Boating Education; Boating Courses; Boating Manuals Or Literature; Charts And Maps - Four winns 278 VISTA Owner's Manual

Running aground can cause serious
damage to a boat and associated
underwater gear. If the boat should become
grounded, distribute personal flotation
devices and inspect the boat for possible
damage. Thoroughly inspect the bilge area
for signs of leakage. An experienced
service facility should check the hull and
underwater gear at the first opportunity. DO
NOT continue to use the boat if the condi-
tion of the hull or underwater equipment is
questionable.
If towing or being towed is absolutely necessary, use
the strongest lines available, and attach them to the
bow eyes or stern eyes only. Have all passengers slip
on life jackets and take a seat in the cabin or other
protected area.
Lines can snap or other hardware can be
loosened or broken while towing. Under
certain conditions, this can cause severe
injury or fatality.
A - 11 BOATING EDUCATION
A. Boating Courses
Boating education classes are offered throughout
the country. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary
offers free courses on different topics usually during
the off-season. The most popular course is the
"Boating Skills & Seamanship Course," and informa-
tion can be obtained by calling 1 800-336-BOAT
(2628) or by visiting their website at: www.boatus.com/
courseline.
The United States Power Squadron also offers free
courses ranging from basic seamanship to celestial
navigation. For information, contact your local Power
Squadron, or write: USPS, P.O. Box 30423, Raleigh,
NC 27622 or visit their website at: www.usps.org.
The World Wide Web contains many websites
devoted to boating and boating safety. One such site
is www.discoverboating.com which contains many
informative articles and website links for both the new
boater as well as the experienced boater alike.
Operation - Section A
The Canadian Power and Sail Squadron offers
seamanship courses. Information may be obtained
by visiting their website at www.cps-ecp.ca/.
B. Boating Manuals or Literature
A good source of information is the US Coast Guard's
home study book called "The Skipper's Course".
This book may be purchased through Superintendent
of Documents, US Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402, Stock # 050-012-00159-6.
Another good source of boating information is
Chapman's "Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat
Handling". Also, check the local library or bookstore
for additional information on boating.
C. Charts and Maps
US nautical charts are sold throughout the country at
Governmental Printing Office stores and other agents.
Chart catalogs are available by visiting the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website at
http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/ccatalogs.
htm#state.
In addition, many federal agencies publish recre-
ational maps, including the US Army Corp of Engi-
neers, the Forest Service, the National Park Service,
and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Addresses of all state boating law administration
offices are found in the "Boating Basics, A Guide
to Responsible Boating", included in your owner's
packet. Additional copies may be purchased by
contacting Outdoor Empire Publishing at www.outdoor-
empire.com.
D. Laws and Regulations
The US Coast Guard is the authority of the water-
ways; they are there to help the boating public. State
boating regulations are enforced by local authorities.
You are subject to marine traffic laws and "Rules of
the Road" for both federal and state waterways; you
must stop if signaled to do so by enforcement officers,
and permit to be boarded if asked.
There are many pamphlets, prepared by the US Coast
Guard, available to you. These pamphlets explain
"Rules of the Road," signal lights, buoys, safety,
international and inland regulations and other informa-
tion which goes beyond the scope of this manual.
For more information contact your local US Coast
Owner's Manual Page