Recommended Reading - Four winns V458 Owner's Manual

seconds, or in groups such as two flashes and a
pause. There are a number of flashing patterns, which
help you identify the light at night. To identify a light,
note its color and pattern or timing of flashes, and
compare it to your chart to find its location.
D. The Uniform State Waterway Marking System
This section discusses three kinds of markers in this
system: Regulatory, Informational, and Lateral.
Regulatory markers in this system are either signs or
buoys. Signs are square with orange borders. Regula-
tory buoys are white and shaped like cylinders. They
have horizontal orange bands near their tops and just
above the water's surface. An orange circle on a
marker means a controlled area. A message such as
"No Wake, Idle Speed, No Skiing, or 5 M.P.H." may
appear on a marker. An orange diamond means
danger. If a diamond has an orange cross inside it,
do not enter the area. The reason you should stay out,
such as "Swim Area" may be printed in black on
the marker.
Informational Markers are white signs with orange
borders. They give information such as direction,
distance, and location.
Lateral markers in the USWMS system are either
numbered red or black buoys. Black buoys may have
green reflectors or lights. They are the equivalent of
green buoys in the IALA-B system. Red buoys may
have red reflectors or lights. They are the same as red
buoys in the IALA-B system. Red or black buoys are
usually found in pairs – pass between them.
E. A Special Sign
In Florida, you may see a special sign: "Caution,
Manatee Area". When you see this sign, slow down
to idle speed. Manatees, an endangered species, are
passive, large, slow-moving mammals. Many mana-
tees are seriously injured or killed each year by boat
propellers.
F. Noise
Always be aware of local laws on noise limits. Noise
means engine noise, radio noise or even yelling by
people on your boat. Good seamanship demands that
you operate your boat quietly so as not to infringe on
the rights of others. Do not use thru-hull exhaust unless
you are well offshore.
Basic Seamanship - Section C
C - 3

RECOMMENDED READING

We recommend that you read the boating literature
published by your state boating agency and the US
Coast Guard. Other suggested reading includes the
following:
Damford, Don. Anchoring. (ISBN 0-915160-64-1).
Seven Seas.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary. Boating Skills
and Seamanship. LC74-164688.(illus.).
(ISBN 0-930028-00-7). US Coast Guard.
Bottomley, Tom. Boatman's Handbook, (illus.). 316
p.
(ISBN 0-688-03925-1, Hearst Marine Book). Morrow.
Whiting, John and Bottomley, Tom. Chapman's Log
and Owner's Manual. 192 p.(ISBN 0-686-96737-2).
Hearst Marine Book.
Chapman, Charles F. and Maloney, E.S. Chapman's
Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat Handling.
(illus.). 62 p. (ISBN 0-87851-814-2, Pub. by
Hearst Bks.); deluxe ed. (ISBN 0-87851-815-0).
Morrow.
National Fire Protection Association. Fire Protection
Standard for Pleasure and Commercial Motor Craft.
(ISBN 0-317-07388-5, NFPA 302). National Fire
Protection Association.
Brotherton, Miner. Twelve-Volt Bible.
(ISBN 0-915160-81-1). Seven Seas.
C - 4 CONTACTS
There are many good boating publications that have
information about your area and what other boats are
doing, such as clubs and other activities. Educational
programs are sponsored by publications and organi-
zations such as the US Power Squadron, US Coast
Guard Auxiliary and the American Red Cross. See
your dealer about special courses available in the
area. For detailed information contact:
American Red Cross
Local address (see local telephone directory)
website: www.redcross.org
Boat US Foundation for Boating Safety
1 800-336-BOAT
website: www.boatus.com/courseline
Owner's Manual Page 44