOOT) tells other boaters “I intend to
turn to my right”
•
Two short blasts (TOOT TOOT) tells other boaters “I
intend to turn to my left”
•
Three short blasts tells other boaters “I am backing up”
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Sound Signals (cont.)
Sound signals let other boaters know where you are
during periods of restricted visibility:
•
One prolonged blast at intervals of no more than two
minutes is the signal used by powerboats when
underway
•
One prolonged plus two short blasts at intervals of no
more than two minutes is the signal used by sailboats
under sail alone
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Sound Signals (cont.)
Sound signals are used to warn other boaters or alert
them to danger:
•
One prolonged blast is a warning signal
•
Five (or more) short, rapid blasts are used to signal
danger or to signal that you do not understand or
disagree with the other boater’s intentions
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Lights
Navigation light help you and other boaters determine
which is the give-way boat when encountering each
other at night
These lights must be displayed from sunset to sunrise
and during periods of restricted visibility
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Lights (cont.)
Sidelights – red and green lights (also called
combination lights) visible from side or head-on
•
red light indicates vessel’s port (left) side
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Lights (cont.)
•
green light indicates vessel’s starboard (right) side
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Lights (cont.)
•
Sternlight – White light seen only from behind vessel
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Lights (cont.)
•
Masthead Light – white light, which
shines forward and to both sides,
located on mast of sailboat and
required on all powerboats
─ Must be used by all vessels when
under engine power
─ Absence of this light identifies
sailboat under sail
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Navigation Lights (cont.)
•
All-Round White Light – white light seen from any direction
─ May be used to combine masthead and stern light on vessels
less than 39.4 ft in length
─ Serves as anchor light when sidelights are extinguished
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Night Navigation
•
Lights of other vessels help you determine:
─ If operating under power or sail
─ Their direction of travel
•
Apply same navigational
rules used in daytime
•
Never assume lights of
other vessels are working
properly
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Night Navigation (cont.)
•
When you see red and
white lights you must
give-way to other vessel
•
When you see white and
green lights you are the
stand-on boat; but, stay
alert
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Night Navigation (cont.)
•
When you see only a white light,
you are overtaking another
vessel or it is anchored and it is
the stand-on boat
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Night Navigation (cont.)
•
When you see red, green and white lights, you are
approaching another powerboat head-on and so both
boats must give-way
•
When you see only
red and green lights,
you are approaching
sailboat under sail
head-on and you
must give-way
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Night Navigation (cont.)
•
When you see
only a green or
only a red light,
you are
approaching a
sailboat under
sail and you
must give-way
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (ATON)
U. S. Aids to Navigation System uses nuns, cans, and
daymarks as lateral navigation markers:
•
Nuns and Cans – red triangular-shaped
(nuns) or green cylindrical-shaped (cans)
•
Lighted Buoys – marked with Lateral System
•
Daymarks – red triangles or green squares
attached permanently to structures; can be
lighted
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
Lateral Markers
Colors and numbers mean the same thing
regardless of kind of buoy or marker:
•
Red colors, red lights, and even numbers
indicate right side of channel as boater
enters from open sea or heads upstream
•
Green colors, green lights and
odd numbers indicate left side of
channel as boater enters from open
sea or heads upstream
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
•
Red and green horizontal stripes and/or
lights indicates preferred (primary channel)
─ If green on top, preferred channel is to right
─ If red on top, preferred channel is to left
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
Use this phrase as a reminder of the correct course
when returning from open waters or heading upstream:
“Red Right Returning”
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
Lateral Markers -- Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
•
Variation on U. S. Aids to Navigation System
•
Chain of local channels linked together along the Atlantic
and Gulf of Mexico coasts
•
ICW channels are marked with yellow symbols on channel
buoys and markers
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
•
Following the ICW from New Jersey to
Brownsville, TX
─ Any marker with a yellow triangle should be
passed by keeping it on the starboard (right)
side of the vessel
─ Any marker with a yellow square should be
passed by keeping it on the port (left)
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
Lateral Markers -- Western Rivers System
•
Variation on U. S. Aids to Navigation System
•
Used on the Mississippi River and tributaries above
Baton Rouge, LA, and on some other rivers that flow
toward the Gulf of Mexico
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
•
Differs from ATON lateral markers in that navigation
markers on Western Rivers System are not numbered
─ Numbers displayed below daymarks
along Western Rivers System are not
associated with right or left side of
channel
─ These numbers indicate distance from
some location, usually the river mouth
Indicates 73.5
miles from the
river mouth
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
Non-Lateral Markers
Most common are regulatory markers which use orange
markings and black lettering, found on lakes and rivers:
•
Squares provide information indicating
directions, distances, places, food and
supplies, repairs, etc.
•
Diamonds warn of dangers such as rocks,
dams, shoals, construction or stumps
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
•
Circles indicate controlled areas
such as speed limit, no fishing or
anchoring, etc.
•
Crossed diamonds indicate areas
off-limits (exclusion area) to all
vessels, such as swimming areas,
dams, and spillways
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
Other Non-Lateral Markers
•
White with red vertical stripes (Safe Water
Marker) indicate unobstructed water on all
sides; they mark mid-channels or fairways
and may be passed on either side
•
White with black vertical stripes (Inland
Waters Obstruction Marker) indicate an
obstruction to navigation; you should not
pass between these buoys and the shore
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
U. S. Aids To Navigation System (cont.)
•
White with blue horizontal stripe (Mooring Buoy)
found in marinas and other areas vessels are
allowed to anchor; these are the only buoys you
may legally tie up to
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Anchoring
Most commonly used anchors are:
•
Plow style anchor good for most
vessels; holds by digging itself into
bottom sediments
•
Fluke style anchor (Danforth®) similar
to plow style, but more lightweight
•
Mushroom anchor shouldn’t be used to
anchor vessel larger than small canoe,
rowboat, sailboat or inflatable since it
has little holding power; never use to
hold vessel in rough water or weather
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Anchoring (cont.)
Follow these guidelines when anchoring your vessel:
•
Attach 7-8 feet of galvanized chain to anchor to help
prevent abrasion of anchor line from sand or rock on
bottom
•
Select area of little or no current, protected from weather
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Anchoring (cont.)
•
Lower anchor over the bow to bottom, then slowly back
away downwind or down current
•
Never anchor from stern as this can make vessel
unstable
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Anchoring (cont.)
•
Let out 7-10 times as much line as depth of the water
•
Tie off line around a bow cleat, and pull on anchor to make
sure it is secure
Anchor Chain
Line
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Anchoring (cont.)
Guidelines for retrieving anchor:
•
Always retrieve anchor into vessel before leaving area
•
Move vessel over anchor; pulling straight up on line
should break it free
•
When anchor breaks free, stop vessel and retrieve it
•
Never drag the anchor behind vessel
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
River Navigation
Vessel operators may encounter physical structures
while underway, such as dams, bridges and locks
•
Low head and conventional dams should be avoided
─ They create dangerous
currents that can trap
vessels against face of
dam and even pull you
and your PFD under
water
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
River Navigation (cont.)
•
Dams in rivers create
different water levels
•
Locks safely
transport vessels
from one water
level to another
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
River Navigation (cont.)
•
At locks, obey all warnings signs and signals
─ Flashing red -- stay well clear of lock; do not enter
─ Flashing amber -- approach lock at safe speed
─ Flashing green -- enter the lock at safe speed
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
River Navigation (cont.)
•
Watch for bridges that provide only low clearance
─ Reduce speed
─ Proceed with caution near any bridge or man-made
structure which reduces visibility and passage
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Tides
•
Vessel operators in coastal waters need to be mindful of
effect of tides
•
Flow of tides can cause water levels to fluctuate by
several feet and also can cause strong currents
•
Tides can cause vessels to run aground in areas where
earlier navigation may have been safe
•
Change in tides also can affect docking to a fixed pier
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Compasses and Charts
Compass shows magnetic north to which you apply a
correction to determine the direction of true north
•
Useful if land is out of sight or
visibility is reduced
•
Compass should be mounted
away from iron, magnets or
electrical wiring and equipment
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Compasses and Charts (cont.)
Nautical charts are helpful when boating in bays or in
large lakes; charts give:
•
Water depths
•
Locations of channels, sand bars, rocks and vegetation
•
Most direct courses possible
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Compasses and Charts (cont.)
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Compasses and Charts (cont.)
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (PWC)
Steering and stopping a PWC:
•
PWC are steered by water being
forced through steering nozzle at
back of unit
•
Remember you must always
have power in order to maintain
steering control
•
Always allow plenty of room for
stopping
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
Courtesy on the water:
Do not jump the wake of
passing vessels, or ride too
close to another vessel:
•
Visibility around vessel
making the wake may be
blocked
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
•
Can cause a stressful environment for vessel operators
•
Wake jumping and riding too close to other vessels are
common complaints boaters have against PWC operators
Do not attempt to spray others with the wake of your
PWC – not only is it discourteous but is also
dangerous and reckless operation!
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
Excessive noise from PWC often makes them
unwelcome with other vessel operators as well as
people onshore
•
Vary your operating area and avoid congregating with
other PWC operators near shore
•
Avoid making excessive noise especially near residential
and camping areas
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
•
Avoid maneuvers that cause engine exhaust to lift out of
the water
•
Do not modify engine
exhaust system
Share waterways
responsibly with other
boaters, fishermen,
swimmers, surfers or skiers
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
Environmental considerations:
•
Do not operate in shallow water
•
Avoid creating a wake when near
shore or in narrow streams or
rivers
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
•
Do not dock or beach PWC in reeds and grasses
•
Take care not to spill oil or gasoline when fueling on or
near water
•
Never chase or disturb wildlife with your PWC
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
Other considerations:
•
Most states require everyone onboard a PWC wear a
personal flotation device (life jacket)
•
Frequently inspect your PWC’s electrical systems and
perform “sniff test” after fueling
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
•
Keep hands, feet and hair away from pump intake
•
Never exceed the load capacity of your PWC
•
Know your limits and ride accordingly
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
Reboarding a capsized PWC:
PWC are designed to allow you to fall off and reboard
from the rear
•
Manufacturers have placed
a decal at rear or bottom of
craft that indicates direction
to roll PWC to an upright
position
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Personal Watercraft (cont.)
•
Practice reboarding with someone else around to see if it
is something you could handle alone
•
Avoid riding PWC when you are very tired
•
Avoid riding where there are strong currents or winds
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Ignition Safety Switches
•
Emergency ignition safety
switch has lanyard which
attaches operator to switch
•
If lanyard is removed from
switch, the engine will shut off
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Ignition Safety Switches (cont.)
•
PWC either have an ignition safety switch or have a selfcircling feature if the operator falls off:
─ Most PWC have emergency ignition safety switch; it is
illegal to ride the PWC without attaching the lanyard
properly between the switch and operator
─ Some PWC run at idle speed and slowly circle operator if
he or she falls off
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Steering Pull (Torque)
•
When you trim your outboard engine
either “in” or “out” you may feel a
pull on the steering wheel
•
This pull (torque) can cause vessel to
go into a rapid, sharp turn if steering
wheel is released
•
Always keep a firm grip on the
steering wheel
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Steering Pull (Torque) (cont.)
To trim outboard motor:
•
Trimming in (down) lowers bow
and causes vessel to plane more
quickly; may increase steering
pull to right
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Steering Pull (Torque) (cont.)
•
Neutral trimming will
level bow and normally
results in greater
efficiency
•
Trimming out (up) lifts
bow and increases top
speed; may increase pull
to the left and cause
bouncing
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Review Questions

If casting off when the wind is holding the vessel to
the dock, what should you cast off first?

In encountering situations, what do you call the
vessel required to take early and substantial action
to avoid a collision by stopping, slowing down or
changing course?

If you see red and white lights ahead at night,
should you maintain your course and speed?
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Review Questions (cont.)

If while boating at night, you see only a green light,
what are you encountering and what should you
do?

If you are overtaking another vessel, are you the
stand-on boat?

When meeting another vessel head-on, you should
keep to which side?

What must the stand-on boat do?
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Review Questions (cont.)

What are the “traffic signals” or sign posts which
guide vessel operators?

What phrase reminds us of the correct course when
entering from the open sea?

What does a solid green buoy indicate?

What does a white buoy with an orange open
diamond indicate?
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Review Questions (cont.)

What does a white buoy with an orange crossed
diamond indicate?

How long should an anchor line be?

Why should you never anchor from the stern?

What rules and regulations must PWC operators
follow?
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Review Questions (cont.)

When will a PWC operator lose steering control?
 What can PWC operators do as a courtesy to those
on shore?

What are the most common complaints boaters
have against PWC operators?

What safety device shuts off the engine if the
operator is thrown from the vessel?
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Summary

When docking a vessel, if possible approach the
dock into the wind

Even though there are navigation rules for
encountering other vessels, it is still the
responsibility of both vessel operators to take action
to avoid collision
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Summary

Always give-way if you see a red and white light or a
single red, green or white light while boating at night
 The “Red, Right, Returning” rule applies to buoys,
lights and daymarks

Regulatory markers indicate “Controlled”,
“Prohibited” or “Danger” areas and give information
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Summary (cont.)

Anchor from the bow and make sure the length of
the anchor line is 7-10 times the depth of the water

Avoid low head dams – they can trap your vessel
against the face of the dam

On PWC, if you turn off the engine or allow the
engine to idle, you will lose all steering control
Lesson Three: Operating Your Boat Safely!
Summary (cont.)
 Jumping the wake of other vessels and excessive
noise are the two most frequent complaints against
PWC
 Always attach the lanyard of the ignition safety
switch to your wrist or PFD
LESSON FOUR
LEGAL REQUIREMENTS
Lesson Four: Key Topics
•
•
Numbering and
documentation
Age/education
requirements for
motorboat and PWC
operation
•
Dangerous and
unlawful operation
•
Alcohol and drug laws
•
Obstructing navigation
•
Personal flotation
devices
•
Fire extinguishers
•
Flame arrestors,
ventilation and mufflers
Lesson Four: Key Topics
•
Navigation lights
•
Diver Down flags
•
Sound producing
devices & visual
distress signals
• PWC laws
•
Laws relating to towing
person(s)
• Waste, oil and trash
disposal
•
Reporting accidents
• Penalties and
enforcement
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Objectives
You should…
 know which vessels need to be registered and how
to do so
 be able to correctly place Certificate of Vessel
Number and registration decals on vessel
 know where to find HIN number
 know the age and education restrictions for vessel
operation
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Objectives (cont.)
 be able to list reckless behaviors that should be
avoided when operating a vessel
 be able to explain dangers of consuming alcohol or
drugs while boating and penalties for doing so
 be able to identify classifications and uses of
personal flotation devices and state legal
requirements
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Objectives (cont.)
 know legal requirements for fire extinguishers, flame
arrestors, ventilation systems and mufflers
 know legal navigation light requirements
 know legal requirements for visual distress signals
and sound producing devices
 know requirements for other equipment such as
diver down flags
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Objectives (cont.)
 understand legal requirements specific to PWC
 know legal requirements for towing a skier with a
vessel
 understand how to properly dispose of waste, oil
and trash and properly use MSDs
 know when and how to report boating accident
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Registration and Decals
You must have an Alabama Certificate of Number and
validation decals to legally operate your vessel on
public waters in Alabama
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Registration and Decals (cont.)
Exceptions are:
•
Non-motorized vessels (excluding sailboats or rental
vessels)
•
Vessels registered in other states using Alabama waters
for 90 days or less
•
Vessels operating under a valid temporary Certificate of
Number
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Registration and Decals (cont.)
Certificate of Number and validation decals obtained
by submitting application and fee
Certificate of Number must be onboard and available
for inspection by an enforcement officer whenever
vessel is operated
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Registration and Decals (cont.)
Display number and decals as
follows:
•
Number must be painted,
decaled or otherwise affixed to
both sides of bow
•
Number must read from left to
right on both sides of bow
•
Number must be at least 3
inches high in BLOCK letters
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Registration and Decals (cont.)
•
Number’s color must contrast with its background
•
Letters must be separated from the numbers by spaces
or hyphens
•
No other numbers may be displayed on either side of bow
•
Decals must be affixed on each
side of vessel, within 6 inches
before or after, and in line with
registration number
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Registration and Decals (cont.)
If vessel requires registration, it is illegal to operate or
allow others to operate vessel unless registered and
numbered, or unless a valid temporary registration is
onboard
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Registration and Decals (cont.)
•
Registrations issued on a staggered basis – first letter of
owner’s last name determines renewal month
•
If you have change of address, must notify Alabama
Marine Police Division (AMPD) within 15 days of change
•
If numbered vessel is destroyed, stolen, abandoned or
lost, owner should report it to AMPD within 15 days
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Registration and Decals (cont.)
•
If you lose or destroy Certificate of Number, must apply
to issuing office for duplicate and submit processing fee
•
Larger recreational vessels owned by U. S. citizens may
be documented by the USCG. Must also be registered in
Alabama.
•
Alabama law does not require registration of boat trailers
or titling of vessels
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Hull Identification Number
Hull Identification Number (HIN) is a unique, 12-digit
number, assigned by manufacturer, to vessels built
after November 1, 1972
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Hull Identification Number (cont.)
Hull Identification Numbers:
•
Distinguish one vessel from another
•
Are engraved in the fiberglass or on a metal plate
attached to the transom
•
Should be recorded and put in a safe place other than the
vessel
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Hull Identification Number (cont.)
HIN required before vessel built or manufactured after
1972 may be registered in Alabama. You may apply to
AMPB for HIN for home-made vessel
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel
Robertson/Archer Act of 1994 requires every person
who operates a motorized vessel (including PWC) on
Alabama waters must first obtain a boater safety
certification. Does not apply to operators of sailboats,
rowboats or canoes
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
Age to Legally Operate on Alabama Waters
•
No one under 12 years of age may legally operate any
motorized vessel (including PWC) under any
circumstances
•
Persons under 12 not eligible for Alabama Boater Safety
Certification
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
Boater Safety Certification Requirements for Alabama
Residents
•
If you are under 12 years of age as of January 1, 2002:
may obtain boater safety certification after you turn 12
but may operate a vessel only if person 21 or more with a
valid certification is onboard and in position to take
immediate physical control of the vessel
•
After you turn 14 you may legally operate vessel without
supervision
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
•
If you were 12 or older as of January 1, 2002: you may
obtain certification and legally operate a vessel without
supervision
•
If you obtained certification by January 1, 2002: you may
legally operate a vessel without supervision regardless of
age
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
Boater Safety Certification Requirements for
Non-Residents
If you are 12 or older, but less than 14, and:
•
If you did not obtain certification by January 1, 2002: you
may operate vessel on Alabama waters only if person 21
or older with valid Alabama certification is onboard and
in position to take immediate physical control of vessel
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
•
If supervising person is also a non-resident, he or she
not required to have Alabama Boater Safety Certification
•
After you turn 14, may legally operate vessel without
supervision if you have valid certification (either Alabama
non-resident certification of certification from home
state) or are operating less than 45 days per calendar
year
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
•
If you obtained certification by January 1, 2002: you may
legally operate a vessel on Alabama waters without
supervision with you valid certification (either Alabama
non-resident or home state certification)
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
If you are 14 or older:
•
You may legally operate motorized vessel on Alabama
waters for up to 45 days per calendar year without
supervision. After 45 days, must obtain either Alabama
non-resident or home state certification
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
Other Facts
If 12 or older, you may obtain certification by fulfilling
any one of these conditions:
•
Show valid certificate obtained by passing course:
─ Offered by U. S. Power Squadrons or U. S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary or…
─ Approved by the AMPD
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
•
Pass certification examination administered by Alabama
Department of Public Safety Driver’s License Division
•
Show valid U. S. Coast Guard Motorboat Operator’s
License
•
Show proof that you were 40 or older as of April 28, 1994
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
If required to have certification, you must carry it
onboard when operating a motorized vessel and make
it available upon request by law enforcement officer
Certification may be suspended or revoked if you
operate a vessel while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs or in a reckless or careless manner, or on points
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
Temporary exemptions exist for certification:
•
New owner of a vessel may operate without certification
for 30 days from date of sale providing vessel is
registered in his or her name and notarized bill of sale is
onboard naming him or her as purchaser
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Who May Operate A Vessel (cont.)
•
Person may operate rented vessel without certification if:
─ He or she has been instructed in safe and proper operation
of vessel by rental business and…
─ He or she is not currently under suspension or revocation
of any boater certification or vessel operation privilege
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation
Alabama law designates certain dangerous operating
practices as illegal. Some examples of illegal and
dangerous operation are:
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation (cont.)
Reckless Operation of a vessel, or reckless
manipulation of water skis or similar device, is the
failure to exercise care necessary to protect life, safety
or property of others. Examples are:
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation (cont.)
•
Operating in violation of navigation rules
•
Jumping wake of another vessel unnecessarily close to
that vessel, or encircling or buzzing another vessel or
person in the water
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation (cont.)
•
Operating within 100 feet of diver down flag
•
Weaving through congested waterway traffic or swerving
at last possible moment in order to avoid collision
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation (cont.)
Careless Operation of a vessel is operating in a
negligent, careless or inattentive manner endangering
the life, safety or property of others. Examples are:
•
Operating vessel not equipped with required safety
equipment
•
Failure to maintain proper lookout for other vessels or
persons in the water
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation (cont.)
Failure to Regulate Speed is operating at speeds
greater than that which allows operator to bring vessel
to a stop within a clear distance ahead, or at speeds
which cause danger or inconvenience to others given
existing weather and traffic conditions. Vessel
operator must not:
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation (cont.)
•
Operate at speed which causes hazardous wake or wash
when approaching another vessel or when entering or
leaving marina or harbor area
•
Operate above plane speed when persons or gear
onboard obstruct operator’s view or safe operation is
impaired
•
Exceed any posted speed limitations such as idle speed
or slow – no wake speed areas or any other speed zones
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation (cont.)
Overloading or Overpowering is loading vessel with
passengers or gear beyond recommended capacity
(taking into consideration weather and other operating
conditions) or powering vessel beyond recommended
horsepower. It is illegal to
operate or allow others to
operate a vessel without a
permanent capacity plate
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Unlawful and Dangerous Operation (cont.)
Riding on Bow, Deck or
Gunwale is allowing
motorboat passengers to
ride on bow, gunwale,
transom, seat backs, seats
on raised decks, or any
other place where there is a
chance of falling overboard
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Alcohol and Drugs
Alabama law prohibits anyone from boating under
under the influence (BUI). This means operating any
boat, sailboat, personal watercraft, water skis,
sailboard or similar device while intoxicated due to
alcohol or any combination of alcohol,
controlled substance or
drugs
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Alcohol and Drugs (cont.)
Alcohol and drugs cause impaired balance and
judgment, blurred vision, poor coordination, and slow
reaction time. Alcohol contributes to about one-third of
all boating accidents nationwide
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Alcohol and Drugs (cont.)
Alabama law specifically states
it is illegal to be in physical
control of any vessel, water skis
or similar device if operator:
•
Has concentration of alcohol in
his or her blood of 0.08% or
more
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Alcohol and Drugs (cont.)
•
Is under influence of:
─ Alcohol, any controlled substance or drugs
─ Any combination of alcohol, controlled substances or
drugs
─ Any substance which impairs operator’s mental or physical
faculties
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Alcohol and Drugs (cont.)
•
Second offense: Fine up to $5,100 and/or sentence of up
to one year in jail with mandatory sentence of not less
than 5 days or community service for not less than 30
days, and suspension of operator’s certification for one
year
•
Third offense: Fine up to $10,100 and/or sentence of up to
one year in jail with mandatory sentence of not less than
60 days, and suspension of operator’s certification for
three years
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Alcohol and Drugs (cont.)
•
Person who operates a vessel on Alabama waters is
believed to be operating under the influence must submit
to field breath test or any other approved testing for
blood alcohol concentration.
•
Refusal will result in same punishment as provided in
Alabama law for operators of motor vehicles on state
highways
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Alcohol and Drugs (cont.)
Alabama law establishes the following penalties for
those arrested and convicted of boating under the
influence:
•
First offense: Fine up to $2,100 and/or sentence of one
year in jail, and suspension of his or her operator’s
certification for 90 days
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Obstructing Navigation
Be considerate of other vessel operators even when
stopping to anchor or moor. Keep in mind that it is
illegal to:
•
Anchor a vessel in traveled portion of a river or channel
preventing or interfering with any other vessel passing
through same area
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Obstructing Navigation (cont.)
•
Moor or attach a vessel to a buoy (other than a mooring
buoy), beacon, light, or any other navigational aid placed
on public waters by proper authorities
•
Move, displace, tamper with, damage, or destroy any
navigational aid
•
Obstruct a pier, wharf, boat ramp or access to any facility
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
All vessels must be equipped with USCG-approved life
jackets called personal flotation devices (PFDs)
•
Quantity and type depends on:
─ Length of vessel
─ Number of people onboard and/or being towed
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
•
Each PFD must be:
─ In good condition
─ Proper size for the intended wearer (based upon body
weight and chest size)
─ Readily available
•
Vessel operators should ask everyone to wear PFD
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type I: Offshore Life Jackets
•
For rough or remote waters where rescue
may take awhile
•
Excellent for flotation -- will turn most
unconscious persons face up in water
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type II: Near-Shore Vests
•
Good for calm waters and fast
rescues
•
May lack capacity to turn
unconscious wearers face up
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type III: Flotation Aids
•
Good for calm waters and fast
rescues
•
Will not turn a person face up
•
Some designed to inflate when you
enter water
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type IV: Throwable Devices
•
Cushions or ring buoys designed to be
thrown to someone in trouble
•
Not for long hours in rough waters,
non-swimmers or the unconscious
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Personal Flotation Devices (cont.)
Type V: Special-Use Devices
•
Designed for specific activities
such as kayaking or water skiing
•
Some designed to inflate when you
enter water
•
To be acceptable, Type V PFDs
must be used in accordance with
their label
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
PFD Requirements
•
All vessels must carry one Type I, II, III or V USCGapproved PFD for each person onboard or being towed.
If Type V is used, must be approved for activity at hand
•
Vessels 16 ft. or longer must also have one Type IV
USCG-approved PFD onboard
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
PFD Requirements (cont.)
•
All PFDs must be in good and serviceable condition,
readily accessible, and of proper size for intended wearer
•
Children under 8 must wear a properly secured USCGapproved PFD at all times while onboard any vessel,
except when in an enclosed cabin
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
PFD Requirements (cont.)
•
Each person onboard PWC must wear a properly secured
USCG-approved PFD
•
Each person being towed behind a vessel must wear a
properly secured USCG-approved PFD
•
Each person onboard a vessel within 800 ft. below hydroelectric dam and/or navigational lock and dam must wear
Type I, II, III or V USCG-approved PFD
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Fire Extinguishers
•
Extinguishers are classified by a letter and
number symbol
•
Number indicates the relative size of the
extinguisher
•
Letter indicates type of fire it will extinguish:
─ Type A: fires of combustible solids like wood
─ Type B: fires of flammable liquids like
gasoline or oil
─ Type C: electrical fires
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Fire Extinguishers (cont.)
All vessels required to have Type B fire extinguisher(s)
onboard if one or more of these conditions exist:
•
Inboard or inboard/outboard engines
•
Closed compartments under seats where portable fuel
tanks may be stored
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Fire Extinguishers (cont.)
•
Permanently installed fuel tanks
•
Closed or semi-closed living spaces
•
Devices onboard that consume petroleum products
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Fire Extinguishers (cont.)
Approved fire extinguishers identified by “Marine Type
USCG-approved” on the label, followed by size and
type symbols and approval number
Use this chart to determine the type and quantity required for your vessel:
Length of Vessel
Less than 26 ft.
26 ft. to less than 40 ft.
40 ft. to less than 65 ft.
Without Fixed System
one B-I
two B-I or two B-II
three B-I or one B-II and one B-I
With Fixed System*
None
1 B-I
two B-I or one B-II
*refers to a permanently installed fire extinguisher system
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Fire Extinguishers (cont.)
Extinguishers should be placed in accessible area –
not near the engine or in a compartment. Be sure you
know how to operate them
Check all extinguishers annually to make sure fully
charged. Extinguishers should be serviced at least
every two years
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Backfire Flame Arrestors
All powerboats (except outboards) fueled with gasoline
must have an approved backfire flame arrestor on each
carburetor
Backfire flame arrestors
are designed to prevent
ignition of gasoline
vapors in case of
engine backfire
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Backfire Flame Arrestors (cont.)
Backfire flame arrestors must be:
•
In good and serviceable conditions
•
USGC-approved, or must comply with SAE J-1928 or UL
1111 standards
Periodically clean flame arrestor and check for damage
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Ventilation Systems
Purpose of ventilation systems is to avoid explosions
by removing flammable gases that can accumulate in
bottom of vessel. Properly installed ventilation
systems greatly reduce chance of a life-threatening
explosion
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Ventilation Systems (cont.)
•
All gas-powered vessels, constructed in a way that would
entrap fumes, must have an efficient ventilation system
with ducts fitted with cowls to remove fumes
•
If vessel is equipped with power ventilation system, turn
it on for at least 4 minutes after fueling, prior to starting
engine
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Ventilation Systems (cont.)
•
If vessel not equipped
with power ventilation
system, open engine
compartment and sniff
for gasoline fumes
before starting engine
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Mufflers and Noise Level Limits
Excessive noise can prevent vessel operator from
hearing signals and voices
•
A vessel’s engine must have muffler or exhaust water
manifold for noise reduction or another effective muffling
system
•
The use of cut-outs or exhaust stacks is prohibited
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Mufflers and Noise Level Limits (cont.)
•
It is illegal to operate powerboat or PWC, or allow others
to operate, in such a manner that noise level exceeds 86
decibels measured at 50 feet from the vessel. Must
submit to noise level test if requested by law enforcement
officer
•
It is illegal for recreational boaters to use or have
onboard a siren of any type while operating on Alabama’s
waters
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Navigation Lights
Vessel operators must make sure vessels are equipped
with proper navigation lights and use them during the
following conditions:
•
When away from dock between sunset and sunrise
•
During periods of restricted visibility such as fog or
heavy rain
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Navigation Lights (cont.)
No other lights that may be mistaken for required navigation
lights may be exhibited. Blue flashing lights restricted to
use by law enforcement vessels only
The required navigation lights differ depending on type
and size of vessel
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Navigation Lights (cont.)
Power-driven vessels less than 20
meters (65.6 ft.) long when
underway (including sailboats
operating under power) must
exhibit:
•
Red and green sidelights visible
from a distance of at least two
miles (or if less than 12 meters
(39.4 ft.) long, at least one mile) on
a dark clear night
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Navigation Lights (cont.)
•
An all-round white light or both a masthead light and a
sternlight visible from a distance of at least two miles
on a dark clear night
•
The all-round white light (or masthead light) must be at
least 1 meter (3.3 ft.) higher than the sidelights
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Navigation Lights (cont.)
Unpowered Vessels (sailboats or
those that are paddled, poled and
rowed) less than 20 meters (65.6 ft.)
long must exhibit when underway:
•
Red and green sidelights visible
from a distance of at least two miles
(if less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.) long,
visible at least one mile) on dark
clear night
•
Sternlight visible from at least two
miles
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Navigation Lights (cont.)
When underway, unpowered vessels less than 7 meters
(23.0 ft.) long should exhibit:
•
If practical, same lights as
required for unpowered
vessels less than 20 meters
(65.6 ft.) in length
•
If not practical, at least one
lantern or flashlight shining
a white light
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Navigation Lights (cont.)
When not underway, all vessels required to display a
white light visible in all directions whenever moored or
anchored away from dock between sunset and sunrise
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Visual Distress Signals
Visual Distress Signals (VDSs) allow vessel operators
to signal for help in the event of an emergency
VDSs must be in serviceable condition, readily
accessible and certified as complying with USCG
requirements
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Visual Distress Signals (cont.)
VDSs are classified as:
•
Day signals (visible in bright sunlight)
•
Night signals (visible at night)
•
Both day and night signals
VDSs are either:
•
Pyrotechnic (smoke and flames)
•
Non-pyrotechnic (non-combustible)
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Visual Distress Signals (cont.)
Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Orange Smoke
Day Signal
Red Meteor
Day and Night Signal
Red Flare
Day and Night Signal
Non-Pyrotechnic Visual Distress Signals
Electric Light
Night Signal
Orange Flag
Day Signal
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Visual Distress Signals (cont.)
All vessels used on federally controlled waters must be
equipped with USCG-approved VDSs in which the
expiration date has not been exceeded
If pyrotechnic VDSs are used, a minimum of three must
be onboard
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Visual Distress Signals (cont.)
All vessels on federal waters required to carry night
signals when operating between sunset and sunrise.
Following vessels must also carry day signals:
•
Recreational vessels 16 feet or longer
•
Non-motorized, open sailboats 26 feet or longer
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Visual Distress Signals (cont.)
Examples that satisfy USCG requirements:
•
Three hand-held red flares (day and night)
•
One hand-held red flare and two red meteors (day and
night)
•
One hand-held orange smoke signal (day only), two
floating orange smoke signals (day only), and one
electric light (night only)
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Visual Distress Signals (cont.)
It is prohibited to display visual distress signals
except when assistance is required to prevent
immediate or potential danger to persons onboard a
vessel
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Sound Producing Devices
Sound producing device is necessary in periods of
reduced visibility or whenever vessel operator needs to
signal intentions or position
On Alabama state waters, requirements for sound
producing devices are:
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Sound Producing Devices (cont.)
•
Vessels less than 16 ft. not required but strongly
recommended they carry horn or whistle
•
Vessels 16 ft. to 26 ft. required to carry a whistle or horn
or some other means to make efficient sound signal
audible for at least on-half mile
•
Vessels 26 ft. to 40 ft. required to carry whistle or horn or
some other means to make efficient sound signal audible
for at least one mile
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Sound Producing Devices (cont.)
On federally controlled waters, requirements are:
•
Vessels less than 12 meters (39.4 ft.), including PWC,
required to carry onboard a mouth, hand or power
operated whistle or horn, or some other means to make
efficient sound signal
•
Vessels 12 meters or more required to carry onboard a
whistle or horn, and a bell
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Other Equipment and Regulations
Diver Down Flag Federal and state law requires scuba
divers and snorkelers display diver down flag to mark
diving area. Alabama law requires vessel operators stay
at least 100 ft. from displayed flag.
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Other Equipment and Regulations (cont.)
The “diver down” flags are:
•
A blue and white International Code Flag A
(or Alpha flag), at least 1 meter (3.3 ft.) high
and visible from all directions, must be
displayed on vessels restricted in its ability
to maneuver by the diving operation
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Other Equipment and Regulations (cont.)
•
A rectangular red flag, at least 12 x 12
inches, with a white diagonal stripe used
to indicate presence of submerged diver
in the area. Alabama law requires divers
prominently display this flag and stay
within 50 ft. radius of the flag
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Other Equipment and Regulations (cont.)
Ignition Safety Switch Alabama law requires vessels
less than 24 ft., with open cockpit and powered by
more than 50 hp, be equipped with ignition safety
switch. Lanyard must be attached
to the person, clothing or PFD
of the operator
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Homeland Security
•
Observe and avoid all security zones including restricted
areas near dams, power plants, etc. Do not stop or
anchor beneath bridges or in the channel. Violators of
can expect a swift and severe response
•
Keep a sharp eye out for anything that looks peculiar or
out of the ordinary. Report all suspicious activities to
local authorities or the USCG
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Requirements Specific to PWC
PWC operators must obey these laws in addition to all
other boating laws:
•
Each person onboard a PWC must wear a properly
secured USCG-approved PFD
•
PWC must either be equipped with ignition safety switch
or have self-circling feature if operator fall off. If PWC
equipped with ignition safety switch, the lanyard must be
attached to person, clothing or PFD of the operator
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Requirements Specific to PWC (cont.)
•
PWC operators subject to age restrictions and education
requirements
•
PWC must be operated in a reasonable and prudent
manner. It is illegal to operate PWC in a way that
endangers life, limb or property of others
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Requirements Specific to PWC (cont.)
Specifically it is against the law to:
•
Weave PWC through congested waterway traffic at high
speed
•
Follow closely behind and within the wake of vessel
towing person on water skis or similar devices
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Requirements Specific to PWC (cont.)
•
Cut between vessel and person(s) being towed by that
vessel
•
Jump wake of another vessel unnecessarily close to that
vessel
•
Encircle or buzz another vessel or person in the water
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Requirements Specific to PWC (cont.)
•
Cross path of another vessel at right angles while close
to stern of other vessel or when visibility around other
vessel is obstructed
•
Swerve at last possible moment to avoid collision
•
Chase, harass or disturb wildlife or birds with your PWC
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Requirements Specific to PWC (cont.)
It is strongly recommended that PWC be operated only
during daylight hours. If a PWC is operated at night, it
must display required navigation lights
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Towing a Person Legally
Vessel operators towing person(s) on water skis,
aquaplane or similar device must also obey the
following laws:
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Towing a Person Legally (cont.)
•
It is illegal for vessels to tow persons on water skis,
aquaplane or similar device, between one hour after
sunset and one hour before sunrise
•
Each person being towed behind a vessel on water skis
or similar devices must wear properly secured PFD.
Skibelts not USCG-approved. It is legal responsibility of
owner of towing vessel to enforce this requirement
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Towing a Person Legally (cont.)
•
Every vessel (except PWC)
towing person(s) on water
skis or similar device must
have:
– Capable observer, other
than operator, 12 or older,
or…
– Wide-angle rearview mirror
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Towing a Person Legally (cont.)
•
Every PWC towing person(s) must have mirrors mounted
on both sides but not attached to steering control
•
Reasonable distance from other vessels, people and
property must be maintained so as not to endanger life or
property
•
Illegal to tow person behind your vessel or to manipulate
water skis or similar devices in manner that causes towed
person to collide with another person or object
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal
It is illegal to discharge waste, oil or trash into any
state or federally controlled waters because:
•
Sewage carries disease and is harmful to people, aquatic
plants and animals
•
Trash thrown into water can injure swimmers and wildlife
and plug engine cooling water intakes
•
Pollution is unsightly and takes away from enjoyment of
the water
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Vessel operators need to be aware of regulations for
waste, oil and trash disposal that apply to both
federally controlled and state waters
The Refuse Act prohibits throwing, discharging or
depositing any refuse matter of any kind into U. S.
waters
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Discharge of sewage and waste
Effective October 1, 2003 the Department of
Conservation and Natural Resources is responsible for
enforcement related to regulating vessel sewage
discharges
This includes marine sanitation devices and the yearly
issuance of MSD inspection decals
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Recreational vessels with
installed toilet facilities must
have an operable marine
sanitation device (MSD)
onboard
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Type III MSD:
•
Simplest and most common, consists of holding tanks or
portable toilets
•
Has least effect on environment since waste is
discharged on shore into local sewage treatment facility
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Types I and II MSDs:
•
Usually found on large vessels
•
Waste treated with special chemicals to kill bacteria
before waste is discharged
•
Have “Y” valves that direct waste overboard which must
be secured so valve cannot be opened
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
•
Vessels 65 ft. and under may use Type I, II or III MSD.
Vessels over 65 ft. must install a Type II or III MSD
•
All installed devices must be USCG-certified
•
Vessels with Type III MSD prohibited from docking,
storing, anchoring or mooring at a marina unless marina
has a pump-out or waste disposal system
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Discharge of Trash
It is illegal to litter or dump garbage and plastics into
federally controlled or state waters. Alabama Code of
Law states that discharging trash into public waters is
criminal littering with minimum fine of $250.
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
•
You must store trash in container onboard then place it
in proper receptacle after returning to shore
•
On federal waters, you must display
a 4” x 9” inch placard on any vessel
26 ft. or longer which notifies
passengers and crew about
discharge restrictions
Trash
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
Vessels with propulsion machinery must have capacity to
retain oil mixtures onboard
Federal law: You are not allowed to discharge oil or
hazardous substances into the water
Alabama Code of Law: It is a crime for vessel of more than
25 ft. to discharge oil products into public waters of
Alabama or within 3 miles of Alabama shoreline
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
•
It is Illegal to dump oil into bilge of vessel without means
for proper disposal
•
You must discharge oil waste to a reception facility
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
•
On recreational vessels, bucket or bailer is adequate
•
You must immediately notify the USCG if your vessel
discharges oil or hazardous substances into the water
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
•
You must also report
discharge to the Alabama
Department of
Environmental Management
•
On federal waters, vessels
26 ft. or longer must display
5 x 8 inch placard stating
Federal Water Pollution
Control Act’s law
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
Waste Management Plan
•
Federal law requires ocean going vessels 40 feet or
longer with a galley and berth must have a written Waste
Management Plan
•
Captain of the vessel is responsible for implementing the
plan
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Waste, Oil and Trash Disposal (cont.)
•
Waste Management Plan should be posted and include
directives to all passengers and/or crew about:
─ Discharge of sewage and hazardous substances
─ Discharge of garbage and other food waste
─ Disposal of plastics, bottles and cans
─ Applicable placards for additional information
─ Advising captain in case of oily discharges or diesel spills
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Protecting the Environment
Introducing non-native species into Alabama waters
can upset the balance of the ecosystem, hurting the
environment. Aquatic nuisance species such as
zebra mussels, hydrilla, and mitten crabs most often
spread between waterways by hitching a ride on
vessels and trailers.
When transplanted into new
waters, they proliferate,
displacing native species and
damaging water resources
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Protecting the Environment (cont.)
To prevent spreading aquatic pests:
•
Inspect vessel and trailer, removing any plants and
animals you see before leaving the waterbody
•
Drain motor, live well, and bilge
on land before leaving the
waterbody
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Protecting the Environment (cont.)
•
Empty bait bucket on land. Never release live bait into
waterbody or release aquatic animals from one
waterbody into another
•
Rinse vessel, trailer and equipment
•
Air dry vessel and equipment for as long as possible
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Accidents and Casualties
•
Vessel operator involved in an accident must submit
written report to AMPD if as a result:
─ Person dies or disappears or…
─ Person is injured and remains incapacitated for more than
72 hours or…
─ Damage to vessel and other property exceeds $50
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Accidents and Casualties (cont.)
•
Reports of accidents must be made within 10 days
•
Operator involved in accident should stop his or her
vessel immediately and:
─ Give assistance to anyone injured in the accident
─ Give name, address and identifying number of their vessel
as well as names and addresses of passengers to other
vessel’s operator and/or passengers
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Accidents and Casualties (cont.)
•
Uniformed Marine Police officer, county sheriff, or other
authorized enforcement officer may arrest, at the scene,
any person they reasonably believe contributed to the
accident
•
A person who unlawfully and unintentionally causes the
death of another person, while engaged in violation of
any boating law or regulation will be guilty of homicide
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Enforcement
Boating laws of Alabama enforced
by Marine Police officers, county
sheriffs and any other authorized
peace officer or law enforcement
officer
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Enforcement
•
Officers have authority to stop and board vessels in order
to check for compliance with state and federal laws.
USCG also has enforcement authority of all federally
controlled waters
•
Whenever contacted by officer, you must stop and permit
officer to come alongside to check your Certificate of
Number and required safety equipment
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Review Questions

What number is assigned and imprinted by the
vessel manufacturer and is unique to each vessel?
 Where should you not allow passengers to ride
while underway?

Is it legal to operate a vessel if your blood alcohol
concentration (BAC) exceeds the legal limit?

Name the five PFD types.
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Review Questions (cont.)

What type of PFD is required to be onboard vessels
for use as a throwable device?
 Name three criteria for PFDs.

What must PWC operators, no matter what age,
always wear whenever they are underway?

What type of fire extinguisher is required for
powerboats of less than 26 feet?
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Review Questions (cont.)
 What conditions require a vessel operator to carry
fire extinguisher(s) onboard a motorboat?

How many minutes is it recommended to run a
vessel’s ventilation system before starting the
engine?

Describe navigation lights required at night for an
18 foot motorboat.

What must a 16 foot canoe, away from dock after
dark, have on hand?
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Review Questions (cont.)

Name two visual distress signals for use after dark.

Describe the two types of “diver down” flags.

If an observer is onboard when pulling a skier
behind a PWC, the PWC should be rated for how
many people?

May a water skier(s) be towed at night with proper
lighting?
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Review Questions (cont.)

What is it illegal to discharge into federal or state
waters?

What conditions require that you report a boating
accident?
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Summary
 Always have your Certificate of Registration onboard
 Reckless operating practices, such as excessive
speed, are not only dangerous, but are illegal
 Operating a vessel while intoxicated is illegal and
dangerous
 All PFDs must be U. S. Coast Guard-approved, in
good condition, of the proper size for the intended
wearer and readily accessible
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Summary (cont.)
 All boats must have at least one Type I, II, III or V
USCG-approved PFD for each person onboard
 Most boats are required to have a Type B fire
extinguisher onboard
 Boats operated between sunset and sunrise must
have and use the specified navigation lights
 Boats are also required to have a sound-producing
device
Lesson Four: Legal Requirements
Summary (cont.)
 Each person riding a PWC must wear a PFD
 It is illegal to operate a PWC or tow a skier at night
 You are required to report serious boating accidents
LESSON FIVE
BOATING EMERGENCIES
Lesson Five: Key Topics
• Risk management
• Boating accidents
• Personal injuries
• Weather emergencies
• Summoning help
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Objectives
You should…
 understand how to practice risk management while
boating
 understand the effects of boating stressors
 understand how dehydration occurs and how to
recognize and prevent it
 understand the increased effects of alcohol on the
water
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Objectives (cont.)
 be able to properly size a PFD for a wearer and
check a PFDs condition
 know how to avoid collisions
 be able to take the proper safety actions if a vessel
capsizes, is swamped, or runs aground
 be able to respond properly to a fire emergency
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Objectives (cont.)
 be able to recognize the symptoms of hypothermia,
avoid hypothermia if trapped in cold water, and give
basic treatment to victims
 know how to prevent and be able to recognize the
symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning
 be able to obtain weather forecasts and recognize
weather warnings, and know what to do if caught in
foul weather
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Risk Management
Nearly all accidents are preventable. Boating fatalities
are most often characterized by:
•
PFDs are onboard but not in use
•
Good weather conditions
•
Involvement of small, open
vessels with a fiberglass hull
•
Age of the operator between
26 to 50 years
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Risk Management (cont.)
Risk management is practice of:
•
Recognizing dangerous situations and reducing chance
that they will happen
•
Lessening effects of accidents if they do happen
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Risk Management (cont.)
Increased risk due to boating stressors:
•
Sun glare and heat, motion, noise, vibration make you tire
more easily on the water
•
Boating stressors increase risk of boating accident
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Risk Management (cont.)
Dehydration increases risk of boating accident
•
Boating causes you to generate more body heat, and
thus increases sweating; increased sweating causes
dehydration if body fluids are not replaced
•
Dehydration increases fatigue and makes you more
likely to be involved in boating accident
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Risk Management (cont.)
•
To prevent dehydration, drink at least one quart of water
per hour
•
Watch for signs of dehydration (nausea, sleepiness,
dizziness, irritability, headaches)
•
If symptoms are observed, drink plenty of water and get
out of the sun
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Risk Management (cont.)
Minimize risk of boating accidents by choosing to not
consume alcohol
•
Effect of alcohol is increased by natural stressors placed
on body while boating
•
One drink on the water can have same effect as three
drinks on land
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Risk Management (cont.)
•
Alcohol depresses central nervous system, affects
judgment, and slows reaction time
•
Always designate non-drinking boaters to operate vessel
and act as observer if your group plans to consume
alcohol
•
Don’t drink and boat!
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Risk Management (cont.)
Minimize risk of drownings by wearing PFDs
Almost all drowning victims aren’t wearing a PFD or
are wearing an inadequate one. PFDs:
•
Must be readily accessible
•
Are of proper size for intended wearer
•
Are in good condition
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents
Capsizing is when a vessel turns on its side or
completely over. Swamping is when vessel fills with
water. To reduce the risk, follow these rules:
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
•
Do not overload your vessel
•
Turning vessel at controlled speeds
•
Secure anchor line to bow of vessel
•
Don’t boat in rough water or bad weather
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
If your vessel should capsize or swamp, or if you have
fallen out and can’t get back in, stay with the vessel:
•
Take a headcount. Reach, throw, row or go to anyone
in distress
•
If vessel remains afloat, try to reboard. If vessel is
overturned or swamped, hang onto it. Try to get as much
of your body as possible out of cold water
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
If vessel sinks or floats away, don’t panic
•
If you are wearing a PFD, make sure it is securely
fastened, remain calm, and wait for help
•
If you aren’t wearing a PFD, look for one floating in the
water or other buoyant items to use as a flotation device
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
•
Make sure others are wearing PFDs or have a buoyant
item
•
If there is no other means of support, you may have to
tread water or simply float
•
In cold water, float rather than tread to reduce
hypothermia
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
Falling overboard is less likely to result in a fatality
if everyone onboard wears a PFD at all times
Falls overboard can be prevented if those onboard
do not:
•
Sit on the gunwale, bow,
seat backs, motor cover
or any other area not
designed for seating
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
•
Sit on pedestal seats when underway or at greater than
idle speed
•
Stand up in the vessel
•
Move about vessel when underway
•
Lean out from small vessels
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
If someone falls overboard, immediately:
•
Reduce speed and throw victim a PFD
•
Turn vessel around and carefully pull alongside victim
•
Stop the engine. Pull victim onboard over the stern
keeping weight in the vessel balanced
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
Collisions are becoming more common due to faster
vessels and increased waterway traffic
Collisions can be avoided by:
•
Following the rules of navigation
•
Paying attention to navigational aids
•
Keeping a sharp lookout
•
Maintaining a safe speed
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
•
Looking behind you before making a turn
•
Using extreme caution when traveling into sun’s glare
•
Never operating when fatigued, stressed or consuming
alcohol
•
Watching for floating debris, especially after heavy
rainfall
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
Fire emergencies have caused many vessels to burn to
the water line needlessly. Prevent fire by:
•
Not mixing the three ingredients
required for fire to erupt (fuel,
oxygen, and fire or heat)
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
•
Making sure ventilation systems have been installed and
are properly used
•
Maintaining fuel system
•
Following safe fueling procedures
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
If fire erupts while underway:
•
Stop vessel and have everyone put on PFD
•
Keep fire downwind
•
If motor catches fire, immediately shut off fuel supply
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
•
Aim extinguisher at base of
flames, and sweep back and
forth
•
Never use water on gasoline,
oil, grease or electrical fire
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
•
Check the charge level of your fire extinguisher annually
to make sure it is charged
To check this style,
depress green button;
if fully charged, button
should pop back out
immediately
On this style, needle
indicator should be in “full”
range
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
Running aground while
traveling at high speed can
cause damage to vessel and
injury to those onboard
Running aground can be
avoided by:
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
•
Knowing your boating
environment
•
Become familiar with locations
of shallow water and submerged
objects before you go out
•
Learn to read chart to determine
your position and depth
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
If you run aground and the impact does not cause a
leak, follow these steps to try to get loose:
•
Stop the engine and lift outdrive
•
Shift weight in the vessel to the area furthest away from
the point of impact
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Boating Accidents (cont.)
•
Try to shove off from the rock, bottom or reef with a
paddle or boathook
•
If this fails, use visual distress signals to flag down help
from another vessel or call for assistance using VHF
marine radio
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries
Hypothermia occurs when the body loses heat faster
than it produces it
•
Prevent hypothermia by dressing appropriately
•
Dress according to air and water temperature
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
•
Symptoms in order of severity are:
─ Shivering
─ Slurred speech
─ Bluish lips and fingernails
─ Rigidity in extremities
─ Loss of feeling in extremities
─ Unconsciousness
─ Cold, bluish skin
─ Coma
─ Decreased mental skills
─ Death
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
To avoid hypothermia when in water:
•
Try to reboard vessel even if it is
swamped or capsized
•
Don’t take your clothes off unless
absolutely necessary
•
Don’t thrash about or move any more
than necessary
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
•
Wear a PFD; draw your knees
to your chest and your arms to
your sides in the HELP posture
•
If there are other people in water
with you, huddle together
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
When treating hypothermia:
•
Get the victim out of the wind, rain or water
•
Treat hypothermia victim gently
•
Do not allow him or her to walk unless absolutely
necessary
•
Give a warm liquid to victim, but not one containing
alcohol or caffeine
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
•
Avoid warming up victim too rapidly
•
Replace wet clothing with dry
•
When you return to shore, seek medical help immediately
•
If the victim is semi-conscious, try to keep him or her
awake
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
Carbon monoxide is an odorless, tasteless gas which
is very toxic even in small quantities. Prevent carbon
monoxide poisoning by:
•
Keeping air flowing
through vessel
•
When boating, be careful
running downwind as
exhaust gases may blow
back onboard
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
•
On cabin cruisers, be aware that exhaust gases can blow
back into stern when traveling into wind
•
Whenever people are using swim platforms or are in the
water close to the stern, turn off all gasoline powered
generators with transom exhaust ports
•
Swimmers should never enter enclosed areas under
swim platforms as air in these areas could be fatal if
breathed in
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
•
•
Symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include:
─ Dizziness
– Nausea
─ Ringing in the ears
– Loss of motion
─ Headache
– Unconsciousness
Persons with these symptoms should be placed in
fresh air immediately and if symptoms persist, seek
medical help
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
Some proper responses to other serious injuries are:
•
Seriously injured should be treated for shock by
keeping victim warm, still and in a lying-down position
until medical attention arrives
•
Bleeding usually can be
controlled by applying
direct pressure
to wound
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Personal Injuries (cont.)
•
Immediately place minor burns in cold water, and apply
ointment and a dry bandage after pain subsides
•
Seek medical help for major burns
•
Seek medical assistance immediately for broken and
dislocated bones
•
In cases of head, neck or spinal injuries, never move
victim more than is absolutely necessary; water can
provide excellent support until medical help arrives
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Weather Emergencies
To avoid being caught in foul weather:
•
Tune a portable radio to local station that gives weather
updates
•
Be alert to weather you can see and check barometer
•
Watch for wind shifts, and watch for lightning and rough
water
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Weather Emergencies (cont.)
•
Watch weather to the west, the direction from which most
bad weather arrives
•
Watch for fog as it creates problems especially in inlets
and bays
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Weather Emergencies (cont.)
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Weather Emergencies (cont.)
If caught in foul weather:
•
Put on PFDs and make sure they are properly secured
•
Keep sharp lookout for other vessels and floating debris
•
If there is fog, sound your fog horn
•
Head for nearest shore that is safe to approach
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Weather Emergencies (cont.)
•
If already caught in a storm, it may be best to ride it out
in open water
•
Head the bow into waves at a 45º angle; PWC should
head into waves at a 90º angle
•
Close all hatches, windows, etc. to reduce the chance
of swamping
•
Reduce speed, but keep enough power to maintain
headway
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Weather Emergencies (cont.)
•
Seat passengers on the bottom of the vessel, as close to
centerline as possible
•
If there is lightning, disconnect all electrical equipment
and stay clear of metal objects
•
Secure loose items; have emergency gear ready
•
Keep bilges free of water
•
If engine stops, drop anchor from bow
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Summoning Help
Ability to summon help quickly can be the difference
between life and death. To summon help, you should
carry onboard and know how to contact help using:
•
Visual distress signals
•
VHF marine radio
•
Mobile phone
•
Emergency Position Indicating
Radio Beacon (EPIRB)
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Review Questions

What is true about PFDs in a typical boating
fatality?

Name boating stressors that make you tire more
rapidly when on the water?
 How much water should you drink while boating to
prevent becoming dehydrated?
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Review Questions (cont.)

How much of the amount of alcohol that it takes to
make a person legally impaired on the road is
enough to make someone equally impaired when on
the water?

Alcohol contributes to what fraction of all boating
accidents nationwide?

If you capsize, should you immediately attempt to
swim to shore?
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Review Questions (cont.)

What is an easy way to remember priorities for
rescuing someone who has fallen into the water?

What should you do if a fire erupts onboard a
vessel?

How can you usually control bleeding?
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Review Questions (cont.)
 What is the condition called when the body loses
heat faster than it can produce it?

What do the letters “HELP” stand for?
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Summary
 Nearly all accidents are preventable if you learn to
recognize the warning signs, stay sober and wear
PFDs
 One third of the amount of alcohol that it takes to
make a person legally impaired on land can make a
boater equally impaired
 Remember the “Reach, Throw, Row, Go” rule when
assisting a drowning victim from onshore
Lesson Five: Boating Emergencies
Summary (cont.)
 If your vessel capsizes, stay with the vessel
 Remember to get in the HELP position if trapped in
cold water
 Be alert to changing weather conditions and head for
shore at the first sign of bad weather
LESSON SIX
ENJOYING WATER SPORTS
WITH YOUR BOAT!
Lesson Six: Key Topics
• Responsibilities of operator
• Swimming
• Scuba diving & snorkeling
• Water skiing
• Canoeing, kayaking rafting and tubing
• Windsurfing & sailing
• Fishing & hunting
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Objectives
You should…
 understand vessel operator’s responsibility to their
passengers
 understand vessel owner’s responsibility when
allowing others to use his or her vessel
 understand boaters’ responsibility to environment
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Objectives (cont.)
 be able to properly tow skier and recognize skier
hand signals
 understand shared responsibilities of all those
enjoying the waters -- boaters, swimmers, anglers,
water skiers, divers, windsurfers, canoeists and
kayakers, and hunters
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Responsibilities
Operators are responsible for ensuring that their
passengers understand basic safety practices and
laws:
Use a pre-departure checklist to ensure you’ve taken
necessary safety precautions then discuss with your
passengers
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Responsibilities (cont.)
Some things that should be pointed out are:
•
Location of safety equipment
•
Need for wearing PFDs
•
Laws about reckless operation, required equipment
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Responsibilities (cont.)
•
Safety procedures in case of boating accident
•
How to summon help
•
Risks of consuming alcohol
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Responsibilities (cont.)
Operators have responsibilities to others they allow to
operate their vessel; make sure he or she:
•
Meets minimum age and boater education requirements
•
Knows basic boating safety and navigation rules
•
Knows how to use lanyard of the ignition safety switch
•
Understands need for obeying speed restrictions
•
Understands need for staying alert
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Responsibilities (cont.)
Before allowing someone to drive your PWC:
•
Make sure he or she knows they are operating a vessel
and have the same responsibilities as any other vessel
operator
•
Let beginners take their first
rides in an uncrowded area
•
While on shore, show proper
procedures for deep water
starting and reboarding
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Responsibilities (cont.)
•
Make sure he or she understands that power is required
for steering control
•
Point out that they need to look around before making
turns
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Responsibilities (cont.)
Boaters have a responsibility to the
environment:
•
Keep waters clean and disease-free by
properly disposing of waste and litter
•
Practice the three “R’s”-- Reduce,
Reuse and Recycle
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Responsibilities (cont.)
•
Protect shoreline and aquatic vegetation from damage
caused by your wake, prop or pump intake
•
Don’t allow toxic substances (e.g., cleaners, paint, fuel)
to contact water
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Swimming
It is important that all swimmers take special care to
avoid accidents and injuries
Because it is almost impossible for vessel operators
to spot swimmers, swimmers should:
•
Not swim outside of designated or safe areas
•
Only swim in deep waters where they can be seen by
boaters and with vessel alongside that will be available
in case of emergency
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Swimming (cont.)
Swimmers should:
•
Remember that air mattresses, inner tubes and other
inflatable toys are easily punctured and should not be
used by unsupervised children
•
Not exceed their own ability; never dive into unknown
depths or never swim alone
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Swimming (cont.)
•
When swimming from a vessel, either anchor vessel or
make sure someone capable of operating vessel remains
onboard
•
Take certified swimming course
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Vessel operators should:
•
Be able to recognize and stay legal distance away from
“diver down” flag
•
Keep a lookout for bubbles breaking surface of water
which may indicate divers below
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling (cont.)
Divers should:
•
Display appropriate “diver
down” flags
•
Select vessel suited for diving
and anchor vessel securely
•
Avoid overloading their
vessels with people or
equipment and supplies
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Water skiing
Before towing a water skier vessel operator should:
•
Have second person onboard
to act as observer
•
Review hand signals with
skier for proper
communication
•
Make sure skier is wearing
USGC approved PFD
•
Be familiar with skiing area
and any water hazards
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Water skiing (cont.)
•
Keep the skier a safe distance from hazards and the
shoreline -- a safe distance is at least twice the length
of the tow rope
•
Make sure tow lines are of same length if towing
multiple skiers
•
Never ski at night; it is both hazardous and illegal
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Water skiing (cont.)
While towing a skier vessel operator should:
•
Start engine, making sure no one in water is near the
propeller
•
Pull ski rope tight and then apply enough power to raise
skier out of water
•
Avoid congested areas and keep a sharp lookout for other
vessels and obstructions -- let observer watch the skier
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Water skiing (cont.)
•
Always keep fallen skiers in view and on operator’s
side of vessel
•
If required, display red or orange flag to alert other
boaters that skier is down
•
Always shut engine off before allowing skier to board
vessel
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Water skiing (cont.)
When in the water, a skier should:
•
Wear a PFD
•
Learn and use hand signals
•
Never ski under influence of drugs or alcohol
•
Never spray swimmers, vessels or other skiers, and never
wrap tow rope around his or her body
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Water skiing (cont.)
•
Always hold ski up out of water after falling to remain in
view of vessel operators
•
Never approach back of vessel unless engine has been
turned off
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Water skiing (cont.)
Back to dock
Turn
left
Slow
down
Speed OK
Skier down –
watch!
Skier OK
Speed
up
Stop
Turn
right
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Canoeing, Kayaking and Rafting
Paddlers should:
•
Know how to paddle or swim in tremendous currents and
wear a PFD at all times
•
Not float alone; two canoes
with two canoeists each is
recommended
•
Not overload canoe; tie down
gear and distribute weight evenly
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Canoeing, Kayaking and Rafting (cont.)
•
Map general route and timetable before embarking
•
Study rapids before proceeding
•
Steer clear of drop offs and dams
•
Carry your craft around low head dams
•
Stay away from strainers (obstructions of log jams,
brush piles and overhanging trees)
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Canoeing, Kayaking and Rafting (cont.)
•
If capsized, paddlers should stay on upstream side of
canoe and float on their back with feet pointed
downstream
•
Do not try to walk or stand in swift moving water
•
If canoeing on a lake, stay close to shore and head for
shore if waves increase
•
If water is cold, take all necessary precautions to avoid
hypothermia
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Windsurfing
•
Windsurfers should dress
appropriately; consider wearing
wetsuit
•
Wear a PFD, even if not required
•
Tell someone where you are
going,when you expect to return
and who to call if overdue
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Windsurfing (cont.)
•
Do not become overly fatigued; if feeling weak,
windsurfers can furl the sail, place it on board; lay
onboard and stroke to shore
•
Windsurfers should be on lookout for vessels, avoiding
them and their wakes; don’t stray far from shore
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Sailing
Sailboats are usually the stand-on
boat. Exceptions occur when:
•
Sailboat is overtaking another
vessel
•
The other vessel is restricted in its
ability to maneuver
•
Or sailboat is under power
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Sailing (cont.)
Take precautions to avoid sailing risks
•
In small sailboats, be prepared for capsizing
•
Sailors should wear PFD
•
Be aware of danger of hypothermia
•
Take certified sailing course before setting out on your
own
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Sailing (cont.)
Some tips for safe sailing are:
•
Stay off water during storms; the mast can be conductor
of lightning
•
Carry flashlight; sailboats with auxiliary engine must
have red, green and white navigation lights
•
Be aware of mast clearance when passing under power
lines and bridges
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Fishing
Anglers using a vessel to fish should:
•
Know and follow all safe boating laws and requirements
•
Pay attention to capacity plate
and don’t overload vessel
•
Wear PFD especially when the
water is cold or when fishing
alone or in remote areas
•
Recycle or toss used fishing line
into receptacles onshore and not
into waters or onto shorelines
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Fishing (cont.)
Vessel operators who are boating in the vicinity of
fishing boats should:
•
Slow down when approaching fishing boats or give
them wide berth
•
Never run over angler’s lines or disturb fishing boats
with large wake
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Hunting
If using a vessel to hunt you should:
•
Understand still responsible for obeying all boating laws
•
Take extra precautions to avoid
capsizing or swamping
•
Wear PFD at all times while
on the water
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Hunting (cont.)
•
When hunting on cold water, dress in several layers
under your PFD
•
Always check weather, and stay close to shore
•
Fire no shots, nor release any arrows until vessel is
stopped, motor off and vessel secured
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Hunting (cont.)
•
Be aware of laws regarding transport of firearms on a
vessel
•
Firearms should always be unloaded, have safety on, and
be secured in gun case when transported in a vessel
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Review Questions

As the operator of a vessel, what are you
responsible for ensuring that your passengers
understand?

What should hunters in vessels be sure to wear?

Before allowing anyone to operate your PWC, what
should you remind them about steering control?

What are the three “R’s” that you should practice to
protect the environment?
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Review Questions (cont.)
 Demonstrate the water skiing commands
 When picking up a water skier, on which side of the
vessel should you keep the skier?
 Name two onshore fixtures that are especially
dangerous to vehicles towing or launching or
sailboats.
 When is the use of wet suits advisable?
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Review Questions (cont.)
 If you capsize in a canoe, on which side of the canoe
should you float?

As the owner of a PWC can you be held liable for
damage caused by your PWC no matter who is
operating it?
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Summary
 As an operator of a vessel, you have responsibilities to
your passengers, to anyone else you allow to operate,
and to the environment
 As the owner of a PWC, you could be liable for damage
caused by others operating it
 Swim only in designated areas or close to your vessel
Lesson Six: Enjoying Water Sports
Summary (cont.)
 Wear a PFD when involved in any sport or activity on
or near the water
 Always shut off the engine before dropping off or
picking up a skier
 If you fall in the water while on a river in a canoe,
raft, etc., float on your back with your feet pointed
downstream