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•
Keep an eye on the weather. Be aware of possible
changing conditions by checking a local weather report
before your departure. Monitor strong winds and electri-
cal storms closely.
•
Always keep accurate, updated charts of the area on
board your boat.
•
Before you leave the port or harbor, file a float plan
with a family member, relative, friend, or other respon-
sible person ashore.
•
Always operate your boat with care, courtesy, and
common sense.
•
Instruct at least one other passenger aboard in the
operating procedures in handling your boat. This per-
son can take over if you unexpectedly become unable
to do so.
•
Do not allow passengers to ride on parts of your boat
other than designated seating areas.
•
Ask all passengers to remain seated while the boat is
in motion.
•
Do not use the swim platform or boarding ladder while
engines are running.
•
Understand and obey the "Rules of the Road."
Always maintain complete control of your boat.
•
Do not overload or improperly load your boat.
4.1.2 Safe Boating Courses
Your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power
Squadrons offer comprehensive safe boating classes
several times a year. You may contact the Boat/U.S.
Foundation at 1-800-335-BOAT (2628), or in Virginia 1-
800-245-BOAT (2628). For a course schedule in your
area, you may also contact your local U.S. Coast Guard
Auxiliary or Power Squadron Flotilla for the time and
place of their next scheduled classes.
4.1.3 Voluntary Inspections
State boating officials in many states or the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary offer courtesy inspections to check out
your craft. They check your boat for compliance with
safety standards and required safety equipment. You
may voluntarily consent to one of these inspections and
Hunter 31 • Boating Safety
are allowed time to make correction without prosecution.
Check with the appropriate state agency or the Coast
Guard Auxiliary for details.
4.1.4 Rules of the Road
Navigating a boat is much the same as driving an automo-
bile. Operating either one responsibly means complying
with a set of rules intended to prevent accidents. Just as
you assume other car drivers know what they are doing,
other boaters assume you know what you are doing.
As a responsible yachtsman, you will comply with the
"Rules of the Road", the marine traffic laws enforced
by the U.S. Coast Guard. There are two sets of rules:
The United States Inland Navigational Rules and the
International Rules. The United States Inland Rules
apply to all vessels inside the demarcation line separat-
ing inland and international waters. The Coast Guard
publishes the "Rules of the Road" in its publication
"Navigational Rules, International-Inland." You can get
a copy from your local U.S. Coasty Guard Unit or the
United States Coast Guard Headquarters, 1300 E Street
NW, Washington, D.C. 20226.
4.1.5 Safety Equipment
Important: Federal law requires you, the owner, to provide and
maintain safety equipment on your boat. Consult your Coast
Guard, state, and local regulations, to ensure your boat has all
required safety equipment on board. Additional equipment may
be recommended for your safety and that of your passengers.
Make yourself aware of its availability and use.
We have provided the following safety equipment in your
Loose Gear Kit (Does not apply to UK boats):
•
(3) Fire Extinguishers
•
(2) Stainless Anchor Shackles
•
(1) 250' Nylon Anchor Line
•
(1) 20' Galvanized Chain
•
(6) Adult Form Life Vests (PID)
•
(1) White Form Cushion
•
(1) United States Coast Guard Pamphlet
•
(1) Anchor
•
(1) Air Horn
4.1.6. Additional Equipment
You should consider having additional equipment on
board to help make your boating experience safer and
more enjoyable. Some examples include the following:
4.3
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