Basic Seamanship; Boating Laws And Regulations; Accident Reporting - Pro-Line Boats 33 Express Owner's Manual

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Basic Seamanship

Boating Laws and Regulations

You are responsible with complying with federal and state boating laws and regulations. Sometimes local
agencies also have jurisdiction. The U.S. Coast Guard, the authority of the waterway, enforces federal marine
traffic laws for both federal and state waterways. Local authorities enforce state boating regulations. You must
stop if signaled to do so by enforcement officers and allow them to board your vessel if they ask to do so.
Some states and localities have specific local regulations on speed and noise. It is your responsibility to be
knowledgeable about these laws and comply with them. Ignorance is not an excuse! Check with your dealer of
consult with the local Marine Patrol or local Coast Guard office about any local requirements.
Registration
Federal and state laws require that every boat equipped with propulsion machinery of any type be registered in the
state in which it is principally used. In a few jurisdictions, the Coast Guard retains registration authority.
Registration numbers and validation stickers must be displayed on the boat according to regulations and the
registration certificate 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 dealer will either supply registration
forms or tell you where they may be obtained.
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 personal liability
and property damage insurance, just as you would on an automobile. You should also protect your investment by
insuring the boat against physical damage or theft.
Insurance Information
Record Name of Your Company Insurance Here _________________________Agent's Name _______________
Record Policy Number Here ___________________________Telephone Number _________________________

Accident Reporting

After an accident, the operator of the boat is responsible for filing a report with the appropriate authorities.
Reports are generally necessary for accidents involving loss of life, injury, or damage over $500. Ask your
insurance agent for more information. A blank accident form is located on the rear page of this manual.
If you see a distress signal, you must assume it is a real emergency and render assistance immediately. Law
obligates the person in charge of a boat to provide assistance to any individual in danger at sea. However, you
should not put your crew or passengers in a dangerous situation that exceeds your capabilities or those of your
boat. The 1971 Boating Safety Act grants protection to a "Good Samaritan" boater offering good faith assistance,
and absolves a boater from any civil liability arising from assistance given.
Discharge of Oil
The federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste into or upon the navigable
waters of the United States or the waters of the contiguous zone if such discharge causes a film or sheen upon or a
discoloration of the surface of the water or causes sludge or an emulsion beneath the surface of the water.
Violators are subject to a penalty of $25,000.
Disposal of Plastics & Other Garbage
Plastic refuse dumped in the water can kill fish and marine wildlife and can foul boat propellers and cooling water
intakes. Other forms of waterborne garbage can litter our beaches and make people sick. United States Coast
Guard regulations prohibit the dumping of plastic refuse or other garbage mixed with plastic into the water
anywhere, and restricts the dumping of other forms of garbage within specified distances from shore.