Contents
Acknowledgements ii
Illustrations v
Tables viii
CHAPTER 1
Section 1: Getting Started 1
Boat Terms 2
Powerboat Hulls 6
Types of Boats 12
Section 2: Required Safety Equipment 19
Life Jackets (Personal Flotation Devices) 19
Fire Extinguishers 27
Visual Distress Signals 28
Section 3: Going Boating 33
Operator’s Responsibilities 33
Check the Boat and Equipment 34
Fueling 35
Preparing to Cast Off 36
Getting Underway 39
While Underway 42
Boating Courtesy and Ethics 44
Chapter 1 Review 45
CHAPTER 2
Section 4: Navigation Rules 48
International Rules (Rule 1) 49
Inland Rules 49
Copies of the Rules 51
General Rule of Responsibility (Rule 2) 52
General Definitions 52
Responsiblities between Vessels 52
Steering and Sailing Rules 52
Automatic Information System (AIS)—Overview 60
Section 5: Navigation Aids 62
Identification of Aids 63
Lateral System 64
Non-Lateral System 67
Numbers and Letters on Aids to Navigation 70
Lighted Marks 70
Buoy, Beacon Sound Signals 72
Information and Regulatory Marks 73
Section 6: Lights and Sound Signals 75
Types of Navigation Lights 75
Day Shapes 81
Sound Signals 81
Section 7: Government Regulations 84
Boat Registration 84
Documentation 84
Homeland Security Measures 85
USCG Boating Safety Standards 86
Law Enforcement 88
Environmental Considerations 89
Accident Reporting 92
Section 8: State and Local Regulations 94
Continuing Education 94
Boat Registration and Titling Requirements 94
Boating Equipment 94
Marine Environment and Noise 95
Invasive Species 96
Age and Education Requirements 98
Safe Boat Operations 98
Law Enforcement and Accident Reporting 99
Chapter 2 Review 101
CHAPTER 3
Section 9: Finding Your Way 104
Charts and Maps 105
Piloting 105
Electronic Navigation 105