Night Running And Navigation Lights; Whistle Signal; Navigational Aids - Scarab jet boat Owenrs Manual

6. Night Running and Navigation Lights

Boats operating between sunset and sunrise (hours
vary by state), or in conditions of reduced visibility,
must use navigational lights. Nighttime operation, es-
pecially during bad weather or fog, can be dangerous.
slow down and stay clear of all boats regardless of
who has right-of-way.
Although night activities are limited, cruising at night
can be very pleasurable. It can also be dangerous
if you don't pay close attention to water levels and
obstacles. Be especially careful of shallow waters and
watch for submerged debris, rocks and other obsta-
cles in the water. Your navigation lights are intended
only to prevent collision, not to improve your night
vision. You may choose to use a spotlight instead.
NOTICE
It is illegal to use your spotlight as a headlight.
your boat and the surrounding area.
To see more easily at night, avoid bright lights when
possible. Also, it is helpful to have a passenger keep
watch for other boats, water hazards, and navigational
aids.
Your boat has one white (stern) and one combina-
tion bow light which includes a red (port) and a green
(starboard) light. These lights are removable. To use
these lights, line up the two-prong plug in the pole with
the receptacle in the base. Plug the light in, and lock
or tighten into place. When not in use, stow the lights
inside your boat for safekeeping. These light can be
turned on or off at the helm.
Check lights for proper operation before heading out
at night. You should also learn to identify the running
light combinations for other vessels. We recommend
that you participate in a boating safety course to fur-
ther learn about navigation lights and safe boating
practices.
To determine the size, speed and direction of other
vessels at night, you should use running lights. A
green light indicates the starboard side, and the red
light indicates the port side. Generally, if you see a
light, give way to the other vessel. See Figure A21.
Boating Safety & Information - Section A
Figure A21: Night Running
The anchor lights and navigation lights are controlled
by a switch at the helm. The anchor light switch al-
lows you to turn on just the stern (white) light when
anchored or moored. While underway, use the
navigation light switch to turn on the stern (white) and
combination bow light. Lights are off when switches
are in the OFF position.

7. Whistle Signal

Out on the water, whistle signals are commonly used.
Although using a whistle signal is not necessary
every time a boat is nearby, operators must signal
their intentions when necessary to avoid potentially
confusing or hazardous situations. Use whistle blasts
early enough to be noticed and understood by other
boaters.
and the yielding boat to return the same signal to ac-
knowledge she understands and will comply. Use the
intent is not clear. A short blast is one or two seconds
long. A long blast is 4 to 6 seconds long. The Navi-
gational Aids Chart at the end of this manual lists the
meanings of the various whistle signals.
C. Navigational Aids
Aids to navigation (ATONS) help you to travel safely
on the water. They help you get from one place to an-
other and are most helpful if you have a nautical chart.
A navigational aids chart is at the end of this manual
(inside back cover).
Owner's Manual Page 32