Regal LS4C Owner's Manual page 28

Sound Producing Devices
According to both Inland and
International Rules, all boats
must carry a way of produc-
ing an efficient sound signal. If
your vessel is 12 meters (39'
4") or longer, a power whistle or power horn and
bell must be carried. Bell mouth must be at least 7
7/8" diameter. The sound signal made in all cases
must be capable of a four or six second blast au-
dible for one half mile. See the section discussing
bridge and whistle signals for more information.
Radio Communications:
VHF radios are used for distress and ship to shore
and ship to ship communications today. Learn the
specialized messages such as Mayday, Mayday,
Mayday. It is only used when life or vessel is in im-
minent danger.
place and receive digital calls directly with vessels
and shore stations including USA and Canadian
Coast Guards. Channel 70 is reserved exclusively
for DSC calls. Refer to the VHF owner's informa-
tion since you need to establish a Mobile Maritime
Safety Identity (MMSI) number before using the
DSC feature. A MMSI number identifies each DSC
radio, like a telephone number. The FCC requires a
ship station license for all vessels equipped with a
marine VHF radio.
Many of the more re-
cent VHF's feature
DSC capability which
offers the ability to
Navigation Lights:
The U. S. Coast Guard requires recreational boats
operating at night to display navigation lights be-
tween sunset and sunrise along with other periods
of reduced visibility.
Navigation lights help avoid collisions by improv-
ing the night visibility of vessels. Red and green di-
rectional lights, white stern lights, white masthead
lights and white all-around lights must be displayed
in specified positions, depending on boat size, and
mode of operation.
Marine Sanitation Devices:
Recreational vessels under 65' with installed toilet
facilities must have an operable marine sanitation
device (MSD) on board. Vessels 65' and under may
use Type I, II, or III MSD's. All installed MSD's must
be U.S. Coast Guard certified. The MSD's are la-
beled to show conformity to the regulations.
Navigation Rules:
The navigation rules establish actions to be taken
by vessels to avoid collision. They are divided into
Inland/International. Operators of vessels 39.4' or
more shall have on board and maintain a copy of the
Inland navigation rules.
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