Section 10: Anchoring 107
Anchoring Equipment 107
Anchoring Techniques 111
Section 11: Adverse Conditions and
Emergencies 113
Emergencies 114
Adverse Conditions 128
Section 12: Communications Afloat 133
Radio vs. Telephone 133
VHF Radio 133
Boating Decision Making 146b
Chapter 3 Review 147
CHAPTER 4
Section 13: Water Sports Safety 150
Special Equipment 151
Know the Waters in Your Area 151
Night Activity 152
What to Do in an Emergency 152
Check Weather before Departure 152
Recreational Towing (Tubing, Waterskiing, Etc.) 153
Fishing and Hunting 155
Diving and Snorkeling 155
Paddle Sports 155
Hypothermia 158
Propeller Strikes 158
Section 14: Trailering 159
Boat Trailers 159
The Tow Vehicle 161
Hitching Systems 162
Before You Leave 162
Trailer Operation 162
Pre-Launch Procedures 164
Launch Procedures 164
Hauling-Out Procedures 165
Sailboat Trailering 165
Trailer Maintenance 165
Theft Protection 166
Section 15: PWC Operation 167
Characteristics of a PWC 167
How a PWC Works 168
Special PWC Regulations 170
The Navigation Rules 172
Operate Your PWC Safely 173
Considerate, Responsible Operation 175
Section 16: Knots and Lines 176
Types of Rope 176
The Cleat Hitch 177
The Bowline (Boh’lin) 179
Coiling a Line 180
Chapter 4 Review 182
CHAPTER 5
Section 17: Introduction to Navigation 185
How GPS Works 186
Basic Navigation Concepts 188
Chart Basics 191
Section 18: Charts 205
Chart Characteristics 206
Plotting on a Chart 210
The Mariner’s Compass 210
Calculating a Steering Course 212
Distance, Speed, Time 213
The 24-Hour Clock 214
Supplement: Digital Charting and
Chartplotting 215
Digital Charts 215
Introduction to Advanced Marine Navigation 216
Inland–Near Shore Exercises with OpenCPN 225
APPENDICES
Appendix A: ABC On-The-Water Teaching 227
Aid Guide
Appendix B: State Boating Law Agencies 236
Appendix C: Coast Guard District Offices 238
Appendix D: Forms 239
Appendix E: Boating Decision-Making 249
Glossary 263
Membership Information and Application 271
End of Chapter Answer Sheets 273
Practice Charts/End of Chapter Review Answer Key 275
Fold-Out Bowditch Bay Practice Chart 279
iv Contents