A BOATER’S GUIDE TO THE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATS AND SAFETY TIPS potx

I

A BOATER’S GUIDE TO THE
FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS
FOR RECREATIONAL BOATS
AND SAFETY TIPS

 NavigationLocks
 TrailerSafety
 DigitalSelectiveCalling
 Rescue21
 NavalVesselProtection
Zones
 America’sWaterway
Watch
II 1

WELCOME3
 ConversionTable(US/Metric)4
REGISTRATIONANDDOCUMENTATION5
EQUIPMENTREQUIREMENTS9
 LifeJackets9
 VisualDistressSignals 17
 FireExtinguishers21
 Ventilation23
 BackfireFlameControl 25
 SoundProducingDevices 25
 NavigationLights 27
 PollutionRegulations32
 MarineSanitationDevices35
OPERATINGPROCEDURES36

 NavigationRules36
 AidstoNavigation39
QUICKREFERENCECHART:RequiredEquipment42
 NauticalCharts45
 DamsandNavigationLocks46
LAWENFORCEMENT47
 NegligentOperation47
 BoatingUndertheInfluence(BUI)48
 TerminationofUse48
 ReportingBoatingAccidents 49
 RenderingAssistance50
 RequestingAssistance(Non-Distress)50
USCoastGuardBoardingPolicy50
VESSELSAFETYCHECK52
2 3
SAFETYANDSURVIVALTIPS 54
 SafeBoatingEducation 54
 Operator’sResponsibilities55
 CarbonMonoxideHazards55
 Overloading58
 Anchoring59
 VesselsOperatingOffShore60
 SmallBoats,Hunters,Anglers,andPaddlers62
 StayingAfloat62
 ColdWaterSurvival63
 Trailering65
 FuelingPrecautions67
 PropellerBladeWarning67
 Weather68
 FloatPlans69

BOATER’SPRE-DEPARTURECHECKLIST70
SAMPLEFLOATPLANFORM73
EMERGENCYNOTIFICATION/COMMUNICATION75
 SatelliteEPIRBs75
 RadioRegulations76
 VHFMarineRadioChannels77
 DigitalSelectiveCalling(DSC) 78
 Rescue2178
 SOS:ShipsinDistress79
OTHERRESPONSIBILITIES81
 RegulatedNavigationAreas/LimitedAccessAreas81
 NavalVesselProtectionZones81
 CommercialShippingSafetyZones82
 BridgesandShippingChannels82
 America’sWaterwayWatch83
USCGINFORMATION C-III
RECREATIONALBOATINGSAFETYSPECIALISTS C-III
BOATINGSAFETYPARTNERSC-IV

Asaboatoperator,youareexpectedtomakesurethatyourvessel
carriestherequiredsafetyequipment(carriagerequirement)andisin
compliancewithfederal
andstateregulations
forsuchthingsasnum-
beringandoperation
AQuickReference
Chartonpage42will
helpyoudeterminethe
minimumfederalsafety
equipmentrequire-

mentsforyourvessel
Thispublicationcontainsinformationaboutfederallawsandequipment
carriagerequirementsforrecreationalvesselsoftheUnitedStatesIt
isimportantthatyouunderstandthatfederalequipmentrequirements
arerequirementsandguaranteethesafetyofyour
vesseloritspassengersInthefollowingsections,wehavealsopro-
videdrecommendationsforadditionalsafetyequipmentyoumaywish
tohaveonboard
Inadditiontotherequirementsstatedinthispamphlet,theowner/
operatormayberequiredtocomplywithadditionalregulationsand/or
lawsspecifictothestateinwhichthevesselisregisteredoroperated
Toensurecompliancewithstateboatinglaws,youshouldcontactthe
appropriateboatingagencyinyourareaAvesselincompliancewith
thelawsofthestateofregistrationmaynotmeettherequirementsof
anotherstatewherethevesselisbeingoperated
4 5
Otherequipmentrecommendedforyoursafetyandthesafetyofyour
passengersisnotedinthesectiononVesselSafetyChecksonpage
52andintheBoater’sPre-DepartureChecklistonpage70
drowningistheNumberOnecauseofboatingfatalities
andthemostpreventableTheUSCoastGuardrecommendsthat
youalwayswearalifejacketandrequireyourpassengerstodothe
same



TherearetwomethodsofregistrationforUSrecreationalvessels
• VesselRegistration:state-issuedCertificateofNumber
• VesselDocumentation:federallydocumentedwiththe
USCoastGuard

VesselRegistration:Allundocumentedvesselsequippedwithpropul-
sionmachinerymustberegisteredinthestateofprincipaluseA
CertificateofNumberwillbeissueduponregistrationandthenumber
mustbedisplayedonyourvesselTheowner/operatorofavesselmust
alsocarrythevalidCertificateofNumberwheneverthevesselisinuse 
Whenavesselismovedtoanewstateofprincipaluse,theCertificate
remainsvalidfor60daysCheckwithyourstateboatingauthorityfor
registrationrequirementsSomestatesrequireallvesselstoberegis-
tered,includingvesselsthataremanuallypropelledandthosethatare
Coast
Guarddocumented

Numbersmustbepaintedorpermanentlyattachedtoeachsideof
theforwardhalfofthevesselThenumbersmustbereadfromleftto
right,andofacolorthatiscontrastingwiththebackgroundcolor;for
example,blacknumbersonawhitehullThevalidationsticker(s)must
beaffixedwithinsixinchesoftheregistrationnumberNootherletters
ornumbersmaybedisplayednearby
Letteringmustbeinplain,verticalblockcharactersofnotlessthan3
inchesinheightSpacesorhyphensbetweenletterandnumbergroup-
ingsmustbeequaltothewidthofaletterotherthan“I”oranumber
otherthan“1”

500m
200m
120m
100m
80m
70m
60m

50m
40m
25m
10m

1640ft
656ft
394ft
328ft
263ft
230ft
197ft
164ft
131ft
82ft
33ft

164'1/2"
65'71/2"
39'41/2"
32'93/4"
26'3”
22'111/2"
19'81/4"
16'43/4"
13'11/2"
8'21/2"
3'31/3"
FL 1234 AB
3"

FL 1234 AB
FL 1234 AB
FL 1234 AB
FL 1234 AB

PlacebeforeORafterthenumbers,
accordingtoyourstaterequirements
6 7

TheownerofavesselmustnotifytheagencythatissuedtheCertificate
ofNumberwithin15daysif:
• Thevesselistransferred,destroyed,abandoned,lost,stolen,
orrecovered
• TheCertificateofNumberislost,destroyed,ortheowner’s
addresschanges
IftheCertificateofNumberbecomesinvalidforanyreason,itmustbe
surrenderedtotheissuingauthoritywithin15days

TheUSCoastGuardCertificateofDocumentationisanationalform
ofregistrationdatingbacktothe11
th
ActoftheFirstCongressIt
servesasevidenceofavessel’snationalityforinternationalpurposes,
providesforunhinderedcommercebetweenthestates,andadmits
vesselstocertainrestrictedtrades,suchascoastwisetradeandthe
fisheriesSince1920,vesselfinancinghasbeenenhancedthroughthe
availabilityofpreferredmortgagesondocumentedvessels
Recreationalvesselsareeligibletobedocumentediftheyarewholly
ownedbyacitizenorcitizensoftheUnitedStatesandmeasureatleast
fivenettonsNettonnageisameasureofavessel’svolumeMost

vesselsmorethan25feetinlengthwillmeasurefivenettonsormore
Adocumentedvesselisnotexemptfrom:
• Applicablestateorfederaltaxes
• Compliancewithstateorfederalequipmentcarriage
requirements
Adocumentedvesselmayalsoberequiredtopayaregistrationfee
anddisplayavalidationstickerfromthestateofprincipaluse
Boatersshouldcheckwiththeirstateboatingagency
Tobeincompliancewithfederaldocumentationrequirements,a
CertificateofDocumentationmustbe:
• Theoriginaldocument(photocopynotacceptable)
• Onboardthevessel
• Current(notexpired)
• SignedbytheDirectoroftheNationalVesselDocumentation
Center


Adocumentedrecreationalvesselhulldisplaymust:
• Havethenameandhailingportofthevesseltogetherinone
placeonthehull(usuallyonthestern)
• Beinlettersnotlessthan4inchesinheight
• Beclearlyreadable
M
I
S
T
E
R

J

O
H
N
MISTER JOHN
FRANKLIN, TN
MISTER JOHN
FRANKLIN, TN
4"
4"
Letters not less than 4 inches high
8 9

TheUnitedStatesCoastGuardsetsminimumstandardsfor
recreationalvesselsandassociatedsafetyequipmentTomeetthese
standards,requiredequipmentmustbeUSCoastGuard“approved”
or“certified”ThismeansthatitmeetsUSCoastGuardspecifications,
standards,andregulationsforperformance,construction,ormaterials

You may have heard reference to Type I, II, III, IV, and V “Personal
Flotation Devices” (PFDs). The term PFD is used in a strictly regulatory
sense. For greater clarity, this publication will use the term “wearable
life jacket” and “throwable device.” Understand that Type and Number
refer to the same equipment, whether called a PFD or life jacket, and
that any PFD is approved for use anywhere.
Allrecreationalvesselsmustcarry
onewearablelifejacketforeach
persononboardAnyboat16
feetandlonger(exceptcanoes
andkayaks)mustalsocarry
onethrowable(TypeIV)device

Lifejacketsbewornat
alltimeswhenthevesselisunder-
wayA life jacket can save your
life, but only if you wear it.
Alwayscheckandreadthemanufacturer’sinformationbookletand
labelprovidedwithalllifejacketsTheywillprovidevaluableinforma-
tion,includingsize,type,intendeduse,andCoastGuardapproval
information
Lifejacketsmustbe:
• USCoastGuard-approved(checkthelabel)
• Ingoodandserviceablecondition
• Appropriatesizeandtypefortheintendeduser
• Properlystowed
Someitemsthatarenotrequiredbutareagoodideatohavewithyour
lifejacketareawhistleandanemergencylight
Themarkingrequirementsforadocumentedrecreationalvesselstate
“togetherinoneplaceonthehull”Manyrecreationalvesselswillplace
thevesselnameandhailingportonthestern,andvesselnameonboth
sidesofthebow,whichisrequiredforacommercialvesselAlthough
notrequiredforarecreationalvessel,thisisanacceptableoption

Inaddition,thevesselmusthavetheofficialnumberpermanently
affixedinblock-typeArabicnumeralsofnotlessthan3inchesin
height,precededbytheletters“NO”onsomeclearlyvisibleinterior
integralstructuralpartofthevessel
Arabic numerals are the most common symbolic representation of
numbers in the world. Permanently affixed means that the numbers
must be affixed to the vessel so that alteration, removal, or replacement
would be obvious. Numbers can be painted, carved, or welded.

For more information on documented vessels, contact the U.S. Coast
Guard National Vessel Documentation Center at (800) 799-8362 or
online at www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc.
NO.1234567
3"
Interior display (recreational and commercial).
Numbers must be no less than 3 inches high.
10 11

• Wearablelifejacketsmustbereadilyaccessible
• Youshouldbeabletoputthemoninareasonableamountof
timeinanemergency(vesselsinking,onfire,etc)
• Theyshouldnotbestowedinplasticbags,inlockedorclosed
compartments,orhaveothergearstowedontopofthem
• ThrowabledevicesmustbeimmediatelyavailableforuseThey
shouldbeonthemaindeckwithinarm’sreach,hangingona
lifeline,orothereasilyreachedlocation

• USCoastGuard-approvedinflatablelifejacketsareauthorized
forusebypersons16yearsofageandolder(checkthelabel)
• Inflatablelifejacketsrequireregularmaintenanceandattentionto
theconditionoftheinflator
• Theymusthaveafullcylinderandallstatusindicatorsonthe
inflatormustbegreenorthedeviceisserviceableanddoes
satisfythelegalrequirementforthewearablelifejacket
carriagerequirement
• Inflatablelifejacketsaremorecomfortable,encouragingregular
useThebestlifejacketsareonestheuserwillwear

Onavesselthatisunderway,childrenunder13yearsofagemust

wearanappropriateUSCoastGuard-approvedlifejacketunlessthey
are1)belowdeck,or2)withinanenclosed
cabinIfastatehasestablishedachildlife
jacketwearrequirementthatdiffersfrom
theCoastGuardrequirement,thestate
requirementwillbeapplicableonwaters
subjecttothatstate’sjurisdiction
Children’slifejacketsareapprovedfor
specificweightcategoriesCheckthe“User
Weight”onthelabelandforanapproval
statementthatwillreadsomethinglike:
Approved for use on recreational boats and uninspected commercial
vessels not carrying passengers for hire by persons weighing “less
than 30, lbs.,” “30 to 50 lbs.,” “less than 50 lbs.,” or “50 to 90 lbs.”

TheUSCoastGuardrecommends–andmanystatesrequire–
wearinglifejacketswhenengagedinthefollowingactivities:
• Waterskiingandothertowedactivities(useatypedesignedfor
waterskiing)
• OperatingaPersonalWatercraft,orPWC(useatypedesigned
forwaterskiingorPWCuse)
• Whitewaterboatingactivities
• Sailboarding
Checkwithyourstateboatingagencyforthelawsthatapply
Federallawdoesnotrequirelifejacketuseonracingshells,rowing
sculls,racingcanoes,andracingkayaks;statelawsvary,however
Checkwithyourstateboatingagency
NotethatifyouareboatinginanareaunderthejurisdictionoftheUS
ArmyCorpsofEngineers,orafederal,state,orlocalparkauthority,
otherrulesmayalsoapply

The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that you always wear a life jacket
while underway on a boat and require passengers to do the same.

Thefivetypesoflifejacketsarebasedonthreekindsofflotationand
canbecharacterizedasfollows:

• Themostreliable
• ComeinAdult,Youth,Child,andInfantsizes
• Designedforswimmersandnon-swimmers
• Comeinwearableandthrowablestyles
• Specialdesignsavailableforwatersports

• Themostcompact
• Lightweightandcomfortable
• Sizedonlyforadults
• Onlyrecommendedforswimmers
• Wearablestylesonly
• Somehavethebestin-waterperformance

12 13

• Reliable
• ProvidesInherentandInflatableBuoyancy
• Adult,Youth,andChildsizes
• Forswimmersandnon-swimmers
• Wearablestylesonly
• Somedesignedforwatersports

   
    

Adult II&III 10lbs 22lbs
 V 75lbs 22lbs
Youth II&III 9lbs 15lbs
 V 75lbs 15lbs
Child II 7lbs 12lbs


  
Adult I&II 34lbs
 III 225lbs
 V 225to34lbs

  
Adult I 22lbs
 II&III 155lbs
 V 155to22lbs
Youth II&III 11lbs
 V 11to155lbs
ChildandInfant II 7lbs

Cushion IV 20lbs
RingBuoy 165832lb

providesthemostbuoyancyItis
effectiveforallwaters,especiallyopen,rough,orremotewaters
whererescuemaybedelayedItisdesignedtoturnanunconscious
wearertoaface-uppositioninthewater
isintendedforcalm,inland
watersorwherethereisagoodchanceofquickrescueInherently
buoyantlifejacketsofthistypewillturnsomeunconsciouswearersto

aface-uppositioninthewater,butthe
turningisnotaspronouncedaswitha
TypeIThistypeofinflatableturnsas
wellasaTypeIfoamjacket
Uninflated
Inflated
14 15
isgoodforusersincalm,inlandwaters,or
anywherethereisagoodchanceofquickrescueThewearermay
havetotilttheirheadbacktoremaininaface-uppositioninthewater
TheTypeIIIfoamvesthasthesameminimumbuoyancyasaTypeII
Itcomesinmanystyles,colors,andsizesandisgenerallythemost
comfortabletypeforcontinuouswearFloatcoats,fishingvests,and
vestsdesignedwithfeaturessuitableforvarioussportsactivitiesare
examplesofthistypeThistypeofinflatableturnsaswellasaTypeII
foamvest
isintendedforuseanywhereItisde-
signedtobethrowntoapersoninthewaterandgraspedandheldby
theuseruntilrescuedItisnotdesignedorintendedtobewornType
IVdevicesincludebuoyantcushions,ringbuoys,andhorseshoebuoys
TherearenoCoastGuard-approvedinflatableTypeIVdevices
isintended
forspecificactivitiesandmaybecarried
insteadofanotherlifejacketonlyifused
accordingtothecondition(s)forwhichitis
approved,asshownonitslabelATypeV
providestheperformanceofaTypeI,II,
or
III(asmarkedonitslabel)Ifthelabel
saysthelifejacketis“approvedonlywhen

worn,”thelifejacketmustbeworn(except
bypersonsinenclosedspaces)andused
inaccordancewiththeapprovallabelto
meetcarriagerequirementsSomeType
Vdevicesprovidesignificanthypothermia
protectionVarietiesincludedecksuits,work
vests,sailboardingvests,andsailingvests
withasafetyharness
isapprovedonlyasaTypeV,
Special-UseDevicebecauseitsusetopreventfallsoverboardpresents
severalrisksTheUSCoastGuardhasnotassesseditspotentialfor
injuryfromsuddenlystoppingafalland,incaseofcapsizingorsinking,
theboatmaytakethewearerdown,resultingindeathattach
theharnesstotheboatunlessitisbeingwornwithatetheroflessthan
65feetinlengthwithquick-release-under-loadhardwareRead the
safety harness section of the owner’s manual for intended use. Under
no circumstances should the safety harness be used for any climbing
activity. U.S. Coast Guard approval does not apply to this harness used
under those circumstances.

Lifejacketscomeinmanydesigns,colors,styles,andmaterialsSome
aremadetostanduptoruggedwatersports,otherstoprotectthe
wearerfromcold-watertemperaturesBesuretochooseonethatis
appropriateforyourbodysize,plannedactivities,andthewater
conditionsyouexpecttoencounter
16 17

StartwithalifejacketthatisUSCoastGuard-approvedTryiton
ItshouldfitcomfortablysnugThengiveitthistest:withallstraps,
zippers,andtiessecurelyfastened,raiseyourarmsoveryourhead

ThejacketshouldstayinplaceandnotrideupNext,havesomeone
liftyourlifejacketstraightupattheshouldersAgain,thejacketshould
stayinplaceIfthezippertouchesyournoseorthejacketalmost
comesoff,itistooloose

Inshallowwateroraswimmingpool,undersupervisionandwithall
straps,zippers,andtiesfastened,seehowthelifejacketfloatsyou
RelaxyourbodyandletyourheadtiltbackYourchinshouldremain
abovewatersothatyoucanbreatheeasilyIfnot,youmayneeda
differentsizeormodel,onethatprovidesmorebuoyancy

Besuretochooseachild’slifejacketthatisUSCoastGuard-
approvedChecktomakesureyourchild’sweightfallswithintherange
shownonthelabelWhilesomechildreninthe30-50poundweight
rangewhocanswimmayaskfortheextrafreedomofmovement
thataTypeIIIprovides,notethatmostchildreninthisweightrange,
especially
thosewhocannotswim,shouldwearaTypeIITocheckfor
agoodfit,pickthechildupbytheshouldersofthelifejacketIfitfits
correctly,thechild’schinandearswillnotslipthrough
Achild’slifejacketshouldbetestedinthewaterimmediatelyafter
purchaseChildrenmaypanicwhentheyfallintothewatersuddenly
Floattestingnotonlychecksthefitandbuoyancybutalsoprovidesan
importantopportunitytoteachthemtorelaxinthewater

Mostdeathsfromdrowningoccurnearshoreincalmweather,notout
atseaduringastorm;9outof10drowningfatalitiesoccurininland
waters,mostwithinafewfeetofsafetyWorsestill,manyofthese
victimsownedlifejacketsandmayhavesurvivedhadtheybeenworn




VesselsoperatingonUScoastalwaters,theGreatLakes,and
territorialseas,aswellasthosewatersconnecteddirectly,uptoa
pointwherethewaterwayislessthantwonauticalmileswide,must
beequippedwithUSCoastGuard-approvedvisualdistresssignals
(VDS)VesselsownedintheUnitedStatesandoperatingonthehigh
seas
mustalsobeequippedwithUSCoastGuard-approvedvisual
distresssignals
Thefollowingvesselsarenotrequiredtocarrydaysignals,butmust
carrynightsignalswhenoperatingfromsunsettosunrise:
• Recreationalboatslessthan16feetinlength
• Boatsparticipatinginorganizedevents,suchasraces,regattas,
ormarineparades
• Opensailboatslessthan26feetinlengththatarenotequipped
withpropulsionmachinery
• Manuallypropelledboats
The carriage requirement is only applicable in areas
where VDS are required.

PyrotechnicvisualdistresssignalsmustbeUSCoast
Guard-approved,inserviceablecondition,andreadilyaccessible
ChecktheexpirationdateExpiredsignalsmaybecarriedasextra
equipment,butcannotbecountedtowardmeetingthevisualdistress
signalrequirement
Lessthan
2miles
OpenWater
River

Bay




18 19
LaunchersmanufacturedbeforeJanuary1,1981,andintendedfor
usewithapprovedsignals,arenotrequiredtobeUSCoastGuard-
approvedaslongastheyremaininserviceablecondition
Ifpyrotechnicdevicesareselected,aminimumofthreesignalsare
requiredfordayuseandthreesignalsfornightuseSomepyrotechnic
signalsmeetbothdayandnightuserequirements(combinationflares) 
Pyrotechnicdevicesshouldbestoredinacool,dryplace,ifpossible
Awatertightcontainerpaintedredororangeandprominentlymarked
“DISTRESSSIGNALS”or“FLARES”isrecommended
USCoastGuard-approvedpyrotechnicvisualdistresssignalsand
associateddevicesinclude:
• Pyrotechnicredflares,hand-heldoraerial(day/nightuse)
• Pyrotechnicorangesmoke,hand-heldorfloating(dayuse)
• Launchersforaerialredmeteorsorparachuteflares
Eachofthesedeviceshasadifferentoperating/burningtimeCheckthe
labeltoseehowlongeachpyrotechnicdevicewillremainilluminated
Chooseadevicebestsuitedtotheconditionsintheareawhereyour
vesselistypicallyused

Non-pyrotechnicvisualdistresssignalsmustbeinserviceablecondi-
tion,readilyaccessible,andcertifiedbythemanufacturerascomplying
withUSCoastGuardrequirementsThesesignalsinclude:

• Usedasadaysignalonly

• Mustbeatleast3x3feetwith
ablacksquareandballonan
orangebackground
• Mustbemarkedwithanindication
thatitmeetsUSCoastGuard
requirementsin46CFR160072
• Mostvisiblewhenattachedand
wavedonapaddleorboathook,orflownfromamast
• Maybeincorporatedintodevicesdesignedtoattractattentionin
anemergency,suchasballoons,kites,orfloatingstreamer

• Acceptablefornightuseonly
• Automaticallyflashesthe
internationalSOSdistresssignal
(•••–––•••)
• Mustbemarkedwithanindica-
tionthatitmeetsUSCoastGuardrequirementsin
46CFR161013
UnderInlandNavigationRules,ahigh-intensitywhitelightflashingat
regularintervalsfrom50-70timesperminuteisconsideredadistress
signalSuchdevices,however,meettheVisualDistressSignal
carriagerequirement
Regulationsprohibitdisplayofvisualdistresssignalsonthewater
underanycircumstances,exceptwhereassistanceisneededbecause
ofimmediateorpotentialdangertopersonsonboardavessel
AlldistresssignalshavedistinctadvantagesanddisadvantagesNo
singledeviceisidealunderallconditionsorsuitableforallpurposes
Pyrotechnics
areuniversallyrecognizedasexcellentdistresssignals,
butthereispotentialforinjuryandpropertydamageifnothandled

properlyThesedevicesproduceaveryhotflamewiththepotentialto
causeburnsandigniteflammablematerials
Pistol-launchedandhand-heldparachuteflaresandmeteorshavemany
characteristicsofafirearmandmustbehandledwithextremecaution
InsomestatesandCanadatheymaybeconsideredafirearmand
prohibitedfromuseBesuretocheckwithyourstateboatingagency

Orange Flag (day only)
Electric Distress Signals
(night only)
20 21
Thefollowingarejustafewofthemanycombinationsofdevicesthat
willmeettherequirements:
• 3hand-heldredflaresthatareapprovedforday/nightuse
• 1hand-heldredflareand2parachuteflaresforday/nightuse
• 1hand-heldorangesmokesignaland2floatingorangesmoke
signalsforday,and1electricdistresslightfornight
AllboatersshouldbeabletosignalforhelpBoatersmusthave
USCoastGuard-approveddayandnightsignalsforvesselswhen
requiredSignalingdevicesarerecommendedwhenoperatingonall
openbodiesofwater

USCoastGuard-approved,marine-typefireextinguishersarerequired
onboatswhereafirehazardcouldbeexpectedfromtheenginesor
fuelsystemExtinguishersareclassifiedbyaletterandnumbersymbol
Theletterindicatesthetypeoffiretheunitisdesignedtoextinguish
TypeB,forexample,isdesignedtoextinguishflamingliquids,suchas
gasoline,oil,andgreaseThenumberindicatestheamountoftheex-
tinguishingagentcontainedintheextinguisher;thehigherthenumber,
thegreatertheamountofagentinthe

extinguisher
USCoastGuard-approvedex-
tinguishersrequiredforboatsare
hand-portable,haveeitherB-IorB-II
classification,andmustbeprovidedwith
amountingbracketWhilenotrequired,
itisrecommendedthattheextinguish-
ersbemountedinareadilyaccessible
locationConsiderlocationswherethe
extinguishercanbereachedeasily;forexample,atornearthesteering
stationorinthegalleyorengineroom,butawayfromlocationswherea
firemaylikelystart
Extinguishermarkingscanbeconfusingbecauseoneextinguisher
canbeapprovedforseveraldifferenttypesoffires(A,B,orC)For
example,anextinguishermarked“TypeA,SizeII;TypeB;C,SizeI”is
acceptableasaTypeB-Iextinguisher
Lookforthesectionofthelabelthatstates“MarineTypeUSCG,Type
A,SizeII;TypeB;CSizeI”(ItwillalsocontainaUSCGapproval
number)MakesureTypeBisindicatedHand-portableextinguishers
willbeeitheraSizeIorII
SizeIIIandlargeraretoobigforuseonmostrecreationalboats
  

 
   
B-I(TypeB,SizeI)175 4 2
B-II(TypeB,SizeII)25 15 10
Fire Extinguishers
Parachute Flare
(day and night)

Red Flare
(hand-held
day and night)
Orange Smoke Signal
(hand-held/day only)
Floating Orange
Smoke Signal
(day only)
Red Meteor
(day and night)


Electric Distress Signals
(night only)
Orange Flag
(day only)
22 23
Fireextinguishersarerequiredonboatswhenanyofthefollowing
conditionsexist:
• Thereareclosedcompartmentsandcompartmentsunderseats
whereportablefueltanksmaybestored
• Therearedoublebottomsnotsealedtothehullorthatarenot
completelyfilledwithflotationmaterials
• Thereareclosedlivingspaces
• Thereareclosedstowagecompartments,inwhichcombustibleor
flammablematerialsarestored
• Therearepermanentlyinstalledfueltanks(Fueltankssecured
sotheycannotbemovedincaseofafireorotheremergency
areconsideredpermanentlyinstalledAlso,iftheweightofafuel
tankissuchthatpersonsonboardcannotmoveit,theUSCoast

Guardmayconsideritpermanentlyinstalled)

Inspectextinguishersmonthlytomakesurethat:
• Sealsandtamperindicatorsarenotbrokenormissing
• Pressuregaugesorotherindicators,ifsoequipped,readin
theoperablerangeasdescribedontheextinguisher
• Thereisnoobviousphysicaldamage,rust,corrosion,
leakage,orcloggednozzles
Iftheminimumweightisstatedontheextinguisherlabel,weighextin-
guishersannuallytocheck
Fireextinguishersthatdonotsatisfytheaboverequirementsorthat
havebeenpartiallyemptiedmustbereplacedortakentoaqualifiedfire
extinguisher
servicingcompanyforrecharge

Thefollowingchartliststhenumberoffireextinguishersthatare
requiredonrecreationalvesselsIfaUSCoastGuard-approvedfixed
fireextinguishingsystemisinstalledfortheprotectionoftheengine
compartment,therequirednumberofextinguishersmaybereducedin
accordancewiththechart
Itisrecommendedthathandportableextinguishersbemountedina
readilyaccessiblelocation

  
  
Lessthan26’1B-I 0
26’tolessthan40’2B-lor1B-II 1B-I
40’to65’ 3B-Ior1B-IIand1B-I 2B-lor1B-II

Boatsthatusegasolineforelectricalgeneration,mechanicalpower,or

propulsionarerequiredtobeequippedwithaventilationsystem
Anaturalventilationsystemisrequiredforeachcompartmentinaboatthat:
• Containsapermanentlyinstalledgasolineengine
• Hasopeningsbetweenitandacompartmentthatrequires
ventilation
• Containsapermanentlyinstalledfueltankandanelectrical
componentthatisnotignition-protected
• Containsafueltankthatventsintothatcompartment
(includingaportabletank)
• Containsanon-metallicfueltank
Anaturalventilationsystemconsistsof:
• Asupplyopening(duct/cowl)fromtheoutsideair(locatedonthe
exteriorsurfaceoftheboat),orfromaventilatedcompartment,or
fromacompartmentthatisopentotheoutsideair
• Anexhaustopeningintoanotherventilatedcompartmentoran
exhaustducttotheatmosphere
















All blower motors installed in exhaust ducts must be in working
condition regardless of date of manufacture.
24 25
Eachexhaustopeningorexhaustductmustoriginateinthelowerone-
thirdofthecompartmentEachsupplyopeningorsupplyductandeach
exhaustopeningorductinacompartmentmustbeabovethenormal
accumulationofbilgewater
Apoweredventilationsystemisrequiredforeachcompartmentina
boatthathasapermanentlyinstalledgasolineenginewithacranking
motorforremotestarting
Apoweredventilationsystemconsistsofoneormoreexhaustblowers
Eachintakeductforanexhaustblowermustbeinthelowerone-third
ofthecompartmentandabovethenormalaccumulationofbilgewater
Forboatsbuiltpriorto1980,therewasnorequirementforapowered
ventilationsystem;however,someboatswereequippedwithablower
TheUSCoastGuardVentilationStandard,amanufacturerrequire-
ment,appliestoallboatsbuiltonorafterAugust1,1980Some
buildersbeganmanufacturingboatsincompliancewiththeVentilation
StandardasearlyasAugust1978Ifyourboatwasbuiltonorafter
August1,1978itmighthavebeenequippedwitheither(1)anatural
ventilationsystem,or(2)bothanaturalventilationsystemanda
poweredventilationsystemIfyourboatbearsalabelcontainingthe
words
“ThisboatcomplieswithUSCoastGuardsafetystandards,”
youcanassumethatthedesignofyourboat’sventilationsystemmeets
applicableregulations
Boatsbuiltafter1980withremotestartersarerequiredtodisplaya
labelthatcontainsatleastthefollowinginformation:
Allboatownersareresponsibleforkeepingtheirvessel’sventilation

systemsinoperatingconditionThismeansmakingsureopeningsare
freeofobstructions,ductsandductingarenotblockedortorn,blowers
operateproperly,andworncomponentsarereplacedwithequivalent
marine-typeequipment

Gasolineenginesinstalledinamotorboatormotorvesselafter
April25,1940,exceptoutboardmotors,mustbeequippedwithan
acceptablemeansofbackfireflamecontrolThebackfireflamearres-
tor(BFA)mustbesuitablysecuredtotheairintakewithaflame-tight
connection,andisrequiredtobeeitherUSCoastGuard-approvedor
complywithSAEJ-1928orUL1111standardsandmarkedaccordingly
Otheracceptablemeansofbackfireflamecontrolinclude:airandfuel
inductionsystemsusuallyfoundonpersonalwatercraft,velocitystacks
(attachmentstocarburetors),andreed-type(foundinoutboards)

NavigationRulesrequiresoundsignalstobemadeundercertain
circumstancesMeeting,crossing,andovertakingsituations,described
intheNavigationRulesbeginningwithRule32,areexamplesof
circumstancesinwhichsoundsignalsarerequiredRecreational
vesselsarealsorequiredtousesoundsignalsduringperiodsof
reducedvisibilityandwhileatanchor





Not Equipped with BFA Equipped with BFA





26 27
Thefollowingmatrixprovidesthesoundproducingdevicesrequiredfor
vessels:

 VesselLength Whistle Bell Gong
 12metersormore
 (394ft)
X
 
 20metersormore
 (656ft)
X

X

 100metersormore
 (3281ft)
X

X

X

 VesselLength Whistle Bell Gong
 12metersormore
 (394ft)
X
 
 20metersormore

 (656ft)
X

X

 100metersormore
 (3281ft)
X

X

X
*There have been changes to the Collision Regulations (COLREGS)
and a regulatory change is forthcoming that will align the Inland
Navigation Rules with the COLREGS. The Coast Guard is exercising
its discretion not to enforce the provisions of the inland rules until the
regulatory change is enacted.

Recreationalvesselsarerequiredtodisplaynavigationlightsbetween
sunsetandsunriseandduringperiodsofrestrictedvisibility(fog,rain,
haze,etc)TheUSCoastGuardNavigationRules,International-In-
land,specifieslightingrequirementsforeverydescriptionofwatercraft
Theinformationprovidedbelowisforpower-drivenandsailingvessels
lessthan655feet(20meters)inlength

Note that a sail vessel under machine propulsion is considered a
power-driven vessel.
Ifyourpower-drivenvesselislessthan164feet(50meters)inlength,
itmustdisplaynavigationlightsasshowninFigure1
Ifyourpower-drivenvesselislessthan394feet(12meters)inlength,

thenitmaydisplaynavigationlightsasshowninFigure2
Signaling Devices
Figure 1
Figure 2
28 29
Ifyourpower-drivenvesselislessthan23feet(7meters)inlength
anditsmaximumspeeddoesnotexceed7knots,thenitmaydisplay
anall-roundwhitelightand,ifpossible,sidelights,insteadofthelights
prescribedpreviously(InternationalRulesonly)
Forpower-drivenvesselslessthan394feet(12meters)inlength,the
mastheadorall-roundwhitelightmustbeatleast33feet(1meter)
abovethesidelights
Inavesseloflessthan656feet(20meters)inlength,sidelightsmay
bedisplayedinacombinationlightasshowninFigure2

Ifyoursailingvesselislessthan656feet(20meters)inlength,thenit
mustdisplaynavigationlightsasshowninFigures3,4,or5
Asailingvesseloflessthan23feet
(7meters)inlengthshall,ifpracticable,
exhibitlightsasshown(Figures3or
4)Ifitdoesnot,itshallhavereadyat
handanelectrictorchorlightedlantern
(flashlight)showingwhitelightthatshall
beexhibitedinsufficienttimetoprevent
collision(SeeFigure6)

Avesselunderoarsmayexhibitthe
lightsforasailboatIfitdoesnot,itshall
have
readyathandanelectrictorch

(flashlight)orlightedlanternshowing
awhitelightthatshallbeexhibitedin
sufficienttimetopreventcollision(See
Figure7)

Toalertothervesselsofconditionsthatmaybehazardous,thereare
requirementstodisplaylightsatnightandshapesduringtheday

AllvesselsatanchormustdisplayanchorlightsIfyour
vesselislessthan164feet(50meters)inlength,thenitsanchorlight
isanall-roundwhitelightvisiblewhereitcanbestbeseenfromall
directions(SeeFigure8)
Figure 3
Figure 8
Figure 4
Figure 5
Figure 6
Figure 7
30 31
Allvesselsatanchormustdisplayforward,whereit
canbebestseen,ablackballshape(SeeFigure9)
Ifyourvesselislessthan23feet(7meters)inlength,it
isnotrequiredtodisplayananchorlightorshapeunlessitisanchored
inornearanarrowchannel,fairway,oranchorage,orwhereother
vesselsnormallynavigate
Ifyourvesselislessthan656feet(20meters)inlength,itisnot
requiredtodisplayananchorlightifitisanchoredininlandwatersina
specialanchoragedesignatedbytheSecretaryunderwhichtheCoast
Guardisoperating


Duringtheday,vesselsundersailthat
arealsobeingpropelledbymachinery,
mustexhibitforward,whereitcanbest
beseen,ablackconicalshapewiththe
apexpointingdown(SeeFigure10)
Ifyourvesselisless
than394feet(12meters)inlength,
thenitisnotrequiredtodisplaythe
shapeininlandwaters
If you are operating your sailing vessel at night using ma-
chinery, or sail and machinery, then your vessel must display the lights
required for a power-driven vessel. (See Figures 3, 4, and 5.)

NavigationRulesrequirevesselsrestrictedintheirabilitytomaneuver
todisplayappropriatedayshapes(ball/diamond/ball)orlightsIfthe
sizeofthevesselengagedindivingactivitiesduringthedaymakeit
impracticaltodisplaythedayshapes,thenitmustexhibitarigidreplica
oftheinternationalcodeflag“Alpha”notlessthan33feet(1meter)in
heighttomeetthisrequirementIfthedivingactivitiesareatnight,then
yourvesselmustdisplaythenavigationlightsshowninFigure11This
requirementdoesnotaffecttheuseofaredandwhiteDiversFlag,
whichmayberequiredbystateorlocallawtomarkadiver’slocation
The“A”flagisanavigationsignalindicatingyourvessel’srestricted
maneuverabilityanddoesnotpertaintothelocationofthediver
Figure 9
Figure 11
Figure 10
32 33
Reportthefollowinginformation:
• Locationoftheincident

• Size/quantity(estimatedamountofmaterialreleased)
• Description,color,consistency,odor
• Dateandtimeobserved
• Sourceandcauseoftherelease,ifknown
• Substance,ifknown
• Weatherandanyotherinformationthatmayhelpemergency
personnelrespondtotheincident

TheActtoPreventPollutionfromShips(MARPOLANNEXV)places
limitationsonthedischargeofgarbagefromvesselsItisillegalto
dumpplastictrashanywhereintheoceanornavigablewatersofthe
UnitedStatesItisalsoillegaltodischargegarbageinthenavigable
watersoftheUnitedStates,includingtheinlandwatersandanywhere
intheGreatLakesThedischargeofothertypesofgarbageispermit-
tedoutsideofspecificdistancesoffshoreasdeterminedbythenature
ofthatgarbage(Seechartnextpage)

AnnexVofMARPOL73/78prohibitsthrowing,discharging,ordeposit-
inganyrefusematterofanykind(includingtrash,garbage,oil,and
otherliquidpollutants)intothewatersoftheUnitedStates
TheFederalWaterPollutionControlActprohibitsthedischargeofoilor
hazardoussubstancesthatmaybeharmfulintoUSnavigablewaters
Vessels26feetandgreaterinlength,withmachineryspaces,must
displayaplacardatleast5by8inches,madeofdurablematerial,fixed
inaconspicuousplaceinthemachineryspaces,oratthebilgepump
controlstation,statingthefollowing:
RegulationsissuedundertheFederalWaterPollutionControlActre-
quireallvesselswithpropulsionmachinerytohaveacapacitytoretain
oilymixturesonboardandbeequippedwithafixedorportablemeans
todischargetheseoilymixturestoareceptionfacilityOnrecreational

vessels,abucket,oilabsorbentpads,andheavy-dutyplasticbag,
bailer,orportablepumparesomeofthesuitablemeansthatmeetthe
requirementforretentiononboarduntiltransferringtheoilymixtureto
areceptionfacilityNopersonmayintentionallydrainoiloroilywaste
fromanysourceintothebilgeofanyvesselYoumustimmediately
notifytheUSCoastGuardifyourvesseldischargesoilorhazardous
substancesinthewaterCalltheCoastGuardNationalResponse
Centertoll-free(800)424-8802,or(202)267-2675

TheFederalWaterPollutionControlActprohibitsthedischarge
ofoiloroilywasteuponorintoanynavigablewatersofthe
UnitedStatesThisprohibitionincludesanydischargethat
causesafilmordiscolorationofthesurfaceofthewater,or
causesasludgeoremulsionbeneaththesurfaceofthewater
Violatorsaresubjecttosubstantialciviland/orcriminalsanc-
tions,includingfinesandimprisonment

34 35
Note:stateandlocallawsmayplacefurtherrestrictionsonthedisposal
ofgarbage
UnitedStatesvesselsof26feetorlongermustdisplayinaprominent
location,adurableplacardatleast4by9inchesnotifyingthecrewand
passengersofthedischargerestrictions
UnitedStatesocean-goingvesselsof40feetorlongerthatareen-
gagedincommerceorequippedwithagalleyandberthingmusthave
awrittenwastemanagementplandescribingtheproceduresforcollect-
ing,processing,storing,anddischarginggarbage,andmustdesignate
thepersoninchargeofcarryingouttheplan

Allrecreationalboatswithinstalledtoiletfacilitiesmusthaveanoper-

ablemarinesanitationdevice(MSD)onboardVessels65feetand
undermayuseaTypeI,II,orIIIMSDTypeIandTypeIIare“flow-
through”devices,whileaholdingtankisaTypeIIIdeviceVesselsover
65feetmustinstallaTypeIIorIIIMSDAllinstalledMSDsmustbe
USCoastGuard-certifiedUSCoastGuard-certifieddevicesareso
labeled,exceptforsomeholdingtanks,whicharecertifiedbydefinition
undertheregulations
Thedischargeoftreatedsewageisallowedwithin3nauticalmilesof
shoreexceptindesignated“NoDischargeZone”areas(Untreated
sewagemaybedischargedbeyond3nauticalmiles)
A “No Discharge Zone” is a body of water where the discharge of
treated or untreated sewage is prohibited. When operating a vessel
in a No Discharge Zone, the operator must secure the device in a
manner that prevents any discharge. Some acceptable methods are:
padlocking overboard discharge valves in the closed position, using
a non-releasable wire tie to hold overboard discharge valves in the
closed position, closing overboard discharge valves and removing
the handle, and locking the door to the space enclosing the toilets.
Note: these methods for preventing the overboard discharge are only
required when operating in a No Discharge Zone. State and local laws
may place further restrictions on overboard discharges.

Plastics–includessyntheticropes,
fishingnets,andplasticbags
Comminutedorgroundfoodwaste,
paper,rags,glass,etc
Foodwaste,paper,rags,glass,metal,
bottles,crockery,andsimilarrefuse
Floatingdunnage,lining,andpacking
materials


Prohibitedinallareas

Prohibitedlessthan3miles
fromnearestland
Prohibitedlessthan12miles
fromnearestland
Prohibitedlessthan25miles
fromnearestland
36 37


Boaterscallnavigationrules–thebasiclawsgoverningthesteering
orsailingofaboat–“TheRulesoftheRoad”TheseRulesdefinethe
rolesandresponsibilitiesofvesseloperatorsIfalloperatorsfollowed
theserules,mostaccidentscouldbeavoided
TheRulesaredividedintotwoparts,InlandandInternationalInland
Rulesapplytovesselsoperatinginsidethelineofdemarcation,while
InternationalRulesapplyoutsidethatlineDemarcationlinesare
printedonmostnavigationalchartsandarelistedintheNavigation
Rules
PrintcopiesoftherulescanbeobtainedfromtheSuperintendentof
Documents,USGovernmentPrintingOffice,POBox979050,St
Louis,MO63197-9000Tel(202)512-1800,oryoucandownloada
copyfromtheUSCoastGuard,BoatingSafetyDivisionwebsiteat
wwwuscgboatingorg
Theoperatorofavessel394feet(12meters)orgreaterisresponsible
forhavingandmaintainingacopyoftheNavigationRulesonboard
whileoperatingonUSinlandwaters
TheRulesvaryslightlydependingonwhetheryouareboatingon

inlandoroninternationalwatersAsanexample,whenoperatingon
inlandwaters,soundsignalsaresignalsof;whenoperatingon
international
waters,theyaresignalsof
Designatesomeonetowatchfordangersthatmay
comefromanydirection
Exceptwherespeedisrestrictedbyregulation,
orthewaterwayismarkedasa“NoWake”or“SlowSpeed”area,you
mustjudgesafespeedforyourself,takingintoaccountvisibility,vessel
traffic,yourboat’sabilitytomaneuver,andtheweatherconditions
TheRulesoftheRoadincludetheactionstotake
whenencounteringanothervesselonthewaterSomeofthemost
commonsituationsyoumayencounterare:overtaking,meeting
head-on,andcrossingthebowofanothervesselIneachcase,the
boatdesignatedasthe“give-way”vesselisrequiredtoyieldtothe
otherboat,whiletheboatdesignatedasthe“stand-on”vesselshould
maintainitscourseandspeed
Thefollowingdiagramsdescribethewhistlesignalsandactionstobe
takenbyvesselsinacrossing,meeting,orovertakingsituationwhile
operatingininlandwatersThesearebasicexamples;foradditional
information,consulttheNavigationRules


Give-Way Vessel
shouldaltercoursetopass
astern(behind)
1shortblast(1sec)
Stand-On Vessel
shouldmaintainitscourse
andspeed

1shortblast(1sec)
2shortblasts
(1seceach)
2shortblasts
(1seceach)
1shortblast
(1sec)
1shortblast
(1sec)

Overtaken

Overtaking
(keepclear)
38 39


Navigationbuoysandbeaconsareplacedalongcoastalandnavigable
watersasguidestomarksafewaterandhiddendangers,aswellas
toassistboatoperatorsindeterminingtheirpositioninrelationtoland
Eachaidtonavigationprovidesspecificinformation
SeveralAidsareusuallyusedtogethertoformalocalsystemthathelps
theboatoperatorfollownaturalandimprovedchannelsSuchAidsalso
provideacontinuoussystemofchartedmarkersforcoastalpiloting
IndividualAidsareusedtomarklandfallfromseaward,andtomark
isolateddangers
Lateralmarkersarebuoysorbeaconsthatindicatetheportand
starboardsidesofaroutetobefollowedVirtuallyallUSlateralmarks
followthetraditional3-Rprincipleof“Red,Right,Returning”This
meansthatwhenreturningfromseaward,keeptheredmarkersonthe

right-hand(starboard)sideofthevessel
BoatoperatorsrelyonAidstoNavigationalonefordeter-
miningtheirpositionStormsandwaveactioncanmovebuoysoutof
place
1shortblast(1sec)
1shortblast(1sec)
Port-to-PortPassing(preferred)
2shortblasts(1seceach)
2shortblasts(1seceach)
Starboard-to-StarboardPassing
40 41

Lateralaidsmarkingthesidesofchannels,asseenwhenenteringfrom
seaward
tieupyourboattoAidstoNavigation;itisdangerousand
illegal

Theseorange-and-whiteAidsareusedtoalertvesseloperators
tovariouswarningsandregulations


Markswith
asquare
providehelpful
information
suchas
directions,
distances,and
locations



Markswitha
circleindicate
areaswith
regulated
operations

Adiamond
shapealerts
boatersto
hazards

Adiamond
shapewitha
crossmeans
boatsare
prohibited
fromthearea















 

• Whitewithanorangehorizontalbandatbothtopandbottom
• Blacktextwithinoraroundanorangesquare,circle,ordiamond;
orblacktextoutsideadiamondwithanorangecross
• Maybebuoysorbeacons
• Iflit,thelightwillbewhiteandmayhaveanylightrhythmexcept
quickflashing,flashing(2),orMorsecode“A”
• Thechartsymbolforthistypeofbuoyis:
WOr
42 43

   
XXXX
XXXX
 XXX
XXXX
 XXX
X
XXXX
XX
  X
   X
XXXX
XXX
  XX
XXXX
XXXX

  XX
  XX
XXXX
  XX






































AllundocumentedvesselsequippedwithpropulsionmachinerymustbestateregisteredCertificateof
NumbermustbeonboardwhenthevesselisinuseNotethatsomestatesrequireallvesselstobe
registered
(a) Plainblockletters/numbers,notlessthan3inchesinheight,mustbeaffixedoneachsideoftheforwardhalf
ofthevessel,inacontrastingcolortothebackground,andreadfromlefttoright
(b) Statevalidationsticker(s)mustbeaffixedwithin6inchesoftheregistrationnumberNote:checkwithyour
localboatingagencyforspecificstaterequirements
Appliesonlyto“Documented”vessels:
(a) Originalandcurrentcertificatemustbeonboard
(b) Vesselname/hailingportmustbemarkedonexteriorpartofhullinlettersnotlessthan4inchesinheight
(c) OfficialNumbermustbepermanentlyaffixedoninteriorstructureinnumbersnotlessthan3inchesinheight
(a) OneTypeI,II,III,orVwearablelifejacketforeachpersononboardMustbeUSCoastGuard-approved
(b) Inaddition,mustcarryoneTypeIVthrowabledevice

(a) Oneelectricdistresslight,orthreecombinationday/nightredflaresNote:onlyrequiredtobecarriedon
boardwhenthevesselisoperatingbetweensunsetandsunrise
(b) Threecombinationday/nightredflares–hand-held,meteor,orparachute-type,oroneorangedistressflag,or
oneelectricdistresslight,orthreehand-heldorfloatingorangesmokesignalsandoneelectricdistresslight
(a) OneB-I(whenenclosedcompartment)

(b) OneB-IIortwoB-INote:fixedsystemequalsoneB-I
(c) OneB-IIandoneB-I,orthreeB-INote:fixedsystemequalsoneB-I
(a) AllvesselsbuiltafterApril25,1940thataregasoline-fueledwithenclosedengineand/orfueltank
compartmentsmusthavenaturalventilation(atleasttwoductsfittedwithcowls)
(b) Inaddition,avesselbuiltafterJuly31,1980musthavearatedpowerexhaustblower
(a) Avesseloflessthan394feet(12meters)must,ataminimum,havesomemeansofmakinganefficient
soundsignal–ie,handheldairhorn,athleticwhistleAhumanvoice/soundisnotacceptable
(b) Avessel394feet(12meters)orgreater,musthaveasound-signalingappliancecapableofproducing
anefficientsoundsignal,audiblefor1/2mile,witha4-to6-secondduration
RequiredongasolineenginesinstalledafterApril25,1940,exceptoutboardmotors
Requiredtobedisplayedfromsunsettosunriseandinareasofrestrictedvisibility
(a) Placardmustbeatleast5by8inchesandmadeofdurablematerial
(b) Placardmustbepostedineachmachineryspaceoratthebilgecontrolstation
(a) Placardmustbeatleast4by9inchesandmadeofdurablematerial
(b) Displayedinaconspicuousplacenotifyingallonboardofthedischargerestrictions
Ifthereisaninstalledtoilet,thevesselmusthaveanoperableMSDTypeI,II,orIII
Theoperatorofavessel394feet(12meters)orgreaterwhileoperatingonUSinlandwatersmusthave
onboardacopyoftheserules
44 45

TheseAidsareusedtomarkfairways,mid-channels,andoffshore
approachpointsTheyhaveunobstructedwateronallsidesAbuoy,
lightedorunlighted,mayshowaredtopmarkAnappropriatenautical
chartmustbeconsultedtodetermineexactposition

Oneofthemostimportanttoolsforsafelynavigatingwaterwaysisa
NauticalChartToday,manyrecreationalboatersuseGPSreceivers
andperformelectronicwaypointnavigationAlthoughaGPScantellyou
whereyouareintermsoflatitudeandlongitude,itcannotshowwhatis
aroundorbeneaththeboat,orwhatobstaclesmaybeintheway

Nauticalchartsshowthenatureandshapeofthecoast,includingwater
depths,marinehazards,generalconfigurationandcharacterofthe
bottom,andAidstoNavigation,aswellasprominentlandmarks,port
facilities,andotherrelevantinformationChangesbroughtaboutby
peopleandnaturerequirethatnauticalchartsbeconstantlymaintained
andupdatedtoaidsafenavigation
Tomeettheneedsoftheboatingpublic,theNationalOceanicand
AtmosphericAdministration’sNationalOceanService(NOS)producesa
varietyofnauticalchartsandrelatedproductsNauticalchartscanvaryin
scaleandformatChartscalereferstoameasurementofanarea,notthe
distanceAchartcoveringarelativelylargeareaiscalleda“smallscale”
chart;a“largescale”chartwillcoverarelativelysmallareaandshow
muchgreaterdetailHavingthemostcurrentchartisimportantThatis
whythepublicationdateiscriticalStormsandwaveactioncanalterthe
coastline,soonlyup-to-datechartsshouldbeusedfornavigationFor
allnavigation,boatoperatorsshouldalsousethechartthatprovidesthe
levelofdetailneeded
NOSnauticalchartsmaybepurchaseddirectlybymailfromtheNOS
DistributionBranchorthroughanauthorizedagentTherearemore
than1,700nauticalchartagentsthatsellNOSchartsUsetheaddress
andcontactnumbersbelowtoobtainalistofagentsnearyouorto
requestafreecatalog:
 
 DistributionDivision,AJW-3550
 10201GoodLuckRoad
 Glendale,MD20769-9700
 Tel:(301)436-8301or(800)638-8972
 Fax:(301)436-6829
 E-mail:9-AMC-chartsales@faagov
 Website:wwwnacofaagov/ecomp

Updatedchartinformationcanbeobtainedfrom“LocalNoticeto
Mariners,”updatedweeklybytheUSCoastGuardandavailable
onlineatwwwnavcenuscggov/lnm/defaulthtm
N
G
A
N
N
RW“N”
Unlighted
withorw/o
sound
N
G
A
N
N
MR
RW“A”
N
G
A
N
N
Spherical
SP“G”
N
G
A
N

N
Can
RW“N”
N
G
A
N
N
RW“N”
Mo(A)
Lighted
withorw/o
sound
Characteristics
• Whiteandredverticalstripes
• Avarietyofshapes
• Maybelettered
• Buoymayhaveredtopmark
• Iflit:
(MorseCode“A”)
46 47


Thoseboatingonriversneed
tobeawareoftheirlocationin
regardtodamsintheirboating
areaLow-head,or“fixedcrest,”
damscanbedifficulttoseefrom
smallvesselsmovingdown-
riverTheycanbeextremely

dangeroustosmallboatsandswimmers;somuchsotheyhavebeen
nicknamed“drowningmachines”Beawarethatbuoysarenotinthe
riveryearroundandevenwhentheyaretheycanbemovedoffstation
bythecurrentKeepalookoutfor“DangerDam”signsItisstrongly
recommendedthatboaters,whichprovidevalu-
ableinformationonthelocationofdamsandotherhazardsintheriver

Alockisanengineeredstructurethatenablesvesselstomove
betweenwaterwaysofdifferingheightsTherearespecificprocedures
inplacefornavigatingthroughlocksSpecificsmayvaryincertain
regions,butingeneral:
• Staybetweentheredandgreenbuoysthatmarktheriver’snavi-
gablechannel
• Requestanopeningusingyourmarineradio,cellphone,orwith
asoundsignalconsistingofoneprolongedblast(4-6seconds)
andoneshortblast(1second)withinonemileofthelockSound
signalscanbemadebyusingthelock’spull-cordoryourwhistle,
horn,megaphone,orhailer
• Waitforthelockoperatortosignalyouwithhornblasts;additional
signalsmayincludetrafficlightsorflashinglights
• Enterthelockatreducedspeed
• Makesureallpassengersremainseatedandweartheirlifejackets
• Tieyourcrafttothemooringdevicesafterentering;aminimumof
50feetoflineisrecommended
• Usefenderstoavoiddamagetoyourvesselandthelockwalls
• Whenthrough,waitforthelockoperator’ssignal(hornand/or
lights),thenleavethelockatidlespeed
ThereisaspecificorderoflockagepriorityamongvesselsMilitary
andmostcommercialvesselshavepriorityoverrecreationalvessels


AvesselunderwaywhenhailedbyaCoastGuardvesselisrequired
toheavetoormaneuverasdirectedsoastopermitaboardingteam
tocomeaboard(See“USCoastGuardBoardingPolicy:Whatto
Expect”page50)
Otherfederal,state,andlocalmaritimelawenforcementofficialsmay
alsoboardandexamineyourvessel,whetheritisnumbered,unnum-
bered,ordocumentedUSCoastGuardlawenforcementpersonnel
workwithandmayalsobefoundaboardotheragencies’enforcement
vessels
TheUSCoastGuardmayimposeacivilpenaltyforfailureto:
• Complywithequipmentrequirements
• Reportaboatingaccident
• Complywithotherfederalregulations
• ComplywithNavigationRules

Federallawprohibitsthenegligentorgrosslynegligentoperationofa
vesseland/orinterferencewiththesafeoperationofavesselsoasto
endangerlivesand/orpropertyTheUSCoastGuardmayimposea
civilpenaltyfornegligentoperationGrosslynegligentoperationisa
criminaloffenseandanoperatormaybefinedupto$5,000,imprisoned
foroneyear,orboth
Someactionsthatmayconstitutenegligentorgrosslynegligent
operationare:
• Operatingaboatinadesignatedswimmingarea
• Excessivespeedinthevicinityofotherboatsorinregulated
waters
• Hazardouswaterskiingorotherwatersportspractices
• Bowriding,orridingonseatback,gunwale,ortransom
• Operatingaboatwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs
Backwash

Boil
Low-head DamEscape Route