1. Chapter 5 The Legal Requirements Of Boating Instructor Notes:
Classroom aid: This entire chapter can be done out of doors without powerpoints.
Have a flotilla member trailer a boat to the class; hand out VSC form 7012s to each student, and have them take turns asking the boat “owner” for each item. The Instructor can facilitate this discussion by making sure pertinent points are all covered
A second option is to bring a selection of required safety equipment into the classroom, break the students into groups, and assign each a “boat” of 21’ (A table works nicely). Have each group decide on the appropriate gear for the boat.
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Legal Responsibility
What is the Coast Guard’s role?
What may the states do?
Who is responsible to comply? 1 2 3
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the questions on the slide.
Discuss:
The Coast Guard has responsibility for federal laws, equipment and requirements
The states may have additional requirements
The boat operator must be aware of and comply with all federal and state requirements
Anyone renting a boat is responsible to make sure all the required equipment is aboard!
The items in this chapter are legally required but is only PART of what you need for a safe and enjoyable boating experience!
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Numbering & Decals
How must number be applied?
Numbering format AB 1234 CD
3” high
Contrasting color
Attach per instructions 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the question on the slide
Discuss:
Bullet points
YOUR state’s decal requirements
(Activate bullets on mouse click after the question)
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PWCs Need Decal
Instructor Notes:
Discuss location on PWC and contrasting colors of lettering to hull color.
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Registration
Registration Certificate
Must be on board when underway
No other numbers forward of amidships 1 2
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
The original Certificate of Registration must be aboard.
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Title & Registering
Where do you register your boat? 1
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the question on the slide
Discuss:
Your state’s requirement
15 days to notify the state agency if:
Boat is sold, destroyed, lost or recovered
60 days to notify if moving to a new state
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Documented Vessels
U.S. Citizens only may have a large vessel documented
Documentation number must be clearly visible on the interior structure
Name and hailing port 4” high on hull 1 2 3
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
Larger boats
A Coast Guard registration
Original documentation must be aboard
Boat operator still subject to state and federal requirements
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8. Hull Identification Numbers
Instructor Notes:
ASK:
What is a HIN?
Where is it located?
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Who May Operate a Boat?
Instructor Notes:
ASK: The question on the slide
Discuss:
YOUR state’s requirements for age of operator
Is there mandatory education?
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10. What is Negligent Operation?
Operating in restricted areas
Wake jumping, hull leaves water
Failure to regulate speed
Operating while under the Influence of drugs or alcohol 1 2 3 4
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the question on the slide
Discuss:
Each bullet
Why each is important
YOUR state’s additional laws, i.e., proximity laws
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Alcohol and Drugs
BWI a federal offense
BAC of 0.08%
What are the dangers of boating under the influence?
Contributes to 1/3 of boating accidents 1 2 3 4
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
YOUR state’s regulations and penalties
The effects of alcohol and drugs
Effects made much worse by the factors involved with boating:
Noise
Sun
Vibrations
Wind and seas
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12. Obstructing Navigation
It is illegal to:
Anchor in a channel
Tie up to a buoy or other ATON
Tamper with, deface, or move any ATON
Obstruct a pier, wharf, boat ramp 1
Instructor Notes:
ASK:
Why are these important?
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Homeland Security
Stay clear of naval vessels
Be aware of security zones
No anchoring under bridges
Help with America’s Waterway Watch 1 2 3 4
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
Why each of these is important
How far to stay from naval vessels
YOUR area’s security zones
What America’s Waterway Watch is and how they can assist
Classroom aid: Hand out the AWW decals and brochures here
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14. Personal Flotation Devices
What are the requirements? 1
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the question on the slide.
1 on board for each person
YOUR state’s requirements for Youth
Readily accessible
Have someone define
In good condition
Emphasize the WEARING of the PFD at all times when underway!
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15. Type I: Offshore Life Jacket
Minimum
Buoyancy
22 pounds
Instructor Notes:
Classroom Aid: Bring a variety of PFDs to the class, and ask students to put them on and “model” them; have the rest of the class identify each type, it’s purpose, advantages and disadvantages
This will cover Slides 15-20
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16. Type II: Near-Shore Vest
Minimum
Buoyancy
15.5 pounds
Instructor Notes:
Discuss the properties of this type of PFD.
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17. Type III: Flotation Aid
Minimum
Buoyancy
15.5 pounds
Instructor Notes:
Discuss the properties of this type PFD
Classroom Aid: Have several varieties of Type III for people to try on. Include an inflatable.
Emphasize the ease and comfort of wear
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18. Type III/V: Inflatable PFD
Minimum
Buoyancy
22 pounds
Instructor Notes:
ASK:
What are the advantages of an inflatable?
What are the disadvantages?
Who may NOT wear them?
Children 16 and under
Are all inflatables Coast Guard Approved?
Type V must be worn
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19. Type IV: Throwable Device
What size vessel must carry these aboard?
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the question on the slide
Vessels 16’ and over
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20. Type V: Special-Use Device
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the question on the slide
Discuss:
Type V must be worn
Used according to label
Classroom Aid: bring a “Mustang” anti-exposure suit and discuss why this is a Type V.
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Types Of Fires
Trash Wood Paper
Liquids Grease
Electrical Equipment
Instructor Notes:
ASK:
What is each type of fire?
A- combustible materials
B- flammable liquids
C- electrical
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Fire Extinguishers
What kind is required?
What vessels need them? 1 2
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the questions on the slide
Discuss the replies
CG approved A-B-C (Type B)
Inboard or I/O engine
Permanently installed fuel tanks
Closed living spaces
Closed compartments where portable fuel tanks may be stored
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23. Federal Rules For Fire Extinguishers
<26 feet B-1
26 feet to <40 feet B-1
40 feet to <65 feet B-1
Instructor Notes:
Note: These are minimums
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Charge Indicators
Instructor Notes:
Discuss how to inspect fire extinguishers.
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25. Backfire Flame Arrestor
What is it and what does it do? 1
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the question on the slide
Discuss:
Gasoline engines (except outboards)
Must be CG approved
Keeps “backfire” sparks from igniting fumes
Need to keep it clean!
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Proper Ventilation
Required on gasoline powered boats
Powered ventilation on boats built after 31 July 1980
Natural ventilation for boats built before 1 August 1980 1 2 3
Instructor Notes:
Review these points
ASK: Why is ventilation important?
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Proper Ventilation
Powered ventilation 1
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
What a vessel examiner will be looking for when inspecting powered ventilation
Hoses down close to bilge but not below water level
Blower working
Warning sticker at helm
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Proper Ventilation
Natural ventilation 1
Instructor Notes:
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Mufflers
Your state’s restrictions 1
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
YOUR state’s muffler and noise level restrictions
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Lights – Power Driven
When are lights required? 1
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
Restricted visibility
Sailboats under power are power-driven
Review the material from CH 3
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Lights – Sailboat
Instructor Notes:
ASK: for the difference between these two illustrations
Masthead light = under power
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Lights
Instructor Notes:
Remind all that a flashlight should be aboard all boats.
Sailboats > 7 meters
under oars
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33. Visual Distress Signals
How many?
What kind?
Who must carry them? 1 2 3
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the questions on the slide
Pyrotechnic: 3 good for night and day
Non-pyro: electric SOS light and 3 day (smoke)
All boats on coastal waters or operating at night
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Other Options
Instructor Notes:
Remind students that pyrotechnic devices have a service life of 42 months.
Pyrotechnics must be USCG approved.
The CD with the book provides more details!
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Other VDS
Arm signal
Not USCG approved
Use if no other
Orange flag
Day signal only
Instructor Notes:
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36. Sound Producing Devices
Boats <12 meters must carry a whistle or horn 1
Instructor Notes:
CH 3 discussed the Nav Rules and sound signals
ASK: how loud the whistles or horn must be?
Audible ½ mile
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37. Sound Producing Devices
Boats 12 meters or more also must carry a bell 1
Instructor Notes:
Inland waters only
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38. Diving/Snorkeling Flags
Required by NavRules 1
Instructor Notes:
ASK:
Who needs to display these flags?
International Rules- rigid “Alpha” flag
State or local may require red/white diagonal
Avoid areas with boating traffic
Avoid narrow waterways
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Local Regulations
Know your state requirements
Do you need a VHF radio license?
Know any local regulations 1 2 3
Instructor Notes:
Classroom aid: This is a good time to hand out your state’s boating law handbook, and any local regulations that may apply.
Discuss any equipment that may be required
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PWC Requirements
Education requirements
State certification
PFD required
Lanyard required
No night operation
No wake jumping close to other vessels 1 2 3 4 5
Instructor Notes:
ASK:
For discussion on YOUR state’s requirements on these bullet points 6
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Towing a Person
No skiing or towing between sunset and sunrise
PFD required for towed person
Observer required 1 2 3
Instructor Notes:
ASK:
For discussion on YOUR state’s regulations for towing a person
Is there an age requirement for the observer?
Do you need a” skier down” flag?
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Towing With A PWC
PWC should be rated for 3 or more 1
Instructor Notes:
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Waste and Trash
What is the law for boaters? 1
Instructor Notes:
ASK: the question on the slide
The next set of slides will discuss these
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44. Marine Sanitation Devices
Must be USCG Approved
Y valve must be secured 1 2
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
Why the “Y” valve must be secured
How far off shore before discharging MSD
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Use Pump Out Stations
Instructor Notes:
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46. Environmental Protection
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
Federal Requirements
Boats 26’ and up must display this placard
Download from the CD with text
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Waste and Trash
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
Up to $10,000 fine
Boats 26’ and up must have pollution placard
Download it from the CD with the text
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Waste Management Plan
Ocean vessels greater than 40 feet with galley and berth must have a written plan
Captain is responsible for implementation 1 2
Instructor Notes:
ASK:
Does this mean boats under 40’ are exempt from waste management?
Download the plan from the CD with the text
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Waste Management Plan
Plan should be posted
Include directives for crew and passenger 1 2
Instructor Notes:
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Reporting Accidents
What is the law for boaters?
When someone dies?
When injury is more than first aid?
When vessel damage is over $2,000? 1
Instructor Notes:
ASK: These questions:
Immediately if there is a death
48 hours for injuries needing more attention than first aid
10 days for damages, or complete loss of boat
NOTE: Federal Law has changed reporting requirements from damage of $500 to $2000. YOUR State may have a different requirement
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51. Boating Accident Report
To whom do you send this report? 1
Instructor Notes:
Discuss YOUR state’s accident reporting regulations
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U.S. Coast Guard
Can stop and board your vessel 1
Instructor Notes:
Discuss:
Coast Guard or other marine law enforcement’s right to stop and board at any time
Vessels overloaded, without proper PFDs or other unsafe conditions may be directed to return to shore
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Chapter 5 Review
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Review Exercises
The best fire extinguisher for a recreational boat is one that is Coast Guard approved and will put out:
halon fires.
A and C fires.
A, B, and C fires.
carbon dioxide fires. 1 a b c d
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Review Exercises
Fire extinguishers should be mounted in strategic locations. Recommended locations are near the galley, engine compartment, helm, and:
flying bridge.
sleeping quarters.
anchor storage locker.
head. 2 a b c d
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Review Exercises
Visual distress signals:
are useful only at night.
are not dangerous to handle.
help you attract attention and get help when needed.
last indefinitely if you do not use them. 3 a b c d
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Review Exercises
A condition that could result in your being directed to return to shore:
the display of navigation lights in daylight.
running with your fenders hanging from your boat.
overloading beyond the manufacturer’s recommended safe loading capacity.
failure to carry charts of your cruising area. 4 a b c d
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Review Exercises
When operating a PWC near a dock or pier, person in the water, or non-moving boat:
take extreme care when jumping wakes in these restricted areas.
run at idle speed.
don’t throw a wake more than three feet high.
operate with the wind and current on your transom for better control. 5 a b c d
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Review Exercises
When you rent a boat, the person responsible for having all legally required equipment on board is the:
dock hand who turns the boat over to you.
boat’s manufacturer.
person who rents the boat; you.
rental agent. 6 a b c d
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Review Exercises
In addition to keeping your backfire flame arrestor free of damage, it is important to:
grease it regularly.
install a new element periodically.
replace the screening annually
keep it clean. 7 a b c d
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Review Exercises
Regulations require that all recreational boats have:
USCG approved wearable life preserver for each person on board or being towed.
an anchor and rode to securely anchor the vessel under any condition.
a compass, charts, dock lines, and fenders.
a radiotelephone. 8 a b c d
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Review Exercises
The wearable life preserver that provides the most buoyancy and protection is a:
Type I (Offshore Life Jacket)
Type III (Flotation Aid)
Type IV (Throwable Device)
Type V (Special Use Device) 9 a b c d
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Review Exercises
If involved in a boating accident, all operators should:
file a written report within 90 days of any accident involving damage in excess of $3000.
file an accident report with the local motor vehicle department within 30 days.
notify the coast guard auxiliary immediately if your boat sinks or anyone needs first aid.
report all accidents involving death, disappearance, or serious injury of a person, or property damage in excess of $2000. 10 a b c d
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Review Exercises
In addition to federal regulations described in this course, you must be familiar with:
the Federal Boat Safety Act of 1764.
state and local regulations.
laws of the Underwriter’s Laboratories Inc.
liability insurance regulations. 11 a b c d
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Review Exercises
Federal law prohibits:
depositing garbage at a local marina or on shore.
using a marine sanitation device that utilizes disinfecting chemicals.
using incinerating marine sanitation devices.
throwing, discharging, or depositing oil, garbage, sewage, or other pollutants into the navigable waters of the United States. 12 a b c d
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End Chapter 5
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