A BOATER’S GUIDE TO THE FEDERAL REQUIREMENTS FOR RECREATIONAL BOATS AND SAFETY TIPS New in this Edition: NavigationLocks TrailerSafety DigitalSelectiveCalling Rescue21 NavalVesselProtection Zones America’sWaterway Watch I TABLE OF CONTENTS WELCOME . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 ConversionTable(U .S ./Metric) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 REGISTRATIONANDDOCUMENTATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 EQUIPMENTREQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 LifeJackets . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9 VisualDistressSignals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17 FireExtinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21 Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23 BackfireFlameControl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 SoundProducingDevices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25 NavigationLights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .27 PollutionRegulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .32 MarineSanitationDevices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35 OPERATINGPROCEDURES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 NavigationRules . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36 AidstoNavigation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39 QUICKREFERENCECHART:RequiredEquipment . . . . . . . . .42 NauticalCharts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45 DamsandNavigationLocks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46 LAWENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 NegligentOperation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .47 BoatingUndertheInfluence(BUI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 TerminationofUse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .48 ReportingBoatingAccidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .49 RenderingAssistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 RequestingAssistance(Non-Distress) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 U .S .CoastGuardBoardingPolicy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50 VESSELSAFETYCHECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52 II 1 SAFETYANDSURVIVALTIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 SafeBoatingEducation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54 Operator’sResponsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 CarbonMonoxideHazards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55 Overloading . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58 Anchoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59 VesselsOperatingOffShore . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .60 SmallBoats,Hunters,Anglers,andPaddlers . . . . . . . . . .62 StayingAfloat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .62 ColdWaterSurvival . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63 Trailering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .65 FuelingPrecautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 PropellerBladeWarning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .67 Weather . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .68 FloatPlans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .69 BOATER’SPRE-DEPARTURECHECKLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .70 SAMPLEFLOATPLANFORM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .73 WELCOME Asaboatoperator,youareexpectedtomakesurethatyourvessel carriestherequiredsafetyequipment(carriagerequirement)andisin compliancewithfederal andstateregulations forsuchthingsasnumberingandoperation . AQuickReference Chartonpage42will helpyoudeterminethe minimumfederalsafety equipmentrequirementsforyourvessel . Thispublicationcontainsinformationaboutfederallawsandequipment carriagerequirementsforrecreationalvesselsoftheUnitedStates .It isimportantthatyouunderstandthatfederalequipmentrequirements areminimumrequirementsanddo not guaranteethesafetyofyour EMERGENCYNOTIFICATION/COMMUNICATION . . . . . . . . .75 vesseloritspassengers .Inthefollowingsections,wehavealsopro- SatelliteEPIRBs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75 videdrecommendationsforadditionalsafetyequipmentyoumaywish RadioRegulations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76 VHFMarineRadioChannels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .77 DigitalSelectiveCalling(DSC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 Rescue21 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78 SOS:ShipsinDistress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79 tohaveonboard . Inadditiontotherequirementsstatedinthispamphlet,theowner/ operatormayberequiredtocomplywithadditionalregulationsand/or lawsspecifictothestateinwhichthevesselisregisteredoroperated . Toensurecompliancewithstateboatinglaws,youshouldcontactthe OTHERRESPONSIBILITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 appropriateboatingagencyinyourarea .Avesselincompliancewith RegulatedNavigationAreas/LimitedAccessAreas . . . . . .81 thelawsofthestateofregistrationmaynotmeettherequirementsof NavalVesselProtectionZones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .81 CommercialShippingSafetyZones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 BridgesandShippingChannels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .82 America’sWaterwayWatch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .83 anotherstatewherethevesselisbeingoperated . USCGINFORMATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-III RECREATIONALBOATINGSAFETYSPECIALISTS . . . . . C-III BOATINGSAFETYPARTNERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . C-IV 2 3 Otherequipmentrecommendedforyoursafetyandthesafetyofyour passengersisnotedinthesectiononVesselSafetyChecksonpage REGISTRATION (33 CFR 173) AND DOCUMENTATION (46 CFR 67) 52andintheBoater’sPre-DepartureChecklistonpage70 . TherearetwomethodsofregistrationforU .S .recreationalvessels . Remember,drowningistheNumberOnecauseofboatingfatalities andthemostpreventable .TheU .S .CoastGuardrecommendsthat youalwayswearalifejacketandrequireyourpassengerstodothe same . • VesselRegistration:state-issuedCertificateofNumber . • VesselDocumentation:federallydocumentedwiththe U .S .CoastGuard . VesselRegistration:Allundocumentedvesselsequippedwithpropulsionmachinerymustberegisteredinthestateofprincipaluse .A CertificateofNumberwillbeissueduponregistrationandthenumber Conversion of Metric to U.S. Units mustbedisplayedonyourvessel .Theowner/operatorofavesselmust Metric Measure Feet in Decimals Feet and Inches 50 .0m 164 .0ft . 164'1/2" 20 .0m 65 .6ft . 65'71/2" 12 .0m 39 .4ft . 39'41/2" 10 .0m 32 .8ft . 32'93/4" 8 .0m 26 .3ft . 26'3” 7 .0m 23 .0ft . 22'111/2" 6 .0m 19 .7ft . 19'81/4" 5 .0m 16 .4ft . 16'43/4" 4 .0m 13 .1ft . 13'11/2" 2 .5m 8 .2ft . 8'21/2" 1 .0m 3 .3ft . 3'31/3" alsocarrythevalidCertificateofNumberwheneverthevesselisinuse . Whenavesselismovedtoanewstateofprincipaluse,theCertificate remainsvalidfor60days .Checkwithyourstateboatingauthorityfor registrationrequirements .Somestatesrequireallvesselstoberegistered,includingvesselsthataremanuallypropelledandthosethatare CoastGuarddocumented . Display of Numbers Numbersmustbepaintedorpermanentlyattachedtoeachsideof theforwardhalfofthevessel .Thenumbersmustbereadfromleftto right,andofacolorthatiscontrastingwiththebackgroundcolor;for example,blacknumbersonawhitehull .Thevalidationsticker(s)must beaffixedwithinsixinchesoftheregistrationnumber .Nootherletters ornumbersmaybedisplayednearby . State Validation Sticker PlacebeforeORafterthenumbers, accordingtoyourstaterequirements . FL 1234 AB FL 1234 AB 3" FL 1234 AB FL 1234 AB FL 1234 AB Letteringmustbeinplain,verticalblockcharactersofnotlessthan3 inchesinheight .Spacesorhyphensbetweenletterandnumbergroupingsmustbeequaltothewidthofaletterotherthan“I”oranumber otherthan“1” . 4 5 Notification of Changes to a Numbered Vessel TheownerofavesselmustnotifytheagencythatissuedtheCertificate ofNumberwithin15daysif: • Thevesselistransferred,destroyed,abandoned,lost,stolen, orrecovered . • TheCertificateofNumberislost,destroyed,ortheowner’s addresschanges . IftheCertificateofNumberbecomesinvalidforanyreason,itmustbe surrenderedtotheissuingauthoritywithin15days . Adocumentedvesselmayalsoberequiredtopayaregistrationfee anddisplayavalidationstickerfromthestateofprincipaluse . Boatersshouldcheckwiththeirstateboatingagency . Tobeincompliancewithfederaldocumentationrequirements,a CertificateofDocumentationmustbe: • • • • Theoriginaldocument(photocopynotacceptable) . Onboardthevessel . Current(notexpired) . SignedbytheDirectoroftheNationalVesselDocumentation Center . Documented Vessel Marking Requirements Hull Display Adocumentedrecreationalvesselhulldisplaymust: • Havethenameandhailingportofthevesseltogetherinone placeonthehull(usuallyonthestern) . • Beinlettersnotlessthan4inchesinheight . • Beclearlyreadable . Vessel Documentation TheU .S .CoastGuardCertificateofDocumentationisanationalform ofregistrationdatingbacktothe11thActoftheFirstCongress .It MISTER JOHN FRANKLIN, TN servesasevidenceofavessel’snationalityforinternationalpurposes, providesforunhinderedcommercebetweenthestates,andadmits vesselstocertainrestrictedtrades,suchascoastwisetradeandthe fisheries .Since1920,vesselfinancinghasbeenenhancedthroughthe availabilityofpreferredmortgagesondocumentedvessels . Recreationalvesselsareeligibletobedocumentediftheyarewholly MISTER JOHN ownedbyacitizenorcitizensoftheUnitedStatesandmeasureatleast fivenettons .Nettonnageisameasureofavessel’svolume .Most vesselsmorethan25feetinlengthwillmeasurefivenettonsormore . Adocumentedvesselisnotexemptfrom: • Applicablestateorfederaltaxes . • Compliancewithstateorfederalequipmentcarriage requirements . 6 MISTER JOHN FRANKLIN, TN 4" 4" Letters not less than 4 inches high 7 Themarkingrequirementsforadocumentedrecreationalvesselstate EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS “togetherinoneplaceonthehull .”Manyrecreationalvesselswillplace thevesselnameandhailingportonthestern,andvesselnameonboth TheUnitedStatesCoastGuardsetsminimumstandardsfor sidesofthebow,whichisrequiredforacommercialvessel .Although recreationalvesselsandassociatedsafetyequipment .Tomeetthese notrequiredforarecreationalvessel,thisisanacceptableoption . standards,requiredequipmentmustbeU .S .CoastGuard“approved” or“certified .”ThismeansthatitmeetsU .S .CoastGuardspecifications, Interior Display (Recreational and Commercial) standards,andregulationsforperformance,construction,ormaterials . Inaddition,thevesselmusthavetheofficialnumberpermanently affixedinblock-typeArabicnumeralsofnotlessthan3inchesin height,precededbytheletters“NO .”onsomeclearlyvisibleinterior integralstructuralpartofthevessel . Life Jackets (33 CFR 175) 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 Arabic numerals are the most common symbolic representation of sense. For greater clarity, this publication will use the term “wearable numbers in the world. Permanently affixed means that the numbers life jacket” and “throwable device.” Understand that Type and Number must be affixed to the vessel so that alteration, removal, or replacement refer to the same equipment, whether called a PFD or life jacket, and would be obvious. Numbers can be painted, carved, or welded. that any PFD is approved for use anywhere. NO.1234567 Allrecreationalvesselsmustcarry 3" Interior display (recreational and commercial). Numbers must be no less than 3 inches high. onewearablelifejacketforeach persononboard .Anyboat16 feetandlonger(exceptcanoes andkayaks)mustalsocarry onethrowable(TypeIV)device . Lifejacketsshouldbewornat For more information on documented vessels, contact the U.S. Coast alltimeswhenthevesselisunder- Guard National Vessel Documentation Center at (800) 799-8362 or way .A life jacket can save your online at www.uscg.mil/hq/cg5/nvdc. life, but only if you wear it. Alwayscheckandreadthemanufacturer’sinformationbookletand labelprovidedwithalllifejackets .Theywillprovidevaluableinformation,includingsize,type,intendeduse,andCoastGuardapproval information . Lifejacketsmustbe: • U .S .CoastGuard-approved(checkthelabel) . • Ingoodandserviceablecondition . • Appropriatesizeandtypefortheintendeduser . • Properlystowed . Someitemsthatarenotrequiredbutareagoodideatohavewithyour lifejacketareawhistleandanemergencylight . 8 9 Stowage Life Jacket Requirements for Specific Activities • Wearablelifejacketsmustbereadilyaccessible . TheU .S .CoastGuardrecommends–andmanystatesrequire– • Youshouldbeabletoputthemoninareasonableamountof wearinglifejacketswhenengagedinthefollowingactivities: timeinanemergency(vesselsinking,onfire,etc .) • Theyshouldnotbestowedinplasticbags,inlockedorclosed compartments,orhaveothergearstowedontopofthem . • Throwabledevicesmustbeimmediatelyavailableforuse .They shouldbeonthemaindeckwithinarm’sreach,hangingona lifeline,orothereasilyreachedlocation . Inflatable Life Jackets • Waterskiingandothertowedactivities(useatypedesignedfor waterskiing .) • OperatingaPersonalWatercraft,orPWC(useatypedesigned forwaterskiingorPWCuse .) • Whitewaterboatingactivities . • Sailboarding . Checkwithyourstateboatingagencyforthelawsthatapply . • U .S .CoastGuard-approvedinflatablelifejacketsareauthorized forusebypersons16yearsofageandolder(checkthelabel) . Federallawdoesnotrequirelifejacketuseonracingshells,rowing • Inflatablelifejacketsrequireregularmaintenanceandattentionto sculls,racingcanoes,andracingkayaks;statelawsvary,however . theconditionoftheinflator . • Theymusthaveafullcylinderandallstatusindicatorsonthe inflatormustbegreenorthedeviceisnotserviceableanddoes notsatisfythelegalrequirementforthewearablelifejacket carriagerequirement . • Inflatablelifejacketsaremorecomfortable,encouragingregular use .Thebestlifejacketsareonestheuserwillwear . Child Life Jacket Requirements Onavesselthatisunderway,childrenunder13yearsofagemust wearanappropriateU .S .CoastGuard-approvedlifejacketunlessthey are1)belowdeck,or2)withinanenclosed cabin .Ifastatehasestablishedachildlife jacketwearrequirementthatdiffersfrom theCoastGuardrequirement,thestate requirementwillbeapplicableonwaters subjecttothatstate’sjurisdiction . Checkwithyourstateboatingagency . NotethatifyouareboatinginanareaunderthejurisdictionoftheU .S . ArmyCorpsofEngineers,orafederal,state,orlocalparkauthority, otherrulesmayalsoapply . 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. Life Jacket Flotation Thefivetypesoflifejacketsarebasedonthreekindsofflotationand canbecharacterizedasfollows: Inherently Buoyant (Primarily Foam) • Themostreliable . • ComeinAdult,Youth,Child,andInfantsizes . • Designedforswimmersandnon-swimmers . • Comeinwearableandthrowablestyles . • Specialdesignsavailableforwatersports . Children’slifejacketsareapprovedfor specificweightcategories .Checkthe“User Weight”onthelabelandforanapproval statementthatwillreadsomethinglike: 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.” Inflatable • Themostcompact . • Lightweightandcomfortable . • Sizedonlyforadults . • Onlyrecommendedforswimmers . • Wearablestylesonly . • Somehavethebestin-waterperformance . 10 11 Hybrid (Foam and Inflation) Types of Life Jackets • Reliable . A Type I, Off-Shore Life Jacket providesthemostbuoyancy .Itis • ProvidesInherentandInflatableBuoyancy . effectiveforallwaters,especiallyopen,rough,orremotewaters • Adult,Youth,andChildsizes . whererescuemaybedelayed .Itisdesignedtoturnanunconscious • Forswimmersandnon-swimmers . wearertoaface-uppositioninthewater . • Wearablestylesonly . • Somedesignedforwatersports . BUOyANCy RATING: FOAM Wearable Size Type Inherent Buoyancy Adult I II&III V 22lbs . 15 .5lbs . 15 .5to22lbs . Youth II&III V 11lbs . 11to15 .5lbs . ChildandInfant II 7lbs . Uninflated Inflated Throwable: Cushion RingBuoy IV 20lbs . 16 .58 .32lb . A Type II, Near-Shore Buoyancy Vest isintendedforcalm,inland watersorwherethereisagoodchanceofquickrescue .Inherently buoyantlifejacketsofthistypewillturnsomeunconsciouswearersto aface-uppositioninthewater,butthe BUOyANCy RATING: INFLATABLE Wearable Size Type Adult turningisnotaspronouncedaswitha Inflatable Buoyancy I&II III V 34lbs . 22 .5lbs . 22 .5to34lbs . TypeI .Thistypeofinflatableturnsas wellasaTypeIfoamjacket . BUOyANCy RATING: HyBRID Wearable Size Type Inherent Buoyancy Inflated Total Buoyancy Adult II&III V 10lbs . 7 .5lbs . 22lbs . 22lbs . Youth II&III V 9lbs . 7 .5lbs . 15lbs . 15lbs . Child II 7lbs . 12lbs . 12 13 A Type III, Flotation Aidisgoodforusersincalm,inlandwaters,or A Type V, Special-Use Deviceisintended anywherethereisagoodchanceofquickrescue .Thewearermay forspecificactivitiesandmaybecarried havetotilttheirheadbacktoremaininaface-uppositioninthewater . insteadofanotherlifejacketonlyifused TheTypeIIIfoamvesthasthesameminimumbuoyancyasaTypeII . accordingtothecondition(s)forwhichitis Itcomesinmanystyles,colors,andsizesandisgenerallythemost approved,asshownonitslabel .ATypeV comfortabletypeforcontinuouswear .Floatcoats,fishingvests,and providestheperformanceofaTypeI,II, vestsdesignedwithfeaturessuitableforvarioussportsactivitiesare orIII(asmarkedonitslabel) .Ifthelabel examplesofthistype .ThistypeofinflatableturnsaswellasaTypeII saysthelifejacketis“approvedonlywhen foamvest . worn,”thelifejacketmustbeworn(except bypersonsinenclosedspaces)andused inaccordancewiththeapprovallabelto meetcarriagerequirements .SomeType Vdevicesprovidesignificanthypothermia protection .Varietiesincludedecksuits,work vests,sailboardingvests,andsailingvests withasafetyharness . An Inflatable with Safety Harness isapprovedonlyasaTypeV, Special-UseDevicebecauseitsusetopreventfallsoverboardpresents severalrisks .TheU .S .CoastGuardhasnotassesseditspotentialfor injuryfromsuddenlystoppingafalland,incaseofcapsizingorsinking, theboatmaytakethewearerdown,resultingindeath . Do not attach theharnesstotheboatunlessitisbeingwornwithatetheroflessthan 6 .5feetinlengthwithquick-release-under-loadhardware .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 A Type IV, Throwable Device isintendedforuseanywhere .Itisde- activity. U.S. Coast Guard approval does not apply to this harness used signedtobethrowntoapersoninthewaterandgraspedandheldby under those circumstances. theuseruntilrescued .Itisnotdesignedorintendedtobeworn .Type IVdevicesincludebuoyantcushions,ringbuoys,andhorseshoebuoys . TherearenoCoastGuard-approvedinflatableTypeIVdevices . Finding the Right Life Jacket for you Lifejacketscomeinmanydesigns,colors,styles,andmaterials .Some aremadetostanduptoruggedwatersports,otherstoprotectthe wearerfromcold-watertemperatures .Besuretochooseonethatis appropriateforyourbodysize,plannedactivities,andthewater conditionsyouexpecttoencounter . 14 15 Test the Fit Visual Distress Signals (33 CFR 175.101) StartwithalifejacketthatisU .S .CoastGuard-approved .Tryiton . Itshouldfitcomfortablysnug .Thengiveitthistest:withallstraps, VesselsoperatingonU .S .coastalwaters,theGreatLakes,and zippers,andtiessecurelyfastened,raiseyourarmsoveryourhead . territorialseas,aswellasthosewatersconnecteddirectly,uptoa Thejacketshouldstayinplaceandnotrideup .Next,havesomeone pointwherethewaterwayislessthantwonauticalmileswide,must liftyourlifejacketstraightupattheshoulders .Again,thejacketshould beequippedwithU .S .CoastGuard-approvedvisualdistresssignals stayinplace .Ifthezippertouchesyournoseorthejacketalmost (VDS) .VesselsownedintheUnitedStatesandoperatingonthehigh comesoff,itistooloose . seasmustalsobeequippedwithU .S .CoastGuard-approvedvisual distresssignals . Test the Buoyancy of your Life Jacket Inshallowwateroraswimmingpool,undersupervisionandwithall straps,zippers,andtiesfastened,seehowthelifejacketfloatsyou . Relaxyourbodyandletyourheadtiltback .Yourchinshouldremain abovewatersothatyoucanbreatheeasily .Ifnot,youmayneeda River Bay differentsizeormodel,onethatprovidesmorebuoyancy . VDS NOT REQUIRED Choosing a Child’s Life Jacket VDS REQUIRED Lessthan 2miles OpenWater Besuretochooseachild’slifejacketthatisU .S .CoastGuardapproved .Checktomakesureyourchild’sweightfallswithintherange shownonthelabel .Whilesomechildreninthe30-50poundweight rangewhocanswimmayaskfortheextrafreedomofmovement Thefollowingvesselsarenotrequiredtocarrydaysignals,butmust thataTypeIIIprovides,notethatmostchildreninthisweightrange, carrynightsignalswhenoperatingfromsunsettosunrise: especiallythosewhocannotswim,shouldwearaTypeII .Tocheckfor agoodfit,pickthechildupbytheshouldersofthelifejacket .Ifitfits correctly,thechild’schinandearswillnotslipthrough . Achild’slifejacketshouldbetestedinthewaterimmediatelyafter purchase .Childrenmaypanicwhentheyfallintothewatersuddenly . Floattestingnotonlychecksthefitandbuoyancybutalsoprovidesan • Recreationalboatslessthan16feetinlength . • Boatsparticipatinginorganizedevents,suchasraces,regattas, ormarineparades . • Opensailboatslessthan26feetinlengththatarenotequipped withpropulsionmachinery . • Manuallypropelledboats . importantopportunitytoteachthemtorelaxinthewater . Remember: The carriage requirement is only applicable in areas Be Safe. Wear your Life Jacket. where VDS are required. Mostdeathsfromdrowningoccurnearshoreincalmweather,notout atseaduringastorm;9outof10drowningfatalitiesoccurininland Pyrotechnic Devices waters,mostwithinafewfeetofsafety .Worsestill,manyofthese PyrotechnicvisualdistresssignalsmustbeU .S .Coast victimsownedlifejacketsandmayhavesurvivedhadtheybeenworn . Guard-approved,inserviceablecondition,andreadilyaccessible . Wear your life jacket. When you don’t, you’re risking your life. 16 Checktheexpirationdate .Expiredsignalsmaybecarriedasextra equipment,butcannotbecountedtowardmeetingthevisualdistress signalrequirement . 17 LaunchersmanufacturedbeforeJanuary1,1981,andintendedfor Electric Distress Light usewithapprovedsignals,arenotrequiredtobeU .S .CoastGuard- • Acceptablefornightuseonly . approvedaslongastheyremaininserviceablecondition . • Automaticallyflashesthe Ifpyrotechnicdevicesareselected,aminimumofthreesignalsare requiredfordayuseandthreesignalsfornightuse .Somepyrotechnic signalsmeetbothdayandnightuserequirements(combinationflares) . Pyrotechnicdevicesshouldbestoredinacool,dryplace,ifpossible . Awatertightcontainerpaintedredororangeandprominentlymarked internationalSOSdistresssignal (•••–––•••) . • Mustbemarkedwithanindica- Electric Distress Signals (night only) tionthatitmeetsU .S .CoastGuardrequirementsin 46CFR161 .013 . “DISTRESSSIGNALS”or“FLARES”isrecommended . UnderInlandNavigationRules,ahigh-intensitywhitelightflashingat U .S .CoastGuard-approvedpyrotechnicvisualdistresssignalsand signal .Suchdevices,however,do not meettheVisualDistressSignal associateddevicesinclude: carriagerequirement . regularintervalsfrom50-70timesperminuteisconsideredadistress • Pyrotechnicredflares,hand-heldoraerial(day/nightuse .) Regulationsprohibitdisplayofvisualdistresssignalsonthewater • Pyrotechnicorangesmoke,hand-heldorfloating(dayuse .) underanycircumstances,exceptwhereassistanceisneededbecause • Launchersforaerialredmeteorsorparachuteflares . ofimmediateorpotentialdangertopersonsonboardavessel . Eachofthesedeviceshasadifferentoperating/burningtime .Checkthe Alldistresssignalshavedistinctadvantagesanddisadvantages .No labeltoseehowlongeachpyrotechnicdevicewillremainilluminated . singledeviceisidealunderallconditionsorsuitableforallpurposes . Chooseadevicebestsuitedtotheconditionsintheareawhereyour vesselistypicallyused . Pyrotechnicsareuniversallyrecognizedasexcellentdistresssignals, butthereispotentialforinjuryandpropertydamageifnothandled Non-Pyrotechnic Devices properly .Thesedevicesproduceaveryhotflamewiththepotentialto Non-pyrotechnicvisualdistresssignalsmustbeinserviceablecondi- causeburnsandigniteflammablematerials . tion,readilyaccessible,andcertifiedbythemanufacturerascomplying withU .S .CoastGuardrequirements .Thesesignalsinclude: Orange Distress Flag Pistol-launchedandhand-heldparachuteflaresandmeteorshavemany characteristicsofafirearmandmustbehandledwithextremecaution . InsomestatesandCanadatheymaybeconsideredafirearmand • Usedasadaysignalonly . prohibitedfromuse .Besuretocheckwithyourstateboatingagency . • Mustbeatleast3x3feetwith ablacksquareandballonan orangebackground . • Mustbemarkedwithanindication thatitmeetsU .S .CoastGuard requirementsin46CFR160 .072 . • Mostvisiblewhenattachedand Orange Flag (day only) photo wavedonapaddleorboathook,orflownfromamast . • Maybeincorporatedintodevicesdesignedtoattractattentionin anemergency,suchasballoons,kites,orfloatingstreamer . 18 19 Thefollowingarejustafewofthemanycombinationsofdevicesthat Fire Extinguishers (46 CFR 25) willmeettherequirements: U .S .CoastGuard-approved,marine-typefireextinguishersarerequired • 3hand-heldredflaresthatareapprovedforday/nightuse . onboatswhereafirehazardcouldbeexpectedfromtheenginesor • 1hand-heldredflareand2parachuteflaresforday/nightuse . fuelsystem .Extinguishersareclassifiedbyaletterandnumbersymbol . • 1hand-heldorangesmokesignaland2floatingorangesmoke Theletterindicatesthetypeoffiretheunitisdesignedtoextinguish . signalsforday,and1electricdistresslightfornight . TypeB,forexample,isdesignedtoextinguishflamingliquids,suchas gasoline,oil,andgrease .Thenumberindicatestheamountoftheex- Pyrotechnic Devices: tinguishingagentcontainedintheextinguisher;thehigherthenumber, thegreatertheamountofagentinthe extinguisher . U .S .CoastGuard-approvedextinguishersrequiredforboatsare Red Meteor (day and night) Orange Smoke Signal (hand-held/day only) hand-portable,haveeitherB-IorB-II classification,andmustbeprovidedwith amountingbracket .Whilenotrequired, itisrecommendedthattheextinguishersbemountedinareadilyaccessible Parachute Flare (day and night) location .Considerlocationswherethe Fire Extinguishers extinguishercanbereachedeasily;forexample,atornearthesteering Red Flare (hand-held day and night) Floating Orange Smoke Signal (day only) stationorinthegalleyorengineroom,butawayfromlocationswherea firemaylikelystart . Extinguishermarkingscanbeconfusingbecauseoneextinguisher Non-Pyrotechnic Devices: canbeapprovedforseveraldifferenttypesoffires(A,B,orC) .For example,anextinguishermarked“TypeA,SizeII;TypeB;C,SizeI”is acceptableasaTypeB-Iextinguisher . Lookforthesectionofthelabelthatstates“MarineTypeUSCG,Type A,SizeII;TypeB;CSizeI .”(ItwillalsocontainaUSCGapproval Orange Flag (day only) Electric Distress Signals (night only) number .)MakesureTypeBisindicated .Hand-portableextinguishers willbeeitheraSizeIorII . SizeIIIandlargeraretoobigforuseonmostrecreationalboats . Allboatersshouldbeabletosignalforhelp .Boatersmusthave U .S .CoastGuard-approveddayandnightsignalsforvesselswhen required .Signalingdevicesarerecommendedwhenoperatingonall openbodiesofwater . 20 Foam (gals) CO2 (lbs) Dry Chemical (lbs) B-I(TypeB,SizeI) 1 .75 4 2 B-II(TypeB,SizeII) 2 .5 15 10 Classes 21 Fireextinguishersarerequiredonboatswhenanyofthefollowing Minimum Number of Hand-Portable Fire Extinguishers Required conditionsexist: • Thereareclosedcompartmentsandcompartmentsunderseats whereportablefueltanksmaybestored . • Therearedoublebottomsnotsealedtothehullorthatarenot completelyfilledwithflotationmaterials . • Thereareclosedlivingspaces . • Thereareclosedstowagecompartments,inwhichcombustibleor flammablematerialsarestored . • Therearepermanentlyinstalledfueltanks .(Fueltankssecured sotheycannotbemovedincaseofafireorotheremergency areconsideredpermanentlyinstalled .Also,iftheweightofafuel tankissuchthatpersonsonboardcannotmoveit,theU .S .Coast Vessel length No Fixed System With approved Fixed Systems Lessthan26’ 1B-I 0 26’tolessthan40’ 2B-lor1B-II 1B-I 40’to65’ 3B-Ior1B-IIand1B-I 2B-lor1B-II Ventilation (33 CFR 175/183, 46 CFR 25) Boatsthatusegasolineforelectricalgeneration,mechanicalpower,or propulsionarerequiredtobeequippedwithaventilationsystem . Anaturalventilationsystemisrequiredforeachcompartmentinaboatthat: Guardmayconsideritpermanentlyinstalled .) • Containsapermanentlyinstalledgasolineengine . Fire Extinguisher Maintenance Inspectextinguishersmonthlytomakesurethat: • Sealsandtamperindicatorsarenotbrokenormissing . • Pressuregaugesorotherindicators,ifsoequipped,readin theoperablerangeasdescribedontheextinguisher . • Thereisnoobviousphysicaldamage,rust,corrosion, leakage,orcloggednozzles . Iftheminimumweightisstatedontheextinguisherlabel,weighextin- • Hasopeningsbetweenitandacompartmentthatrequires ventilation . • Containsapermanentlyinstalledfueltankandanelectrical componentthatisnotignition-protected . • Containsafueltankthatventsintothatcompartment (includingaportabletank .) • Containsanon-metallicfueltank . Anaturalventilationsystemconsistsof: guishersannuallytocheck . • Asupplyopening(duct/cowl)fromtheoutsideair(locatedonthe Fireextinguishersthatdonotsatisfytheaboverequirementsorthat exteriorsurfaceoftheboat),orfromaventilatedcompartment,or havebeenpartiallyemptiedmustbereplacedortakentoaqualifiedfire fromacompartmentthatisopentotheoutsideair . extinguisherservicingcompanyforrecharge . Required Number of Fire Extinguishers • Anexhaustopeningintoanotherventilatedcompartmentoran exhaustducttotheatmosphere . Thefollowingchartliststhenumberoffireextinguishersthatare requiredonrecreationalvessels .IfaU .S .CoastGuard-approvedfixed fireextinguishingsystemisinstalledfortheprotectionoftheengine compartment,therequirednumberofextinguishersmaybereducedin accordancewiththechart . AIR FLOW BOAT UNDER POWER EXHAUST COWL INTAKE COWL COLLECTOR BOX DUCT ENGINE COLLECTOR BOX BILGE AREA Itisrecommendedthathandportableextinguishersbemountedina readilyaccessiblelocation . 22 All blower motors installed in exhaust ducts must be in working condition regardless of date of manufacture. 23 Eachexhaustopeningorexhaustductmustoriginateintheloweronethirdofthecompartment .Eachsupplyopeningorsupplyductandeach exhaustopeningorductinacompartmentmustbeabovethenormal accumulationofbilgewater . Backfire Flame Control (46 CFR 25/58) Gasolineenginesinstalledinamotorboatormotorvesselafter April25,1940,exceptoutboardmotors,mustbeequippedwithan Apoweredventilationsystemisrequiredforeachcompartmentina boatthathasapermanentlyinstalledgasolineenginewithacranking motorforremotestarting . acceptablemeansofbackfireflamecontrol .Thebackfireflamearrestor(BFA)mustbesuitablysecuredtotheairintakewithaflame-tight connection,andisrequiredtobeeitherU .S .CoastGuard-approvedor complywithSAEJ-1928orUL1111standardsandmarkedaccordingly . Apoweredventilationsystemconsistsofoneormoreexhaustblowers . Eachintakeductforanexhaustblowermustbeinthelowerone-third Carburetor ofthecompartmentandabovethenormalaccumulationofbilgewater . Forboatsbuiltpriorto1980,therewasnorequirementforapowered Mesh BFA Intake Manifold ventilationsystem;however,someboatswereequippedwithablower . TheU .S .CoastGuardVentilationStandard,amanufacturerrequirement,appliestoallboatsbuiltonorafterAugust1,1980 .Some Intake Valve (Open) buildersbeganmanufacturingboatsincompliancewiththeVentilation StandardasearlyasAugust1978 .Ifyourboatwasbuiltonorafter August1,1978itmighthavebeenequippedwitheither(1)anatural ventilationsystem,or(2)bothanaturalventilationsystemanda poweredventilationsystem .Ifyourboatbearsalabelcontainingthe words“ThisboatcomplieswithU .S .CoastGuardsafetystandards,” youcanassumethatthedesignofyourboat’sventilationsystemmeets Not Equipped with BFA Equipped with BFA applicableregulations . Otheracceptablemeansofbackfireflamecontrolinclude:airandfuel Boatsbuiltafter1980withremotestartersarerequiredtodisplaya inductionsystemsusuallyfoundonpersonalwatercraft,velocitystacks labelthatcontainsatleastthefollowinginformation: (attachmentstocarburetors),andreed-type(foundinoutboards .) Warning Gasoline vapors can explode. Before starting engine, operate blower at least four minutes and check the engine compartment bilge for gasoline vapors. Sound Producing Devices (33 CFR 83) NavigationRulesrequiresoundsignalstobemadeundercertain circumstances .Meeting,crossing,andovertakingsituations,described intheNavigationRulesbeginningwithRule32,areexamplesof Allboatownersareresponsibleforkeepingtheirvessel’sventilation systemsinoperatingcondition .Thismeansmakingsureopeningsare freeofobstructions,ductsandductingarenotblockedortorn,blowers circumstancesinwhichsoundsignalsarerequired .Recreational vesselsarealsorequiredtousesoundsignalsduringperiodsof reducedvisibilityandwhileatanchor . operateproperly,andworncomponentsarereplacedwithequivalent marine-typeequipment . 24 25 Thefollowingmatrixprovidesthesoundproducingdevicesrequiredfor Navigation Lights (33 CFR 83) vessels: Recreationalvesselsarerequiredtodisplaynavigationlightsbetween International Waters VesselLength Whistle 12metersormore (39 .4ft .) X 20metersormore (65 .6ft .) X 100metersormore (328 .1ft .) X sunsetandsunriseandduringperiodsofrestrictedvisibility(fog,rain, Bell Gong land,specifieslightingrequirementsforeverydescriptionofwatercraft . Theinformationprovidedbelowisforpower-drivenandsailingvessels lessthan65 .5feet(20meters)inlength . X X Power-Driven Vessels X VesselLength Whistle itmustdisplaynavigationlightsasshowninFigure1 . Bell 12metersormore (39 .4ft) X 20metersormore (65 .6ft .) X X 100metersormore (328 .1ft .) X X Note that a sail vessel under machine propulsion is considered a power-driven vessel. Ifyourpower-drivenvesselislessthan164feet(50meters)inlength, Inland Waters* haze,etc .)TheU .S .CoastGuardNavigationRules,International-In- Gong Ifyourpower-drivenvesselislessthan39 .4feet(12meters)inlength, thenitmaydisplaynavigationlightsasshowninFigure2 . 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. Figure 1 Signaling Devices 26 Figure 2 27 Ifyourpower-drivenvesselislessthan23feet(7meters)inlength Asailingvesseloflessthan23feet anditsmaximumspeeddoesnotexceed7knots,thenitmaydisplay (7meters)inlengthshall,ifpracticable, anall-roundwhitelightand,ifpossible,sidelights,insteadofthelights exhibitlightsasshown .(Figures3or prescribedpreviously .(InternationalRulesonly .) 4 .)Ifitdoesnot,itshallhavereadyat handanelectrictorchorlightedlantern Forpower-drivenvesselslessthan39 .4feet(12meters)inlength,the (flashlight)showingwhitelightthatshall mastheadorall-roundwhitelightmustbeatleast3 .3feet(1meter) beexhibitedinsufficienttimetoprevent abovethesidelights . collision .(SeeFigure6 .) Inavesseloflessthan65 .6feet(20meters)inlength,sidelightsmay bedisplayedinacombinationlightasshowninFigure2 . Figure 6 Vessel Under Oars Sailing Vessels Ifyoursailingvesselislessthan65 .6feet(20meters)inlength,thenit mustdisplaynavigationlightsasshowninFigures3,4,or5 . Avesselunderoarsmayexhibitthe lightsforasailboat .Ifitdoesnot,itshall havereadyathandanelectrictorch (flashlight)orlightedlanternshowing awhitelightthatshallbeexhibitedin sufficienttimetopreventcollision .(See Figure7 .) Figure 7 Lights and Shapes Toalertothervesselsofconditionsthatmaybehazardous,thereare requirementstodisplaylightsatnightandshapesduringtheday . Anchored Vessels At night:Allvesselsatanchormustdisplayanchorlights .Ifyour Figure 3 Figure 4 vesselislessthan164feet(50meters)inlength,thenitsanchorlight isanall-roundwhitelightvisiblewhereitcanbestbeseenfromall directions .(SeeFigure8 .) Figure 5 Figure 8 28 29 During the day: Allvesselsatanchormustdisplayforward,whereit Vessels Restricted in their Ability to Maneuver canbebestseen,ablackballshape .(SeeFigure9 .) NavigationRulesrequirevesselsrestrictedintheirabilitytomaneuver todisplayappropriatedayshapes(ball/diamond/ball)orlights .Ifthe sizeofthevesselengagedindivingactivitiesduringthedaymakeit impracticaltodisplaythedayshapes,thenitmustexhibitarigidreplica oftheinternationalcodeflag“Alpha”notlessthan3 .3feet(1meter)in heighttomeetthisrequirement .Ifthedivingactivitiesareatnight,then yourvesselmustdisplaythenavigationlightsshowninFigure11 .This requirementdoesnotaffecttheuseofaredandwhiteDiversFlag, whichmayberequiredbystateorlocallawtomarkadiver’slocation . The“A”flagisanavigationsignalindicatingyourvessel’srestricted maneuverabilityanddoesnotpertaintothelocationofthediver . Figure 9 ExcEPTIONS: Ifyourvesselislessthan23feet(7meters)inlength,it isnotrequiredtodisplayananchorlightorshapeunlessitisanchored inornearanarrowchannel,fairway,oranchorage,orwhereother vesselsnormallynavigate . Ifyourvesselislessthan65 .6feet(20meters)inlength,itisnot requiredtodisplayananchorlightifitisanchoredininlandwatersina specialanchoragedesignatedbytheSecretaryunderwhichtheCoast Guardisoperating . Sailing Vessels Under Power Figure 11 Duringtheday,vesselsundersailthat arealsobeingpropelledbymachinery, mustexhibitforward,whereitcanbest beseen,ablackconicalshapewiththe apexpointingdown .(SeeFigure10 .) ExcEPTION:Ifyourvesselisless than39 .4feet(12meters)inlength, thenitisnotrequiredtodisplaythe shapeininlandwaters . Figure 10 Reminder: If you are operating your sailing vessel at night using machinery, or sail and machinery, then your vessel must display the lights required for a power-driven vessel. (See Figures 3, 4, and 5.) 30 31 Pollution Regulations (33 CFR 151/155) Reportthefollowinginformation: AnnexVofMARPOL73/78prohibitsthrowing,discharging,ordeposit- • Locationoftheincident . inganyrefusematterofanykind(includingtrash,garbage,oil,and • Size/quantity(estimatedamountofmaterialreleased) . otherliquidpollutants)intothewatersoftheUnitedStates . • Description,color,consistency,odor . TheFederalWaterPollutionControlActprohibitsthedischargeofoilor hazardoussubstancesthatmaybeharmfulintoU .S .navigablewaters . Vessels26feetandgreaterinlength,withmachineryspaces,must displayaplacardatleast5by8inches,madeofdurablematerial,fixed inaconspicuousplaceinthemachineryspaces,oratthebilgepump controlstation,statingthefollowing: • Dateandtimeobserved . • Sourceandcauseoftherelease,ifknown . • Substance,ifknown . • Weatherandanyotherinformationthatmayhelpemergency personnelrespondtotheincident . Discharge of Garbage TheActtoPreventPollutionfromShips(MARPOLANNEXV)places limitationsonthedischargeofgarbagefromvessels .Itisillegalto Discharge of Oil Prohibited TheFederalWaterPollutionControlActprohibitsthedischarge ofoiloroilywasteuponorintoanynavigablewatersofthe UnitedStates .Thisprohibitionincludesanydischargethat causesafilmordiscolorationofthesurfaceofthewater,or causesasludgeoremulsionbeneaththesurfaceofthewater . dumpplastictrashanywhereintheoceanornavigablewatersofthe UnitedStates .Itisalsoillegaltodischargegarbageinthenavigable watersoftheUnitedStates,includingtheinlandwatersandanywhere intheGreatLakes .Thedischargeofothertypesofgarbageispermittedoutsideofspecificdistancesoffshoreasdeterminedbythenature ofthatgarbage .(Seechartnextpage .) Violatorsaresubjecttosubstantialciviland/orcriminalsanctions,includingfinesandimprisonment . . RegulationsissuedundertheFederalWaterPollutionControlActrequireallvesselswithpropulsionmachinerytohaveacapacitytoretain oilymixturesonboardandbeequippedwithafixedorportablemeans todischargetheseoilymixturestoareceptionfacility .Onrecreational vessels,abucket,oilabsorbentpads,andheavy-dutyplasticbag, bailer,orportablepumparesomeofthesuitablemeansthatmeetthe requirementforretentiononboarduntiltransferringtheoilymixtureto areceptionfacility .Nopersonmayintentionallydrainoiloroilywaste fromanysourceintothebilgeofanyvessel .Youmustimmediately notifytheU .S .CoastGuardifyourvesseldischargesoilorhazardous substancesinthewater .CalltheCoastGuardNationalResponse Centertoll-free(800)424-8802,or(202)267-2675 . 32 33 Note:stateandlocallawsmayplacefurtherrestrictionsonthedisposal Marine Sanitation Devices (33 CFR 159) ofgarbage . Allrecreationalboatswithinstalledtoiletfacilitiesmusthaveanoperablemarinesanitationdevice(MSD)onboard .Vessels65feetand Garbage Type Discharge Plastics–includessyntheticropes, fishingnets,andplasticbags Prohibitedinallareas through”devices,whileaholdingtankisaTypeIIIdevice .Vesselsover Prohibitedlessthan3miles fromnearestland 65feetmustinstallaTypeIIorIIIMSD .AllinstalledMSDsmustbe Comminutedorgroundfoodwaste, paper,rags,glass,etc . undermayuseaTypeI,II,orIIIMSD .TypeIandTypeIIare“flow- U .S .CoastGuard-certified .U .S .CoastGuard-certifieddevicesareso labeled,exceptforsomeholdingtanks,whicharecertifiedbydefinition Foodwaste,paper,rags,glass,metal, Prohibitedlessthan12miles fromnearestland bottles,crockery,andsimilarrefuse undertheregulations . Floatingdunnage,lining,andpacking Prohibitedlessthan25miles fromnearestland materials shoreexceptindesignated“NoDischargeZone”areas .(Untreated UnitedStatesvesselsof26feetorlongermustdisplayinaprominent location,adurableplacardatleast4by9inchesnotifyingthecrewand passengersofthedischargerestrictions . Thedischargeoftreatedsewageisallowedwithin3nauticalmilesof sewagemaybedischargedbeyond3nauticalmiles .) 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. UnitedStatesocean-goingvesselsof40feetorlongerthatareengagedincommerceorequippedwithagalleyandberthingmusthave awrittenwastemanagementplandescribingtheproceduresforcollecting,processing,storing,anddischarginggarbage,andmustdesignate thepersoninchargeofcarryingouttheplan . 34 35 OPERATING PROCEDURES Navigation Rules Boaterscallnavigationrules–thebasiclawsgoverningthesteering orsailingofaboat–“TheRulesoftheRoad .”TheseRulesdefinethe rolesandresponsibilitiesofvesseloperators .Ifalloperatorsfollowed theserules,mostaccidentscouldbeavoided . TheRulesaredividedintotwoparts,InlandandInternational .Inland Rulesapplytovesselsoperatinginsidethelineofdemarcation,while boatdesignatedasthe“give-way”vesselisrequiredtoyieldtothe otherboat,whiletheboatdesignatedasthe“stand-on”vesselshould maintainitscourseandspeed . Thefollowingdiagramsdescribethewhistlesignalsandactionstobe takenbyvesselsinacrossing,meeting,orovertakingsituationwhile operatingininlandwaters .Thesearebasicexamples;foradditional information,consulttheNavigationRules . Crossing Situations InternationalRulesapplyoutsidethatline .Demarcationlinesare printedonmostnavigationalchartsandarelistedintheNavigation Rules . PrintcopiesoftherulescanbeobtainedfromtheSuperintendentof Documents,U .S .GovernmentPrintingOffice,P .O .Box979050,St . Louis,MO63197-9000 .Tel .(202)512-1800,oryoucandownloada copyfromtheU .S .CoastGuard,BoatingSafetyDivisionwebsiteat www .uscgboating .org . Give-Way Vessel shouldaltercoursetopass astern(behind) 1shortblast(1sec .) Stand-On Vessel shouldmaintainitscourse andspeed 1shortblast(1sec .) Theoperatorofavessel39 .4feet(12meters)orgreaterisresponsible forhavingandmaintainingacopyoftheNavigationRulesonboard whileoperatingonU .S .inlandwaters . Overtaking Situation TheRulesvaryslightlydependingonwhetheryouareboatingon inlandoroninternationalwaters .Asanexample,whenoperatingon inlandwaters,soundsignalsaresignalsofintent;whenoperatingon internationalwaters,theyaresignalsofaction . 2shortblasts (1sec .each) Post a lookout.Designatesomeonetowatchfordangersthatmay 1shortblast (1sec .) Stand-On Vessel Overtaken comefromanydirection . Maintain a safe speed.Exceptwherespeedisrestrictedbyregulation, orthewaterwayismarkedasa“NoWake”or“SlowSpeed”area,you mustjudgesafespeedforyourself,takingintoaccountvisibility,vessel traffic,yourboat’sabilitytomaneuver,andtheweatherconditions . Avoid a collision. TheRulesoftheRoadincludetheactionstotake 2shortblasts (1sec .each) Give-Way Vessel Overtaking (keepclear) 1shortblast (1sec .) whenencounteringanothervesselonthewater .Someofthemost commonsituationsyoumayencounterare:overtaking,meeting head-on,andcrossingthebowofanothervessel .Ineachcase,the 36 37 Aids to Navigation Meeting Head-On Port-to-PortPassing(preferred) Navigationbuoysandbeaconsareplacedalongcoastalandnavigable watersasguidestomarksafewaterandhiddendangers,aswellas toassistboatoperatorsindeterminingtheirpositioninrelationtoland . Eachaidtonavigationprovidesspecificinformation . 1shortblast(1sec .) 1shortblast(1sec .) SeveralAidsareusuallyusedtogethertoformalocalsystemthathelps theboatoperatorfollownaturalandimprovedchannels .SuchAidsalso provideacontinuoussystemofchartedmarkersforcoastalpiloting . IndividualAidsareusedtomarklandfallfromseaward,andtomark isolateddangers . Lateralmarkersarebuoysorbeaconsthatindicatetheportand starboardsidesofaroutetobefollowed .VirtuallyallU .S .lateralmarks Starboard-to-StarboardPassing followthetraditional3-Rprincipleof“Red,Right,Returning .”This meansthatwhenreturningfromseaward,keeptheredmarkersonthe right-hand(starboard)sideofthevessel . 2shortblasts(1sec .each) 2shortblasts(1sec .each) Boatoperatorsshould not relyonAidstoNavigationalonefordeterminingtheirposition .Stormsandwaveactioncanmovebuoysoutof place . 38 39 Lateral Aids Information and Regulatory Markers Lateralaidsmarkingthesidesofchannels,asseenwhenenteringfrom Theseorange-and-whiteAidsareusedtoalertvesseloperators seaward . tovariouswarningsandregulations . . Symbol Meaning Examples Danger Adiamond shapealerts boatersto hazards ROCK DANGER Restricted Operations Markswitha circleindicate areaswith regulated operations NO WAKE 5 mph IDLE SPEED Exclusion Adiamond shapewitha crossmeans boatsare prohibited fromthearea BOATS KEEP OUT SWIM AREA GAS DOCK BOAT RAMP Information Markswith asquare providehelpful information suchas directions, distances,and locations Do nottieupyourboattoAidstoNavigation;itisdangerousand illegal . 40 characteristics • Whitewithanorangehorizontalbandatbothtopandbottom . • Blacktextwithinoraroundanorangesquare,circle,ordiamond; orblacktextoutsideadiamondwithanorangecross . • Maybebuoysorbeacons . • Iflit,thelightwillbewhiteandmayhaveanylightrhythmexcept quickflashing,flashing(2),orMorsecode“A .” • Thechartsymbolforthistypeofbuoyis: WOr 41 X Appliesonlyto“Documented”vessels: (a) Originalandcurrentcertificatemustbeonboard . (b) Vesselname/hailingportmustbemarkedonexteriorpartofhullinlettersnotlessthan4inchesinheight . (c) OfficialNumbermustbepermanentlyaffixedoninteriorstructureinnumbersnotlessthan3inchesinheight . (a) OneTypeI,II,III,orVwearablelifejacketforeachpersononboard .MustbeU .S .CoastGuard-approved . (b) Inaddition,mustcarryoneTypeIVthrowabledevice . (a) Oneelectricdistresslight,orthreecombinationday/nightredflares .Note:onlyrequiredtobecarriedon boardwhenthevesselisoperatingbetweensunsetandsunrise . (b) Threecombinationday/nightredflares–hand-held,meteor,orparachute-type,oroneorangedistressflag,or oneelectricdistresslight,orthreehand-heldorfloatingorangesmokesignalsandoneelectricdistresslight . Certificate of Documentation Ventilation Fire Extinguishers Visual Distress Signals (VDS) Life Jackets X X Requiredtobedisplayedfromsunsettosunriseandinareasofrestrictedvisibility . (a) Placardmustbeatleast5by8inchesandmadeofdurablematerial . (b) Placardmustbepostedineachmachineryspaceoratthebilgecontrolstation . (a) Placardmustbeatleast4by9inchesandmadeofdurablematerial . (b) Displayedinaconspicuousplacenotifyingallonboardofthedischargerestrictions . Ifthereisaninstalledtoilet,thevesselmusthaveanoperableMSDTypeI,II,orIII . Theoperatorofavessel39 .4feet(12meters)orgreaterwhileoperatingonU .S .inlandwatersmusthave onboardacopyoftheserules . Navigational Lights Oil Pollution Placard (Inland Only) Navigation Rules Marine Sanitation Devices Garbage Placard X RequiredongasolineenginesinstalledafterApril25,1940,exceptoutboardmotors . Backfire Flame Arrestor X X (a) Avesseloflessthan39 .4feet(12meters)must,ataminimum,havesomemeansofmakinganefficient soundsignal–i .e .,handheldairhorn,athleticwhistle .Ahumanvoice/soundisnotacceptable . (b) Avessel39 .4feet(12meters)orgreater,musthaveasound-signalingappliancecapableofproducing anefficientsoundsignal,audiblefor1/2mile,witha4-to6-secondduration . X X X X X (a) AllvesselsbuiltafterApril25,1940thataregasoline-fueledwithenclosedengineand/orfueltank compartmentsmusthavenaturalventilation(atleasttwoductsfittedwithcowls) . (b) Inaddition,avesselbuiltafterJuly31,1980musthavearatedpowerexhaustblower . X X X X X X X X (a) OneB-I(whenenclosedcompartment) . (b) OneB-IIortwoB-I .Note:fixedsystemequalsoneB-I . (c) OneB-IIandoneB-I,orthreeB-I .Note:fixedsystemequalsoneB-I . X X X (a) Plainblockletters/numbers,notlessthan3inchesinheight,mustbeaffixedoneachsideoftheforwardhalf ofthevessel,inacontrastingcolortothebackground,andreadfromlefttoright . (b) Statevalidationsticker(s)mustbeaffixedwithin6inchesoftheregistrationnumber .Note:checkwithyour localboatingagencyforspecificstaterequirements . Certificate of Number (State Registration) 16<26 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 26<40 X X X X X X X X X X X X X X X 40<65 Vessel Length (in feet) <16 State Numbering QUICK REFERENCE CHART X Requirement Allundocumentedvesselsequippedwithpropulsionmachinerymustbestateregistered .Certificateof Numbermustbeonboardwhenthevesselisinuse .Notethatsomestatesrequireallvesselstobe registered . Equipment Sound Producing Devices 42 43 36 35 34 32 27 25 25 23 21 17 9 6 5 5 Page Nautical Charts Safe Water Markers TheseAidsareusedtomarkfairways,mid-channels,andoffshore approachpoints .Theyhaveunobstructedwateronallsides .Abuoy, lightedorunlighted,mayshowaredtopmark .Anappropriatenautical chartmustbeconsultedtodetermineexactposition N N Unlighted N withorw/o sound G NNN RW“N” A RW“N” Mo(A) Lighted withorw/o sound G RW“N” RW“A” AAA MR SP“G” G GG Spherical Characteristics • Whiteandredverticalstripes . • Avarietyofshapes . • Maybelettered . • Buoymayhaveredtopmark . • Iflit: (MorseCode“A”) NN Can N Oneofthemostimportanttoolsforsafelynavigatingwaterwaysisa NauticalChart .Today,manyrecreationalboatersuseGPSreceivers andperformelectronicwaypointnavigation .AlthoughaGPScantellyou whereyouareintermsoflatitudeandlongitude,itcannotshowwhatis aroundorbeneaththeboat,orwhatobstaclesmaybeintheway . Nauticalchartsshowthenatureandshapeofthecoast,includingwater depths,marinehazards,generalconfigurationandcharacterofthe N bottom,andAidstoNavigation,aswellasprominentlandmarks,port facilities,andotherrelevantinformation .Changesbroughtaboutby N peopleandnaturerequirethatnauticalchartsbeconstantlymaintained andupdatedtoaidsafenavigation . Tomeettheneedsoftheboatingpublic,theNationalOceanicand AtmosphericAdministration’sNationalOceanService(NOS)producesa NN N varietyofnauticalchartsandrelatedproducts .Nauticalchartscanvaryin scaleandformat .Chartscalereferstoameasurementofanarea,notthe distance .Achartcoveringarelativelylargeareaiscalleda“smallscale” chart;a“largescale”chartwillcoverarelativelysmallareaandshow muchgreaterdetail .Havingthemostcurrentchartisimportant .Thatis whythepublicationdateiscritical .Stormsandwaveactioncanalterthe coastline,soonlyup-to-datechartsshouldbeusedfornavigation .For allnavigation,boatoperatorsshouldalsousethechartthatprovidesthe levelofdetailneeded . NOSnauticalchartsmaybepurchaseddirectlybymailfromtheNOS DistributionBranchorthroughanauthorizedagent .Therearemore than1,700nauticalchartagentsthatsellNOScharts .Usetheaddress andcontactnumbersbelowtoobtainalistofagentsnearyouorto requestafreecatalog: FAA, National Aeronautical Charting Office DistributionDivision,AJW-3550 10201GoodLuckRoad Glendale,MD20769-9700 Tel:(301)436-8301or(800)638-8972 Fax:(301)436-6829 E-mail:9-AMC-chartsales@faa .gov Website:www .naco .faa .gov/ecomp Updatedchartinformationcanbeobtainedfrom“LocalNoticeto Mariners,”updatedweeklybytheU .S .CoastGuardandavailable onlineatwww .navcen .uscg .gov/lnm/default .htm . 44 45 Dams and Navigation Locks LAW ENFORCEMENT Low-head Dams AvesselunderwaywhenhailedbyaCoastGuardvesselisrequired Thoseboatingonriversneed tobeawareoftheirlocationin regardtodamsintheirboating Backwash Boil tocomeaboard .(See“U .S .CoastGuardBoardingPolicy:Whatto Expect”page50 .) area .Low-head,or“fixedcrest,” damscanbedifficulttoseefrom smallvesselsmovingdown- toheavetoormaneuverasdirectedsoastopermitaboardingteam Escape Route Low-head Dam river .Theycanbeextremely dangeroustosmallboatsandswimmers;somuchsotheyhavebeen nicknamed“drowningmachines .”Beawarethatbuoysarenotinthe riveryearroundandevenwhentheyaretheycanbemovedoffstation bythecurrent .Keepalookoutfor“DangerDam”signs .Itisstrongly recommendedthatboatersuse navigation charts,whichprovidevaluableinformationonthelocationofdamsandotherhazardsintheriver . Otherfederal,state,andlocalmaritimelawenforcementofficialsmay alsoboardandexamineyourvessel,whetheritisnumbered,unnumbered,ordocumented .U .S .CoastGuardlawenforcementpersonnel workwithandmayalsobefoundaboardotheragencies’enforcement vessels . TheU .S .CoastGuardmayimposeacivilpenaltyforfailureto: • Complywithequipmentrequirements . • Reportaboatingaccident . Navigation Locks • Complywithotherfederalregulations . Alockisanengineeredstructurethatenablesvesselstomove • ComplywithNavigationRules . betweenwaterwaysofdifferingheights .Therearespecificprocedures inplacefornavigatingthroughlocks .Specificsmayvaryincertain Negligent Operation (46 USC 2302 (a) (b)) regions,butingeneral: Federallawprohibitsthenegligentorgrosslynegligentoperationofa • Staybetweentheredandgreenbuoysthatmarktheriver’snavigablechannel . • Requestanopeningusingyourmarineradio,cellphone,orwith asoundsignalconsistingofoneprolongedblast(4-6seconds) andoneshortblast(1second)withinonemileofthelock .Sound vesseland/orinterferencewiththesafeoperationofavesselsoasto endangerlivesand/orproperty .TheU .S .CoastGuardmayimposea civilpenaltyfornegligentoperation .Grosslynegligentoperationisa criminaloffenseandanoperatormaybefinedupto$5,000,imprisoned foroneyear,orboth . signalscanbemadebyusingthelock’spull-cordoryourwhistle, Someactionsthatmayconstitutenegligentorgrosslynegligent horn,megaphone,orhailer . operationare: • Waitforthelockoperatortosignalyouwithhornblasts;additional signalsmayincludetrafficlightsorflashinglights . • Enterthelockatreducedspeed . • Makesureallpassengersremainseatedandweartheirlifejackets . • Tieyourcrafttothemooringdevicesafterentering;aminimumof 50feetoflineisrecommended . • Usefenderstoavoiddamagetoyourvesselandthelockwalls . • Operatingaboatinadesignatedswimmingarea . • Excessivespeedinthevicinityofotherboatsorinregulated waters . • Hazardouswaterskiingorotherwatersportspractices . • Bowriding,orridingonseatback,gunwale,ortransom . • Operatingaboatwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholordrugs . • Whenthrough,waitforthelockoperator’ssignal(hornand/or lights),thenleavethelockatidlespeed . Thereisaspecificorderoflockagepriorityamongvessels .Military andmostcommercialvesselshavepriorityoverrecreationalvessels . 46 47 Boating Under the Influence (BUI) (46 USC 2302 (c)/33 CFR 95) Reporting Boating Accidents (33 CFR 173.55) Operatingavesselwhileintoxicatedisdangerousandafederalof- Theoperatororownerofanyrecreationalboatisrequiredtofilea fense .Ifanoperatorofarecreationalboathasabloodalcoholcontent BoatingAccidentReportiftheboatisinvolvedinanaccidentthat of .08( .10insomestates)orgreater,theoperatorissubjecttoacivil resultsinanyofthefollowing: penaltynottoexceed$1,000acriminalpenaltynottoexceed$5,000, oraone-yearimprisonment,orboth .Intoxicatedoperatorswhoare citedbytheCoastGuardmayalsobecitedbyotherstateorlocallaw enforcementofficials .Statecriminalpenaltiesmayvaryandcould includearrest,fines,and/orlossofmotorvehicledrivingprivileges . Termination of Use (46 USC 4308/33 CFR 177.05) AU .S .CoastGuardBoardingOfficerwhoobservesavesselbeing operatedinanunsafecondition,specificallydefinedbylaworregulation,anddeterminesthatanespeciallyhazardousconditionexiststhat cannotbecorrectedonthespot,mayterminatethevessel’svoyage anddirecttheoperatortoreturntoport . Terminationforunsafeusemaybeimposedfor: • Insufficientlife-savingdevices . • Insufficientfireextinguishers . • Anoverloadedvessel . • Improperdisplayofnavigationlights . • Improperventilationoffueltanksandenginespaces . • Fuelleakoraccumulationoffuelinthebilges . • Inadequatebackfireflamecontrol . • Operatinginregulatedboatingareasduringpredetermined • Lossoflife . • Apersondisappearsfromthevesselundercircumstances thatindicatedeathorinjury . • Personalinjurythatrequiresmedicaltreatmentbeyond basicfirstaid . • Damagetotheboatandotherpropertydamageof$2,000or more . • Completelossoftheboat . Boatoperatorsarerequiredtoreporttheiraccidenttolocalauthorities inthestatewheretheaccidentoccurred . Fatal Accidents Immediatenotificationisrequiredforfatalaccidents .Ifapersondiesor goesmissingasaresultofarecreationalboatingaccident,thenearest stateboatingauthoritymustbenotifiedwithoutdelay .Thefollowing informationmustbeprovided: • Date,time,andexactlocationoftheaccident . • Nameofeachpersonwhodiedorwentmissing . • Numberandnameofthevessel . • Nameandaddressoftheownerandoperator . adverseconditions(appliesonlytoThirteenthUSCGDistrict: Reporting Timelines Idaho,Montana,Oregon,Washington) . Ifapersondies,goesmissingfromtheboat,orreceivesinjuriesrequir- • Amanifestlyunsafevoyage . AnoperatorwhorefusestocomplywiththedirectionsofaU .S .Coast ingmedicaltreatmentbeyondbasicfirstaid,aformalreportmustbe filedwithin48hoursoftheaccident . GuardBoardingOfficertoterminatetheunsafeuseofarecreational Foraccidentsinvolvingpropertydamageof$2,000ormore,orthe vesselcanbecitedforfailuretocomplywiththeBoardingOfficer’s completelossofavessel,aformalreportmustbemadewithin10days . instruction,aswellasforthespecificviolationthatwasthebasisforthe terminationorder .Violatorsmaybefinedupto$1,000,orimprisoned foruptooneyear,orboth . Notethatstaterequirementsforreportingboatingaccidentsmaybe morestringentthanfederalrequirements .Somestates,forexample, mayrequirethatallboatingaccidentsbereportedimmediately .Check withthelocalmarinepatrolortheBoatingLawAdministratorinthe statewheretheaccidentoccurredforthereportingproceduresthat 48 49 apply .TodownloadaReferenceGuidetoStateBoatingLawsand ger,cargo,and/orcommercialfishing)andtocheckforcompliance findmoreinformationregardingaccidentreporting,visittheU .S .Coast withallapplicablefederallawsandregulations . GuardBoatingSafetyDivisionwebsiteatwww .uscgboating .org . Thedecisiontoboardmaybebasedonavessel’sactivity,location, Rendering Assistance (46 USC 2304) and,insomecircumstances,obviousviolations,suchasoperating Themasterorpersoninchargeofavesselisobligatedbylawto atnightwithoutnavigationlights,orimproperdisplayofregistration provideassistancethatcanbesafelyprovidedtoanyindividualin dangeratsea .Themasterorpersoninchargeissubjecttoafineand/ numbers .TheCoastGuardvesselwillusuallyradioaseriesofpreboardingquestions,suchas:Whatwasthevessel’slastportofcall orimprisonmentforfailuretodoso . andwhatisitsnextportof Requesting Assistance (Non-Distress Call) areonboard?Whatisthe IfaboatercontactstheU .S .CoastGuardonChannel16VHF-FMor purposeofyourvoyage? Channel70DSCandthesituationisdeterminedtobenon-distress,the CoastGuardwilloffertocontactanyassistanceprovider(commercialor friend)theboaterrequests .Iftheboaterhasnopreference,theCoast GuardwillissueaMarineAssistanceRequestBroadcast(MARB) .The boatermaythenbecontacteddirectlybyanotherboater“GoodSamaritan”orbyacommercialassistanceproviderwithanofferofhelp . U.S. Coast Guard Boarding Policy Title 14, Section 89, of the United States Code authorizes the U. S. Coast Guard to board vessels subject to the jurisdiction of the United States, anytime upon the high seas and upon waters over which the United States has jurisdiction, to make inquiries, examinations, inspections, searches, seizures, and arrests. What to Expect TheU .S .CoastGuardisamulti-missionagency .Althoughitslegacy missionofsavinglivesatsearemainsapriority,enforcementofmaritimelawsandhomelandsecurityhasbecometheU .S .CoastGuard’s –andthenation’s–focus .TheU .S .CoastGuardconductsnearly 70,000boardingsayearinitsmultipleroles:enforcingthelaw,providingsearchandrescueservices,promotingboatingsafety,preventing damagetomarineenvironments,andhelpingtosecurethenation’s call?Howmanypersons IftheCoastGuard decidestoboard,consider itanimportantopportunitytolearnsomething newaboutsafetyequipmentandsafeboatingpractices .Typically,a uniformedU .S .CoastGuardBoardingTeamoftwotofourofficers willcomeaboard,introducethemselves,andstatethereasonforthe boarding .Likealllawenforcementofficers,theywillbearmed .The officerinchargewillaskifyouhaveanyweaponsaboard;ifso,they willusuallysecureallweaponsforthedurationoftheboarding .They willconductaninitialsafetyinspectiontoidentifyanyobvioussafety hazardsandtoverifythegeneralseaworthinessofyourvessel . Theofficerwillthenasktoseethevessel’sregistrationorotherdocumentationandproceedtoamoredetailedinspectionofyourrequired safetyequipment:lifejackets,fireextinguishers,flares,etc .Youshould knowthattheBoardingOfficerwillcheckeveryaspectofeachitem onthelist .Forexample,withlifejackets–theitemmostfrequently citedforviolations–theofficerwillchecktoseeifyouhaveU .S .Coast Guard-approvedlifejacketsonboard,ingoodandserviceablecondition,properlystowed,andthecorrectsizefortheintendedwearers . borders .Themoretimeaboaterspendsonthewater,themorelikely Whentheboardingiscomplete,theofficerwillprovideyouwithareport heorshewillexperienceaU .S .CoastGuardboarding . oftheboarding,notingtheresultsoftheinspectionofyourvessel .In Duringlawenforcementboardings,thescopeofthevesselinspection istodeterminethevessel’sstatus(commercial,recreational,passen- theeventofaviolation,theBoardingOfficerwillexplaintheresultsand theproceduresyouwillneedtofollowtobringyourvesselintocompliance .Ifyouhaveanyquestions,asktheBoardingOfficerbeforethe teamdeparts . 50 51 VESSEL SAFETy CHECK TheU .S .CoastGuardwouldliketoseeall vesselsincompliancewithequipmentcarriage requirementsandsafelyoperated .Ifyouare uncertainaboutthesafetyrequirementsfor yourvessel,onewaytomakesureyouarein complianceistoscheduleaVesselSafetyCheck(VSC),offeredas afreepublicservicebytheUnitedStatesCoastGuardAuxiliaryand UnitedStatesPowerSquadrons®,volunteerorganizationsdedicated toassistingtheU .S .CoastGuardinpromotingboatingsafety .Other federalandstateagenciesmayalsoconducttheseVesselSafety Checks .(Findoutmoreatwww .safetyseal .net .) AVSCisnotalawenforcementaction;however,insomestates qualifiedmarinelawenforcementpersonnelmayconductVesselSafety Checks .Qualifiedexaminerswillcometoyourvesselandconduct acourtesyexaminationofsafetyequipmentcarriedorinstalledand certainaspectsofthevessel’soverallcondition .VSCrequirements parallelfederalandstaterequirementswithregardtoequipmentand vesselcondition .ThosevesselsthatpasswillbeawardedaVSCdecal indicatingasuccessfulcheck . TheitemscheckedduringaVSCare: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Navigationlights . Soundproducingdevices/bell . Voicecommunications . Lifejacketsandthrowableflotationdevices . Fireextinguishers . Visualdistresssignals . Backfireflamecontrol . Overallvesselcondition,includingelectric-fuelsystems, galley-heatingsystems,deckfreeofhazards/cleanbilge . Ventilation . Properdisplayofnumbers . Pollutionplacard(oilywastedischarge) . MARPOLtrashplacards(garbagedumpingrestriction) . Marinesanitationdevice . Registration/documentation . • NavigationRulesbook . • Stateand/orlocalrequirements . 52 Other recommended equipment Whilenotrequired,thefollowingarealsostronglyrecommended: • • • • • • • VHF-FMMarineRadiowithDigitalSelectiveCallingSystem . DewateringDeviceandBackup . MountedFireExtinguishers . AnchorandLine . FirstAidKit . Person-in-Water(PIW)Kit . CapacityPlates . DuringtheVesselSafety Check,thevesselexaminer willdiscusswiththerecreationalboaterthepurposeof specificmarinesafetyequipment,willclarifyfederaland stateregulations,willdiscuss certainsafetyprocedures,and willansweranyboating-related questions .Someofthetopicsdiscussedare: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Accidentreporting/ownerresponsibility . ChartsandAidstoNavigation . Offshoreoperation . Inflatableliferafts . Immersionsuits . Survivaltips . Firstaid . Floatplans . Weatherandseaconditions . Insuranceconsiderations . Fuelingandfuelmanagement . Boatingchecklist . Availabilityofboatingsafetyclasses . America’sWaterwayWatch . For More Information ToscheduleaVesselSafetyCheck,orformoreinformationonthe VesselSafetyCheckProgram,contactyourlocalU .S .CoastGuard AuxiliaryorUnitedStatesPowerSquadrons,stateboatingagency,or visittheVesselSafetyCheckwebsiteatwww .safetyseal .net . 53 SAFETy AND SURVIVAL TIPS Operator’s Responsibilities Yourdegreeofenjoymentonthewaterdependsonyou,your Safe Boating Education equipment,andotherpeoplewho,likeyourself,boatresponsibly . Trainingisimportantforboatersofallexperiencelevels,butespecially Asaboatoperator,youshould: forthebeginningboater .Inatypicalyear,approximately70percentof accidentsinvolvingfatalitiesoccuronboatswheretheboatoperator hashadnoformalinstructionon • MakesurethateveryoneonboardiswearingaU .S .Coast Guard-approvedlifejacketatalltimeswhileonthewater . howtooperatethevessel .Asa • Takeaboatingsafetycourse . result,morethanhalfofallstates • Neveroperateavesselwhileundertheinfluenceofalcoholor haveenactedlegislationmandatingboatersafetyeducationasa requirementforboatoperators . dangerousdrugs . • Makesureyourboatisintopoperatingcondition .Itshouldbe freeoftrippinghazardsandfirehazards,andhavecleanbilges . • Makesuretherequiredsafetyequipmentisonboard,maintainedin Boatingsafetyisnoaccident . • Alwaysfileafloatplanwitharelativeorfriend . knowledge,proficiency,and • Haveacompleteunderstandingoftheoperationandhandling confidence,takeaboatingsafety course . Tolocatelocalcourseofferings,orformoreinformationonrecreational boatingandboatingsafety,contactyourstateboatingagency,U .S . CoastGuardDistrictoffice,oroneoftheorganizationslistedbelow: United States Coast Guard Auxiliary NationalHeadquarters www .cgaux .org United States Power Squadrons® NationalHeadquarters (888)367-8777 www .usps .org goodworkingorder,andthatyouknowhowtousethesedevices . Tofurtherdevelopyourboating National Safe Boating Council (703)361-4294 www .safeboatingcouncil .org BoatU.S. Foundation (800)245-2628 www .boatus .com/foundation U .S .CoastGuardDistrictOffices arelistedontheinsideback cover . National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (859)225-9487 www .nasbla .org characteristicsofyourboat . • Knowyourlocation,whereyouaregoing,andhowtoreturn . • Maintainasafespeedatalltimestoavoidcollision . • Keepaneyeoutforchangingweatherconditions,andact accordingly . • Knowandfollowthe“RulesoftheRoad”(NavigationRules .) • Knowandobeyfederalandstateregulationsandwaterway markers . • Besuretomaintainaproperlookout .Scanthewaterbackand forth .Stayalert .Mostboatingaccidentsarecausedbyoperator inattention . Remember, you are the key to safe boating! Carbon Monoxide Hazards CarbonMonoxide(CO)canbeasilentkilleronhouseboatsandother recreationalvessels .Eachyear,boatersareinjuredorkilledbycarbon monoxide .Virtuallyallsuchpoisoningsarepreventable . Carbonmonoxideisaby-productofthecombustionofcarbon-based material,suchasgasoline,propane,charcoal,orwood .Common sourcesaboardboatsincludemainandauxiliaryengines,generators, Take Time to Reflect on Safety Safe Boating Begins Here ... with You! cookingranges,spaceheaters,andwaterheaters .Notethatcold andpoorlytunedenginesproducemorecarbonmonoxidethanwarm, properlytunedengines . 54 55 COcancollectwithinaboatinavarietyofways .Exhaustleaks–the Installacarbonmonoxidedetectorineachaccommodationspaceon leadingcauseofcarbonmonoxidefatalities–canallowCOtomigrate yourboat .Checkthedetectorsperiodicallytobesuretheyare throughouttheboatandintoenclosedareas .Evenproperlyventedex- functioningproperly . haustcanre-enteraboatifitismooredtooclosetoadockoranother boat,oriftheexhaustispushedbackbyprevailingwinds .Exhaustcan alsore-enterboatswhencruisingundercertainconditions,especially withcanvasinplace,whichproducesthe“stationwagon”effect .Exhaustcanalsocollectinenclosedspacesnearthesternswimplatform . What To Do Scheduleregularengineandexhaustsystemmaintenanceinspections byexperiencedandtrainedmechanics . BeawarethatdangerousconcentrationsofCOcanaccumulatewhen aboat,generator,orotherfueleddeviceisoperatedwhiletheboatisat apier,nearaseawall,oralongsideanotherboat .Donotrunenginesor equipmentforextendedperiodsoftimeundertheseconditionswithout continuousmonitoring . Keepforward-facinghatchesopentoallowfreshairtocirculateinaccommodationspaces,evenininclementweather . Keeppeopleclearofthereardeckareaandswimplatformoftheboat whilethegeneratororenginesarerunning .Alwaysmonitortheswimmingarea . Anotherdangerouspracticetoavoidisthetowedwatersportof“teak” surfing(alsoreferredtoas“drag”or“platform”surfing) .Teaksurfingis anactivitywhereparticipantshangontotheboat’sswimplatformwhile theboatmovesforwardslowlythroughthewaterandtheparticipants surfinitswake .Thisisdangerousontwolevels:itplacesindividualsincloseproximitytothevessel’spropeller,anditexposesthemto dangerouslyhighlevelsofcarbonmonoxidecreatedbythevessel’s Carbon Monoxide Checklist EachTrip: • Makesureallexhaustclampsareinplaceandsecure . • Lookforexhaustleakingfromtheexhaustsystemcomponents, asevidencedbyrustand/orblackstreaking,waterleaks,orcorrodedorcrackedfittings . • Inspectrubberexhausthosesforburnedorcrackedsections .All rubberhosesshouldbepliableandfreeofkinks . • Confirmthatcoolingwaterflowsfromtheexhaustoutletwhenthe enginesandgeneratorarestarted . • Listenforanychangeinexhaustsoundthatcouldindicatea failureofanexhaustcomponent . • Testtheoperationofeachcarbonmonoxidedetector . • Do not operatethevesselifanyoftheseproblemsexist . AnnualMaintenancetobePerformedbyaQualifiedMarineTechnician: • Replaceexhausthosesifanyevidenceofcracking,charring,or deteriorationisfound . • Inspecteachwaterpumpimpellerandinspecttheconditionof thewaterpumphousing .Replaceifwornorcracked(refertothe engineandgeneratormanualsforfurtherinformation) . • Inspecteachofthemetallicexhaustcomponentsforcracking, rusting,leaking,orlooseness .Payparticularattentiontothe cylinderhead,exhaustmanifold,andwaterinjectionelbow . • Clean,inspect,andconfirmtheproperoperationofthegenerator coolingwateranti-siphonvalve(ifsoequipped) . exhaust .Individualscanloseconsciousnessinseconds .Teaksurfing Regularmaintenanceandproperoperationoftheboatarethebest isadangerouspracticethathasbeenprohibitedbylawinmanystates . defensesagainstpoisoningfromcarbonmonoxide .Tofindoutmore Donotconfusecarbonmonoxidepoisoningwithseasicknessorintoxication .lfsomeoneonboardcomplainsofirritatedeyes,headaches, nausea,weakness,ordizziness,immediatelymovethepersontofresh abouthowyoucanpreventcarbonmonoxidepoisoningonrecreational boats,visittheU .S .CoastGuardBoatingSafetyDivisionwebsiteat www .uscgboating .org/command/co .htm . air,investigatethecause,andtakecorrectiveaction .Ifnecessary,seek medicalattention . 56 57 Overloading Anchoring Neverloadyourboatwithpassengersandcargobeyonditssafe Anchoringisdonefortwoprincipalreasons:1)tostopforfishing, carryingcapacity .Toomanypeopleand/ortoomuchgearcancause swimming,lunch,oranovernightstay,and2)tokeeptheboatfrom theboattobecomeunstable .Alwaysbalancetheloadsothattheboat runningagroundinbadweatherorasaresultofenginefailure . maintainspropertrim .Whenloadingyourboat: Anchoringcanbeasimpletaskifyoufollowtheseguidelines: • Distributetheloadevenlyforeandaftandfromsidetoside . • Makesureyouhavethepropertypeofanchor(Danforth/Plow/ • Keeptheloadlowintheboat . Mushroom) . • Keeppassengersseated;avoidstandinginsmallboats . • Attacha3-6footlengthofgalvanizedchaintotheanchor .A • Securegeartopreventshifting . chainwillwithstandabrasionbysand,rock,ormudonthebottom • DonotexceedtheloadspecifiedintheU .S .CoastGuardMaxi- muchbetterthanafiberline . mumCapacitiesinformationlabel,commonlycalledthe“capacity • Attachalengthofnylonanchorlinetotheendofthechainusing plate,”requiredbyfederallawonmotorizedmono-hullboatsless ananchorswivel,acombinationcalledthe“Rode .”Thenylon than20feetinlength . willstretchunderthe impactofheavywaves orwind,cushioningthe U.S. COAST GUARD CAPACITY INFORMATION strainontheboatand MAXIMUM HORSE POWER • Selectanareathat MAXIMUM WEIGHT CAPACITY PERSONS MOTOR & GEAR (POUNDS) offersmaximumprotec- 4 tionfromwind,current, THIS BOAT COMPLIES WITH U.S. COAST GUARD SAFETY STANDARDS IN EFFECT ON THE DATE OF CERTIFICATION MODEL NO. 1 theanchor . MAXIMUM PERSONS CAPACITY (POUNDS) 3 2 1 .SCREWPINSHACKLE 2 .SWIVEL 3 .THIMBLE 4 .CHAFINGCHAIN 5 .ANCHORSHANK andboattraffic . SERIAL NO. • Determinethewater MFO. BY 5 depthandtypeofbotIfthereisnocapacityplate,usethefollowingformulaasaguidetode- tom(preferablysandormud) . terminethemaximumnumberofpersonsyoucansafelycarryincalm • Calculatetheamountofanchorlineyouwillneedtoletout .The weather .Theformulaisapplicableonlytomono-hullboatslessthan generalruleisfivetoseventimesasmuchlineasthedepthof 20feet(12meters)inlength .Amono-hullisaboatthatmakesasingle waterplusthedistancefromthesurfaceofthewatertowherethe “footprint”inthewaterwhenloadedtoitsratedcapacity;catamarans, anchorwillattachtothebow .Forexample,ifthewateriseight trimarans,andpontoonboatsarenotmono-hullboats . feetdeepanditistwofeetfromthesurfaceofthewatertoyour bowcleat,youwouldmultiply10feetby5or7togettheamount Boat Width (in feet) Boat Length (in feet) 2.5 3 3.5 4 4.5 5 5.5 6 6 1 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 8 1 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 10 2 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 12 2 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 14 3 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 16 3 4 4 5 5 6 6 7 ofanchorlinetoputout .(Seediagrambelow .) Scope above waterline: 2 feet SCOPE 7:1 LEN GTH DEPTH OF WATER 8 FEET OF A NCH OR LINE : 50 -70 FEET BoatLengthXBoatWidth MaximumNumberofPersons= 15 58 59 • Securetheanchorlinetothebowcleatatthepointyouwantitto stop . Improperuseofaradio-telephoneisacriminaloffense .Theuseof obscene,indecent,orprofanelanguageduringradiocommunications • Bringthebowofthevesselintothewindorcurrent . isafederaloffence .Penaltiesexistformisuseofaradio,suchas • Whenyougettothespotyouwanttoanchor,placetheenginein issuingafalsedistresscall . neutral . • Whentheboatcomestoastop,slowlylowertheanchor .Donot throwtheanchorover,asthrowingtendstofoultheanchorline . • Whenallofthelinehasbeenletout,backdownontheanchor withtheengineinidlereversetohelpsettheanchorfirmlyonthe bottom . • Whentheanchorisset,takenoteofreferencepoints(landmarks) inrelationtotheboat .Checkthesepointsfrequentlytomake sureyouarenotdrifting . Do notanchorfromthestern!! Anchoringbythesternhascausedmanyboats–smallboatsespecially–tocapsizeandsink .Thereasonisthatthetransomisusually squaredoffandhaslessfreeboardthanthebow .Inaddition,thestern maybecarryingtheaddedweightofamotor,fueltank,orgearbrought onboard .Inastrongcurrent,theforceofthewatercanpullthe sternunder .Anchoringatthesternalsomakestheboatvulnerableto Channel16istheprimaryVHF-FMmarineradiocallinganddistress channel .Itisnottobeusedforgeneralconversationorradiochecks . Suchtrafficshouldbeconductedonanotherauthorizedworkingchannel . Inflatable Life Rafts Aninflatableliferaftcan provideasurvivalplatform foranextendedperiodof time .Makesurethelife raftislargeenoughfor everyoneonboardwhen theboatoperatesoffshore . Life Raft Itshouldhavetheappropri- ateemergencyequipmentpack,andshouldbeprofessionallyserviced periodically,accordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions .U .S .Coast Guard-approvedliferaftsmustmeetanumberofstringentmaterialand performancestandards . swampingbywaveaction . Satellite EPIRBs Vessels Operating Offshore 406MHzSatelliteEmergencyPositionIndicatingRadioBeacons Ifyouoperateyourvesseloffshore,youshouldconsidercarryingadditionalsafetyequipmentbeyondtheminimumfederalrequirements . Thisequipmentshouldincludeappropriatecommunicationsgear,an (EPIRBs)aredesignedtoquicklyandreliablyalertrescuepersonnel, position, indicateanaccuratedistressposition,andguiderescueunitstothedisother communications tressscene,evenwhenallothercommunicationsfail .(Seepage75 .) inflatableliferaft,anEmergencyPositionIndicatingRadioBeacon (EPIRB),andameansofaccuratelydeterminingyourlocation .Incold SATELLITEE SA SATELLIT waters,youshouldalsocarryanimmersionsuitforeveryoneonboard . Donotunderestimatethedangerofhypothermia . EPRIBs GROUND STATION Communications Carrycommunicationsgear–amarineVHF-FMand/orHFtransceiver(s) –appropriatetoyouroperatingarea .Cellularphonecoverageisavail- SARSAT MISSION CONTROL ableinmanycoastalareas,butshould not beconsideredasubstitute RESCUE COORDINATION CENTER forVHF-FMmarinebandradiosforemergencypurposes . 60 VESSEL IN TROUBLE SEARCH & RESCUE 61 Immersion Suits Immersionsuitswilldelaytheeffectsofhypothermiaincoldwater . (Seepage63 .)Theyshouldbeproperlystowedandmaintainedinaccordancewiththemanufacturer’sinstructions . Determining your Location Itisadvisabletocarryonboardadevicetodetermineyourposition, suchasaGlobalPositionalSystem(GPS) .Thesedevicescanbe mountedorhand-heldandwillprovidetheboaterwithanaccurate locationtoaidrescueagenciesintheeventofanemergency . Small Boats, Hunters, Anglers, and Paddlers Manyhunters,anglers,andpaddlersdonotthinkofthemselvesas boaters,yettheyusesemi-Vhullvessels,flat-bottomjonboats,orcanoesandkayaksinpursuitoftheirsport .Theseboatstendtobeless stableandcaneasilycapsize .Capsizings,sinkings,orfallsoverboard fromsmallboatsaccountfor70percentofallboatingfatalities .Operatorsneedtobefullyawareoftheirboat’slimitationsandpossessthe skillandknowledgetoovercomethem . Standinginasmallboatraisesthecenterofgravityandriskscapsizing theboat .Standingforanyreason,evenchangingseatingposition, canbedangerous,asissittingonthegunwalesorseatbacks,orona pedestalseatwhileunderway .Araisedcenterofgravitymeansthata wave,wake,orsuddenturncancapsizetheboatorresultinaperson Cold-Water Survival Suddenimmersionincoldwatercaninducerapid,uncontrolledbreathing,cardiacarrest,andotherphysicalconditionsthatcanresultin drowning .Inanunexpectedplunge,orinsituationswhereyoumust entercoldwater,hereareafewguidelinestofollow: • Buttonupyourclothing . • Coveryourheadifpossible;about50percentofbodyheatislost fromthehead . • Ifenteringthewatervoluntarily,enterslowly . • Keepyourheadoutofthewaterifpossible . • Ifyoucannotimmediatelygetoutofthewaterandrescueis notimminent,drawyour kneestoyourchestand wrapyourarmsacross yourchest,huggingyour lifejacketintheHeat EscapeLesseningPosture (H .E .L .P .)Thiswillprotect themajorareasofyour bodyfromheatloss . • Ifyourboathascapsized H.E.L.P. Position andthereareothersin thewaterwithyou,huddletogetherwithyourarmsaroundeach fallingoverboard . other .Thesehuddlesaregoodformorale,keepeveryoneto- Staying Afloat increaseyourchancesofbeingseenandrescued . Iftheboatcapsizes,oryoufalloverboard,followtheserulestostay afloat: • Remaincalm:donotthrashaboutortrytoremoveclothingor footwear .Itisacommonbeliefthatpersonsdressedinheavy clothingorwaderswillsinkimmediatelyiftheyfalloverboard . Thisisnottrue .Airtrappedinclothingprovidesconsiderable flotation,andbendingthekneeswilltrapairinwaders,providing additionalflotation .Thrashinginthewaterleadstoexhaustion andincreasesthelossofairthatkeepsyouafloat . • Ifyouarewearingalifejacket,keepiton . • Keepyourkneesbent . gether,andmakealargertargettospotinthewater–allofwhich Hypothermia Immersionincoldwaterspeedsthelossofbodyheatandcanleadto hypothermia .Hypothermiaistheabnormalloweringofinternalbody temperature .Ifyourvesselcapsizes,itwilllikelyfloatonorjustbelow thesurface .Outboard-poweredvessels,builtafter1978,aredesigned tosupportyoueveniffullofwaterorcapsized .Toreducetheeffects ofhypothermia,getinorontheboat .Trytogetasmuchofyourbody outofthewateraspossible .Ifyoudonotgetintheboat,alifejacket willenableyoutokeepyourheadoutofthewater .Thisisimportant becauseabout50percentofbodyheatlossisfromthehead . • Floatonyourbackandpaddleslowlytosafety . 62 63 Coldwatersurvivalcanbebrokendownintothreephases: • cold Shock:aninitialdeepandsuddengaspfollowedbyhyperventilation .Coldshockwillpassinaboutoneminute . • cold Incapacitation:inthenext10minutesyouwilllosethe effectiveuseofyourfingers,arms,andlegsforanymeaningful movement .Concentrateonself-rescue . • Hypothermia: Dependingonthetemperatureofthewater,lossof consciousnessmayoccurinaslittleasonehour . Trailering Legal Requirements Besureyourboattrailerhascurrentstateregistrationandlicense plates,andworkinglights .Also,ifyourboatismorethan8 .5feetwide, itmayrequireaspecialpermitfromyourstateDepartmentofTransportationbeforetransportingitonthehighway . Safety Aboathullisdesignedforevensupportonthewater .Whentrans- Formoreinformation,seeColdWaterBootCampat portedonatrailer,yourboatshouldbesupportedasevenlyaspossible www .watersafetycongress .org . acrossthehulltoallowforevendistributionoftheweightoftheboat Itmaybepossibletoreviveadrowningvictimwhohasbeenunder waterforconsiderabletimeandshowsnosignsoflife .Numerous documentedcasesexistwherevictimshavebeenresuscitatedwithno apparentharmfuleffectsafterlongimmersions .StartCPRimmediately Duration of Immersion (Hours) andgetthevictimtoahospitalasquicklyaspossible . 3 lengthofthehull,butshortenoughtoallowtheboatengine–secured andinthefull“up”position–toextendfreely . Beforetowing: • Besurethetowballandcouplerarethesamesizeandthatall boltswithwashersaretightlysecured .Thecouplershouldbe 5 4 andanycontents .Yourtrailershouldbelongenoughtosupportthefull completelyovertheballandthelatchingmechanismlocked . • Balancetheloadevenlyfromfronttorearandside-to-side .Too High Probability of Death muchweightonthehitchwillcausetherearwheelsofthetow vehicletodragandmaymakesteeringdifficult .Toomuchweight Danger Zone 2 Low Probability of Death 1 30°40°50°60°70° Water Temperature (°F) TheDangerZoneindicatesconditionswheresafetyprecautionsand appropriatebehavior(adoptingH .E .L .P .)canmakethedifference betweendeathandsurvival . ontherearofthetrailerwillcausethetrailerto“fishtail .” • Checkthatsafetychainsareattached,trailerlightsfunctionproperly,tires(includingthespare)areadequatelyinflated,brakesare fullyfunctional,andsidemirrorsarelargeenoughtoprovidean unobstructedviewonbothsidesofthevehicle . • Secureallequipmentinsidetheboat .Securetheboatcover,if used,sothatitwillnotblowoffortearwhiletowing . Pre-Launching Preparations • Tosavetime,prepareyourboatforlaunchingawayfromthe ramp .Removeenginesupportsandtie-downs,andmakesurethe winchisproperlyattachedtotheboweyeandlockedinposition . Disconnectthetrailerlightstopreventshortingoftheelectrical systemorburningoutabulb . • Installthedrainplug .Makereadydocklines,fenders,andboat hooks .Attachalinetothebowandthesternoftheboatsothe 64 65 boatcannotdriftawayafterlaunchingandcanbeeasilymaneuveredtothedockingarea . • Visuallyinspectthelaunchrampforhazards,suchasasteep dropoff,slipperyarea,andsharpobjects .Proceedslowlytothe Fueling Precautions Mostfiresandexplosionshappenduringorshortlyafterfueling .To avoidanaccident,followthesesafetyguidelines . ramp,rememberingthatyourboatisjustrestingonthetrailerand • Refuelanyportabletanksashore . attachedonlyatthebow .Haveonepersonintheboatandoneat • Closeallhatchesandotheropeningsbeforerefueling .Extinguish thewater’sedgetohelpguidethedriverofthetowvehicle . • Double-checkthatyouhaveinstalledthedrainplug . allsmokingmaterials .Turnoffengines,allelectricalequipment, radios,stoves,andotherappliances .Removeallpassengers . • Keepthefillnozzleincontactwiththetankandwipeupany Launching • Keepthetrailer’srearwheels(andtheboat’sexhaustpipes)out spilledfuel . • Afterfueling,openallports,hatches,anddoorstoventilate .Run ofthewater .Iftheexhaustpipesbecomeimmersedinthewater, theblowerforatleastfourminutes .Checkthebilgesforfuel theenginemaystall . vaporsbeforestartingtheengine .Dothe“snifftest”tomakesure • Settheparkingbrakeandplacetirechocksbehindrearwheels . thereisnoodorofgasolineanywhereintheboat . Checkboatsystems,blower,bilge,pumps,andlights .Lower themotor .Starttheboatengineandmakesurewaterispassing throughtheenginecoolingsystem . • Makesuresomeoneonshoreisholdingthelinesattachedtothe boat .Releasethewinchanddisconnectthewinchlinefromthe bowwhentheboatoperatorisready .Launchwithalightshove orbybackingoffthetrailerunderpower . Retrieval • Asyouapproachthetakeoutramp,noteanychangesinthe current,tide,winddirectionand/orvelocity,andanyincreasesin boatingtrafficthatcouldmakeretrievalmoredifficult .Maneuver Do not start the engine until all traces of fuel vapors are eliminated! theboatcarefullytothesubmergedtrailerandraisethelowerunit oftheengine . Fuel Management • Winchtheboatontothetrailerandsecureit .Drivethetrailerwith Practicethe“One-ThirdRule”byusing: boataboardcarefullyoutoftheramptoadesignatedparking • One-thirdofthefueltogoout . areaforcleanup,reloading,andanequipmentsafetycheck . • One-thirdtogetback . • Removethedrainplug .Washthetrailerandboat,andflush • One-thirdheldinreserve . theenginewithfreshwater .Thiswillhelppreventthetransfer orspreadofinvasivespecies .Insomeareasspecialwashing Propeller Blade Warning stationsareprovidedandmustbeused .Checkwithyourlocal Neverforgetthedangertopersonsinthewaterandinjuriesthatboat marinepatrolagencies . propellerscaninflict .Mostpropellerinjuriesandfatalitiesinvolveopen motorboatsfrom16to25feetinlengthandresultfromoperatorinattention,inexperience,andcarelessness . 66 67 WARNING EXPOSED PROPELLER BLADES What to Do in Severe Weather • Reducespeed,keepingjustenoughpowertomaintainheadway . • Makesureeveryoneonboardiswearingtheirlifejacket . • Turnonyourrunninglights . • Ifpossible,headforthenearestshorethatissafetoapproach . • Headtheboatintothewavesata45degreeangle . • Keepthebilgesfreeofwater . People in the water can be severely injured or killed! Bealert!Remembertoshutoffyourengineswhenapproaching swimmersorotherpersonsinthewater .Keepthoseinthewateron • Seatanypassengersonthebottomoftheboat,nearthecenter line . • Iftheenginefails,trailaseaanchorfromthebowoftheboat tokeepitheadedintothewaves(Abucketcanworkasasea theoperator’ssideoftheboat,alwaysinview .Propellerguardsare anchorinanemergency .) helpfulbutarenotsuitableforalltypesofboats .Thebestandsafest • Anchortheboat,ifnecessary . actionwhenpeopleareinthewaternearyourboatistoshut off your engines . Weather Youshouldneverleavethedockwithoutfirstcheckingthelocal weatherforecast .YoucangettheweatherinformationfromtheTV, radio,localnewspaper,online,orfromoneoftheweatherchannelson yourVHF-FMradio . Atcertaintimesoftheyear,weathercanchangerapidlyandyou shouldcontinuallykeepa“weathereye”out .Whileyouareoutina boat,hereareafewsignsyoucanlookforthatindicateanapproaching weatherchange: Float Plans Playitsafe;keepastackofFloatPlanformsonhand .Leaveacopy withafriend,relative,orthelocalmarinabeforeheadingoutonthewater .Incaseofanemergency,pertinentinformationwillberightattheir fingertipstoenablethemtocontactthelocalmarinepoliceorCoast Guardwithnecessarydetails .Aworldofcaution:ifyouaredelayed anditisnotanemergency,informthosewithyourFloatPlan,andbe suretonotifythemwhenyoureturnsotheFloatPlancanbe“closed out”andanunnecessaryandcostlysearchavoided .AsampleFloat PlanFormisprovidedonpage73 .TheCoastGuardalsomakesFloat PlanFormsavailableonlineatwww .uscgboating .org . • Flatcloudsgettinglowerandthicker . • Puffy,verticallyrisingcloudsgettinghigher . • Dark,threateningclouds,especiallytothewest/southwest • Asuddendropintemperature . • Ahaloaroundthesunormoon . • Increasingwindorasuddenchangeinwinddirection . • Flashesonthehorizon . • Seasbecomingheavy . • HeavyAMradiostatic,whichcanindicatenearbythunderstorm activity . Ifyouhaveabarometeronboard,checkiteverytwotothreehours . Arisingbarometerindicatesfairweatherandariseinwindvelocity;a fallingbarometerindicatesrainapproaching . 68 69 BOATER’S PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST Recommended Equipment and Supplies Knowyourvessel .Beforedeparture,alwaysbesureyourvesselis VHF-FMMarineRadio ingoodworkingorderandproperlyequippedforemergencies .Avoid inconvenienceandpotentialdangerbytakingafewminutestocheck yes No N/A EPIRB/PLB AnchorandLine thefollowing: Page StateRegistration(CertificateofNumber) 5 MagneticCompass StateNumberingDisplay 5 FendersandBoatHook CertificateofDocumentation 6 MooringLinesandHeavingLine LifeJackets:oneforeachpersononboard 9 ThrowableTypeIVDevice 14 VisualDistressSignals 17 FireExtinguisher(FullyCharged) 21 ProperVentilation 23 BackfireFlameControl 25 SoundProducingDevice 25 NavigationLights 27 OilPollutionPlacard 32 GarbagePlacard 34 MarineSanitationDevice 35 CopyofNavigationRules(InlandWaters) 36 yes No Chart(s)oftheAreaandNavigationTools Minimum Federal Required Equipment ManualBilgePumporBailingDevice ToolKit SpareParts(Fuses,SparkPlugs,Belts,etc .) SpareBattery(FullyCharged) SparePropeller/ShearorCotterPins ExtraFuelandOil AlternatePropulsion(Paddles/Oar) FlashlightandBatteries AnyAdditionalStateRequirements SearchLight FirstAidKit Sunscreen(SPF30+) Mirror FoodandWater ExtraClothing/FoulWeatherGear AM-FMRadio Besidesmeetingthefederalrequirements,prudentboaterscarryaddi- CellularPhone tionalsafetyequipmentandsupplies .Thefollowingadditionalitemsare suggesteddependingonthesize,location,anduseofyourboat: 70 Binoculars 71 Safety Checks and Tests yes No N/A TestVHFMarineRadio(VoiceCall) TestNavigationandAnchorLights TestSteering(FreeMovement) SAMPLE FLOAT PLAN TheCoastGuardmakesFloatPlanformsavailableonlineat www .uscgboating .org .CompleteaFloatPlanbeforeboatingandleave itwithapersonwhocanbedependedupontonotifytheU .S .Coast Guardorothermarinerescueorganization,shouldyounotreturnas scheduled . TestTilt/Trim Remember: Do not file this plan with the U.S. coast Guard. TestBilgePump Contactyourfriendincaseofadelay,andalwayswhenyoureturn . CheckforExcessiveWaterinBilges CheckFuelSystemforLeaks 1. Person Reporting Vessel Overdue Name CheckEngineFluids Address EnsureBoatPlugisProperlyInstalled 2. Description of Boat Phone Name CheckElectricalSystem CheckGalley/HeatingSystems Registration/DocumentationNo . Make Type Length HullColor TrimColor CheckGauges(i .e .,Battery) FuelCapacity EngineType CheckFuelAmount DistinguishingFeatures EnsureAnchorisReadyforUse 3. Operator of Boat Age CheckLoadofVesselandSecureGear No .ofEngines Name Health Phone EnsurePassengersKnowEmergencyProcedures Address andEquipmentLocation Operator’sExperience CheckthatallLifeJacketsFitProperly 4. Survival Equipment (Check as Appropriate) ChecktheWeatherForecast FileaFloatPlanwithRelativeorFriend #___LifeJackets Flares Mirror SmokeSignals Paddles RaftorDinghy Flashlight Water Food Anchor EPIRB Others YoucanalsodownloadaPre-DepartureChecklistfromtheU .S .Coast Guardwebsiteatwww .uscgboating .org . 72 73 5. Marine Radio: yes Type EMERGENCy NOTIFICATION/COMMUNICATION No Freqs . Satellite EPIRBs (Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacons) DigitalSelectiveCalling(DSC):YesNo Emergencydistressbeaconsareessentiallyspecializedradiotransmit- 6. Trip Expectations tersthataredesignedforuseinsituationsofgraveorimminentdanger Departfrom DepartureDate Time orwhenlivesareatrisk . Goingto How the System Works ArrivalDate Time Ifoperatorhasnotarrived/returnedby:Date Time calltheCoastGuardorlocalauthorityatthefollowingnumber: 7. Vehicle Description LicenseNo . Make ModelColor Whereisvehicleparked? 8. Persons on Board Name Age Phone MedicalConditions EPIRBsoperateaspartofaworldwidedistresssystem .Aninternationalsatelliteconstellationmaintainsavigilant,global“listening”watchfor satelliteEPIRBdistresssignals .TheNationalOceanicandAtmosphericAdministration(NOAA)operatessatellites,groundstations,andan alert-distributionsystemservingtheUnitedStatesandalargesegment oftheinternationalcommunity . 9. Additional Information Whenactivated,thesatelliteEPIRBtransmitsadistresssignalwith abeacon-uniqueidentifyingcode .Thesystemdetectsthesignal, calculatesanaccuratedistressposition,checkstheuniqueidentifyingcodeagainsttheEPIRBregistrationdatabase(vesselandpointof contactinformationsuppliedbytheowner)androutesthedistressalert withregistrationinformationtotheresponsibleU .S .CoastGuard(or international)RescueCoordinationCenter(RCC) . 406MHzEPIRBswithGPScapability–eitherinternallyorexternally suppliedpositionalinformation–alsoprovideanimmediateGPSpositionintheinformationpassedtotheRCCandgeostationarysatellites makedetectionalmostimmediate .IftheEPIRBdoesnothavetheabilitytoprovideaGPSposition,theprocesstodetermineapositiontakes aboutonehouronaverageandalmostalwayslessthantwohours . 74 75 SatelliteEPIRBsalsoincludeahomingbeaconandstrobetohelp rescueforcesquicklylocatethedistressscene .Satellitebeaconshave significantcoverage,withalertingtimeliness,positionaccuracy,and signalingadvantagesoverotherdevices .Beforepurchasingorusing other-thana406MHzEPIRB,besureyouunderstanditscapabilities andlimitations . MounttheEPIRBtofloatfree,accordingtothemanufacturer’sinstructions,ifpossible .Otherwise,makesureitisreadilyaccessible .Register VHF Marine Radio Channels Thechartbelowcontainsapartiallistingofchannelsrecreational boatersshouldbefamiliarwith .ForacompletelistingofVHF channelsandfrequenciesvisittheU .S .CoastGuardNavigation Centerwebsiteatwww .navcen .uscg .gov . Channel Type of Message and Use 06 Inter-ship Safety:Usedforship-to-shipsafetymessages andsearchmessagesandforshipsandaircraftofthe CoastGuard . 09 Boater Calling: theFCChasestablishedthischannelas asupplementarycallingchannelforrecreationalboaters inordertorelievecongestiononVHFChannel16 . 13,67 Navigation Safety (also known as the Bridge-toBridge Channel): Shipsgreaterthan20metersinlength maintainalisteningwatchonthischannelinU .S .waters . Thischannelisavailable,toallships .Messagesmust beaboutshipnavigation–i .e .,passingormeetingother ships .Youmustkeepyourmessagesshort .Yourpower outputmustnotbemorethanonewatt .Thisisalsothe mainworkingchannelatmostlocksanddrawbridges . Channel67isforthelowerMississippiRiveronly . 16 International Distress, Safety, and Calling: Usethis channeltogettheattentionofanotherstation(calling)or inemergencies .Shipsrequiredtocarryaradiomaintain alisteningwatchonthischannel .TheU .S .CoastGuard andmostcoaststationsalsomaintainalisteningwatchon thischannel . theEPIRBwithNOAA,accordingtotheinstructionsprovidedwiththe beaconorattheNOAAwebsite:www .sarsat .noaa .gov .Registrationis mandatory,improvesresponsetime,andreducesfalsealarms . Radio Regulations Mostrecreationalvesselslessthan65 .6feet(20meters)inlengthare notrequiredtocarryamarineradio .Anyvesselthatcarriesamarine radiomustfollowtherulesoftheFederalCommunicationsCommission (FCC) . Licensing TheFCCdoesnotrequiremostoperatorsofrecreationalvesselsto carryaradioortohaveanindividuallicensetooperateVHF-FMmarine radios,EPIRBs,oranytypeofradar .Operatorsmusthoweverfollow theproceduresandcourtesiesthatarerequiredoflicensedoperatorsspecifiedintheFCCrules .Youmayusethenameorregistration numberofyourvesseltoidentifyyourshipstation . RecreationalVesselsthatmayberequiredtobelicensed: • Power-drivendrivenvesselsmorethan65feet(20meters)in length . 21A,23A, U.S. Coast Guard only . 83A 22A U.S. Coast Guard liaison and Maritime Safety Information Broadcasts: Announcementsofurgentmarine informationbroadcastsandstormwarningsonChannel16 . 24,25, 26,27 28,84 85,86 Public Correspondence (Marine Operator): Usethese channelstocallthemarineoperatoratapublicstation .By contactingapubliccoaststation,youcanmakeand receivecallsfromtelephonesonshore .Exceptfordistresscalls,publicstationsusuallychargeforthisservice . 70 Digital Selective Calling: Usethischannelfordistress andsafetycallingandforgeneralpurposecalling,using • Anyvessel,includingarecreationalvessel,onaninternational voyage . Radio Listening Watch Vesselsnotrequiredtocarryamarineradio–forexample,recreational vesselslessthan65 .6feet(20meters)inlength,butwhichvoluntarily carryaradio–mustmaintainawatchonChannel16(156 .800MHz)or VHFChannel9(156 .450MHz),theboater-callingchannel,whenever theradioisoperatingandnotbeingusedtocommunicate . 76 onlydigitalselectivecalling(DSC)techniques . 77 Digital Selective Calling (DSC) DigitalSelectiveCalling(DSC),allowsboaterstoinstantlysendan automaticallyformatteddistressalerttotheCoastGuardorother rescueauthorityanywhereintheworld .DigitalSelectiveCallingalsoallowsboaterstoinitiateorreceivedistress,urgency,safety,androutine radiotelephonecallstoorfromanysimilarlyequippedvesselorshore station,withoutrequiringeitherpartytobeneararadioloudspeaker . DSCactslikethedialandbellofatelephone,allowingyouto“direct dial”and“ring”otherradios,orallowingothersto“ring”you,without havingtolistentoaspeaker .NewVHFandHFradiotelephoneshave DSCcapability . AllDSC-equippedradios,andmostGPSreceivers,haveadata interfaceconnector .TheinterfaceallowsmostmodelsofGPStobe successfullyinterconnectedtoDSC-capableradios,regardlessof manufacture .TheCoastGuardrecommendsthatyouinterconnect yourGPSandDSC-equippedradio .Doingsomaysaveyourlifeinan emergencysituation . UsersofaVHF-FMmarineradioequippedwithDigitalSelectiveCalling willalsoneedtoobtainaMaritimeMobileServiceIdentity(MMSI) number .TheseareavailablefromBoatU .S .,SeaTow,theFCCandthe UnitedStatesPowerSquadrons® .MoreinformationonDigitalSelectiveCallingisavailableonlineatwww .navcen .uscg .gov/MARCOMMS/ gmdss/dsc .htm . WhenproperlyregisteredwithanMMSInumberandinterfacedwith GPS,theDSCradiosignaltransmitsvitalvesselinformationinan emergency .Withonepushofabutton,yourDSCradiosendsanautomateddigitaldistressalertcontainingyourMMSInumber,position,and thenatureofthedistress(ifentered)tootherDSC-equippedvessels andrescuefacilities . Rescue 21 Rescue21istheadvancedcommand,control,andcommunications systemcreatedtoimprovesearchandrescuewithstrongerVHF-FM marineradiosignals,direction-findingcapabilities,trackingofships andaircraft,andbettercommunicationswithstateandlocalfirstresponders .Thesystemiscurrentlybeinginstalledinstagesacross thecontiguous48states,Alaska,Hawaii,Guam,PuertoRico,andthe GreatLakes .Whenfullydeployed,itwillformthebackboneoftheU .S . CoastGuard’sshort-rangecommunicationssystem . 78 Withincreasedcommunicationscoverage,advanceddirectionfinding capabilities,andDigitalSelectiveCalling,Rescue21helpstakethe “search”outofsearchandrescue . Capabilities: • Incorporatesdirection-findingequipmenttoimprovelocatingvesselsindistress . • Enhancestheclarityofdistresscalls . • Upgradesplaybackandrecordingfeatureofdistresscalls • Allowssimultaneouschannelmonitoring . • Providesfullcoverageoutto20nauticalmilesfromthecoastline • Reducescoveragegapsforcoastalcommunicationsandalong navigableriversandwaterways . • SupportsDigitalSelectiveCalling . • Portabletowersforrestorationofcommunicationsduringemergenciesornaturaldisasters . • Improvesinteroperabilityamongfederal,state,andlocalagencies . TotakefulladvantageofRescue21,boatoperatorsshouldupgradeto aDSC-capableVHF-FMmarineradio,obtainaMaritimeMobileService Identity(MMSI)number,enterthenumberintotheirradio,andconnect theradiotoaGPSreceiver . For Vessels Equipped with DSC-Capable Radios IfyourvesselisequippedwithaDSC-capableradio,andyouhave obtainedandregisteredanMMSInumberanditisproperlyconnected toaGPSreceiver,youneedonlypresstheredDSCEmergency CallButtonfor5seconds .Yourvesselinformationandpositionwill automaticallybetransmitted,includingthenatureofthedistress(if entered),andaDSCreplyshouldbereceived .Uponreceiptofthis acknowledgement,yourradioshouldautomaticallyshifttoChannel16 tocontinuevoicecommunicationswithrescueassets .Ifnoreplyis received,switchtheChannel16andusetheproceduresbelow . SOS: Ships in Distress Channel16istheprimaryradiochannelforshipsindistress .Tomake adistresscallonmarineVHF-FMChannel16: 1 .Makesureradioison . 2 .SelectChannel16forstandardmarineVHF . 3 .Press/holdthetransmitbutton . 4 .Clearlysay:MAYDAY,MAYDAY,MAYDAY . 79 5 .Alsogive: •Vesselname,numberand/ordescription . OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES •Positionand/orlocation . Regulated Navigation Areas/Limited Access Areas (33 CFR 165) •Natureofemergency . IntheaftermathoftheSeptember11,2001,terroristattacksonthe WorldTradeCenterandthePentagon,andtheearlierattackonthe USSColeinAdenHarbor,Yemen,theUnitedStatesCoastGuard establishedSafetyandSecurityZonestopreventfurtherattackson U .S .Navalvessels,cruiseshipsandcommercialvessels,andcritical infrastructure–suchaspetroleumfacilitiesandnuclearpowerplants situatedonornearthewater .Asaboater,notknowinghowtoactin certainareasorsituationsmayputyouinlegaljeopardyor,worse,at riskofpersonalinjury . •Numberofpeopleonboard . 6 .Releasetransmitbutton . 7 .Waitfor10seconds .Ifnoresponse,repeat“MAYDAY”callas above . ***Make sure all persons are wearing their life jackets*** Maritime Search and Rescue ToreportMaritimeSearchandRescueEmergencies,callthefollowing numbers: Helpprotectourcountrybylearningthenewrules: FortheGreatLakes,GulfandEastCoasts: AtlanticAreaCommandCenter: (757)398-6700 FortheHawaiian,AlaskanandPacificCoasts: PacificAreaCommandCenter: (510)437-3701 Naval Vessel Protection Zones Donotapproachwithin100yards,andslowtominimumspeedwithin 500yards,ofanyU .S .Navalvessel .Ifyouneedtoapproachwithin100 yardsinordertoensureasafepassageinaccordancewiththeNavigationRules,youmustcontacttheU .S .NavalvesselortheU .S .Coast GuardescortvesselonyourVHFradio(Channel16)forauthorization . DS False Distress Alerts 50 0Y AR Itisunlawfultointentionallytransmitafalsedistressalert,ortounin- AR KEEP OUT KEEPOUT 10 immediatelycancelthealert . 0Y thatalert .Boaterswhotransmitafalsedistressalertarerequiredto DS tentionallytransmitafalsedistressalertwithouttakingstepstocancel IfyouinadvertentlytransmitafalseDSCalert: OPERATE AT MINIMUM SPEED 1 .Resettheequipmentimmediately . 2 .Tuneforradiotelephonyontheassociateddistressandsafety frequencyineachbandinwhichafalsedistressalertwastransmitted . 3 .Transmitabroadcastmessageto“AllStations”givingtheship’s name,callsign,timethealertwastransmittedandMMSI,and cancelthefalsealertonthedistressandsafetyfrequencyineach IfaNavalvesselispassingnearwhereyouareoperatingyourboat, youmaybeaskedtomoveyourvesseltomaintainthe100-yard distance .TheU .S .CoastGuardwillmakeanannouncementaheadof timetoalertboatersinthearea . ViolationsoftheNavalVesselProtectionZoneareafelonyoffense, punishablebyupto6yearsinprisonand/orupto$250,000infines . bandinwhichthefalsedistressalertwastransmitted . Please post these guidelines near your radio. 80 BeawarethatboththeU .S .NavyandtheU .S .CoastGuardareauthorizedtousedeadlyforcetoprotectthemselves . 81 Commercial Shipping Safety Zones America’s Waterway Watch InadditiontotheNavalVesselProtectionZonerequirements,youmust alsoavoidoperatingyourvesselnearallmilitaryvessels,cruiseliners, andcertaincommercialvessels . Ifyouoperateatowboat,marina,recreationalvessel,fishingvessel,or otherwiselive,work,orengageinrecreationalactivitiesonornearthe nation’swaterways,theUnitedStatesCoastGuardwouldlikeyourhelp inkeepingtheseareassafeandsecure .YoucandothisbyparticipatinginAmerica’sWaterwayWatch(AWW),anationwideinitiativesimilar tothewell-knownandsuccessfulNeighborhoodWatchprogramthat askscommunitymemberstoreportsuspiciousactivitiestolocallaw enforcementagencies . Observeandavoidallsecurityzonesandcommercialportoperations . Areasthathavelargemarinefacilities–includingmilitary,commercial/ cruise,orpetroleumfacilities–shouldbeavoided .Therearealso restrictionsnearmostdams,powerplants,andotherfacilitieslocated nearwater . Bridges and Shipping Channels Donotstoporanchorbeneathbridgesorinshippingchannels .Ifyou do,youcanexpecttobeaskedtomoveand/orbeboardedbylaw enforcementofficials . Weaskboaterstocall877-24WATCHiftheynoticesuspiciousactivity orbehavioronornearthewater .Thingstoreportinclude: • Someonetakingpictures,video,ormakingsketchesoffacilities likebridges,tunnels,ferrytransportsystems,fueldocks,orpower plants . • Someoneaskingquestionsaboutaccesstooneofthesefacilities . 82 83 • Someoneanchoring,fishing,ordivinginanareanottypically usedforthatactivity . • Unattendedvesselsinunusuallocations . • Unusualtransferofpersonnelorcargowhileunderway . • Seeingaholeinasecurityfencearoundanindustrialfacility . USCG INFORMATION United States Coast Guard Boating Safety Division (CG-5422) 2100 2nd Street SW, STOP 7581 Washington, D.C. 20593-7581 (202) 372-1062 www.uscgboating.org District Recreational Boating Safety Specialists: First District:Connecticut,Maine,Massachusetts, NewHampshire,NewYork,RhodeIsland,Vermont (617)223-8464 Fifth District:Delaware,Maryland,NewJersey, NorthCarolina,Pennsylvania,Virginia, DistrictofColumbia (757)398-6204 Seventh District:Florida,Georgia,SouthCarolina, PuertoRico,U .S .VirginIslands (305)415-7057 Do not takemattersintoyourownhands .Call877-24WATCH .In casesofimmediatedangertolifeorproperty,calltheCoastGuardon Channel16VHF-FM,ordial911foremergencies . America’scoasts,rivers,bridges,tunnels,ports,ships,militarybases, andwatersideindustriesmaybetargetsforterroristactivity .Although waterwaysecurityisbetterthanever,withmorethan95,000milesof shorelineandmorethan290,000squaremilesofwater,theU .S .Coast Guardandlocalfirstresponderscannotdothejobalone . Tofindouthowyoucanbecomeinvolved,visittheAmerica’sWaterway Watchwebsiteatwww .americaswaterwaywatch .org . Eighth District:NorthDakota,SouthDakota,Wyoming, Nebraska,Minnesota,Iowa,Illinois,Indiana,Ohio(shared withNinthDistrict),Pennsylvania,WestVirginia,Kentucky, Tennessee,Mississippi,Alabama,Georgia,Florida(shared withSeventhDistrict)Louisiana,Arkansas,Missouri, Oklahoma,Kansas,NewMexico,Colorado,Texas . (504)671-2157 Ninth District:Michigan,Minnesota,Ohio,Wisconsin (216)902-6094 Eleventh District:Arizona,California,Nevada,Utah (510)437-5364 Thirteenth District:Idaho,Montana,Oregon,Washington (206)220-7257 Fourteenth District:Hawaii,Guam,AmericanSamoa, NorthernMarianas (808)535-3424 Seventeenth District:Alaska (907)463-2297 84 III TheU .S .CoastGuardthanks thefollowingpartnersfortheirsupport: U .S .CoastGuardAuxiliary www .cgaux .org UnitedStatesPowerSquadrons® (888)367-8777 www .usps .org NationalAssociationof StateBoatingLawAdministrators (859)225-9487 www .nasbla .org NationalSafeBoatingCouncil (703)361-4294 www .safeboatingcouncil .org NationalWaterSafetyCongress (440)209-9805 www .watersafetycongress .org Formoreinformation,pleasecontact: IV
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