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In addition, many federal agencies publish recreational
maps, including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the
Forest Service, the National Park Service, and the Ten-
nessee Valley Authority.
Addresses of all state boating agencies are listed in "A
Boater's Guide". For a free copy, write to: National Ma-
rine Manufacturers Association, 401 N. Michigan Avenue,
Chicago, IL 60611.
D. Laws and Regulations
The U.S. Coast Guard is the authority of the waterways;
they are there to help the boating public. State boating
regulations are enforced by local authorities. You are sub-
ject 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 Coast Guard,
available to you. These pamphlets explain "Rules of the
Road," signal lights, buoys, safety, international and in-
land regulations and other information which goes beyond
the scope of this manual. For more information contact
your local U.S. Coast Guard Unit or call the Coast Guard
Boating Safety Hotline at 1-800-368-5647.
A - 12 BOAT OWNER REGISTRATION
Federal and state laws require that every boat equipped
with propulsion machinery of any type must be registered
in the primary state of usage. Registration numbers and
validation stickers must be displayed on the boat accord-
ing to regulations. In most states, this means registration
with the designated state agency. In a few jurisdictions,
the Coast Guard retains registration authority. Your dealer
will either supply registration forms or tell you where they
may be obtained. The registration agency will issue you
a certificate that must be carried on board when the boat
is in use. Some states require additional registration when
an out of state boat is used within their boundaries.
Your boat has a hull identification number on the star-
board side of the hull. Figure A2 shows a typical identifi-
cation number. Use this hull identification number for reg-
istration and to identify your boat for warranty service.
378 Vista™ Owner's Manual
™
378
Figure A2: HIN
A - 13 INSURANCE
In most states, the boat owner is legally responsible for
damages or injuries he or she causes, even if someone
else is operating the boat at the time of the accident.
Common sense dictates that you carry adequate per-
sonal liability and property damage insurance on your
boat, just as you would on an automobile. You should
also protect your investment by insuring your boat against
physical damage or theft.
A - 14 ACCIDENT REPORTING
The operator of the boat is responsible for filing a report
with the appropriate authorities. In general, reports are
necessary for accidents involving loss of life, injury, or
damage over $500. In the case of accidents with report-
able injuries or death, a formal report is required within 48
hours. If only property damage is involved, a report must
be made within ten days. The 1971 Boating Safety Act
may impose a $1,000 civil fine for people who fail to sub-
mit a boating accident report. Ask your insurance agent
for more information.
If you see a distress signal, you must assume it is a real
emergency and render assistance immediately. The mas-
ter or person in charge of a boat is obligated by law to
provide assistance to any individual in danger at sea. How-
ever, you should not put your boat or crew in a dangerous
situation which exceeds your capabilities or those of your
boat. The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to a
Section A
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