Basic Seamanship; Boating Regulations; Safe Boating Courses; “Rules Of The Road” - Four winns Horizon 200 Owner's Manual

When pulling skiers do not turn on the engine
until you are at least a boat length away. When
approaching a downed skier, turn off the en-
gine at least one boat length away before reach-
ing the skier in the water.
E. First Aid
As a boater, you should be familiar with the basic first
aid procedures that may be needed while you are out
far from help. Fish hook accidents or minor cuts and
abrasions may be the most serious mishaps on board
a boat but you should also learn the proper procedures
and be ready to deal with the truly serious problems
like mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, excessive bleeding,
hypothermia, and burns. First aid literature and courses
are available through most Red Cross chapters.
F. Operation By Minors
Minors should always be supervised by an adult when-
ever operating a boat. Many states have laws regard-
ing the minimum age and licensing requirements of
minors. Be sure to check local laws or contact the state
boating authorities for information.
G. "Rules of the Road"
As a responsible boater, you must comply with the
"Rules of the Road," the marine traffic laws enforced
by the U.S. Coast Guard. Navigating a boat is much
the same as driving an automobile. 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 boat-
ers assume you know what you are doing. More infor-
mation regarding navigational rules and the "Rules of
the Road" are discussed in further detail in Section J-9
of this chapter.
H. Voluntary Inspections
State boating officials in many states or the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliaries offer courtesy inspections to check
out your craft. They will check for compliance with safety
standards and required safety equipment. You may
voluntarily consent to one of these inspections, and you
are allowed to make corrections without persecution.
Check with the appropriate state agency or the Coast
Guard Auxiliary foe details.
Owner's Manual
05/00
I. Safe Boating Courses
The 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 1-800-336-BOAT (2628) or, in Virginia,
1-800-245-BOAT (2628) for a course scheduled in your
area. Also contact the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or
Power Squadron Flotilla for the time and place of their
next scheduled class.
J - 8 BASIC SEAMANSHIP
Basic rules of seamanship, general information about
navigational aids, and sources for additional reading
and boater education are presented in this portion of
your owner's manual.
A. Boating Regulations
The U.S. Coast Guard is the authority of the water-
ways. State boating regulations are enforced by local
authorities. Your boat is subject to the marine traffic
laws known as "Rules of the Road," which are enforced
by the U.S. Coast Guard. 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 them to board if
asked. The "Rules of the Road" can be obtained from
the local U.S. Coast Guard Unit or the Superintendent
of Documents by calling (202) 512-1800 or faxing your
request to (202) 512-2250, and asking for the publica-
tion titled "Navigational Rules, International-Inland.
Many pamphlets prepared by the Coast Guard are avail-
able. They explain signal lights, buoys, safety, interna-
tional and inland regulations and other information which
goes beyond the scope of this manual. "Aids to Navi-
gation" (U.S. Coast Guard pamphlet #123) explains the
significance of various lights and buoys. Because of
proposed alterations to buoys and markers, contact the
U.S. Coast Guard to stay informed of changes. Other
pamphlets, including the "Boating Safety Training
Manual" and "Federal Requirements For Recreational
Boats," are also available from the U.S. Coast Guard
Headquarters.
NOTICE
The spoken word "MAYDAY" is the interna-
tional signal for distress. "MAYDAY" should
NEVER be used unless there is grave or im-
minent danger, and you are in need of immedi-
ate assistance.
Section J
Page 7