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The Canadian Power and Sail Squadron offers
seamanship courses. Information may be obtained
by visiting their website at www.cps-ecp.ca/.
B. Boating Manuals or Literature
A good source of information is the US Coast Guard's
home study book called "The Skipper's Course".
This book may be purchased through Superintendent
of Documents, US Government Printing Office,
Washington, DC 20402, Stock # 050-012-00159-6.
Another good source of boating information is
Chapman's "Piloting, Seamanship and Small Boat
Handling". Also, check the local library or book s tore
for additional information on boating.
C. Charts and Maps
US nautical charts are sold throughout the coun try at
Governmental Printing Office stores and other agents.
Chart catalogs are available by visiting the National
Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration website at
http://nauticalcharts.noaa.gov/mcd/ccatalogs.
htm#state.
In addition, many federal agencies publish recre-
ational maps, including the US Army Corp of Engi-
neers, the Forest Service, the National Park Service,
and the Tennessee Valley Authority.
Addresses of all state boating law administration
offices are found in the "Boating Basics, A Guide
to Responsible Boating", included in your owner's
packet. Additional copies may be purchased by
contacting Outdoor Empire Publishing at www.outdoor-
empire.com.
D. Laws and Regulations
The US Coast Guard is the authority of the water-
ways; they are there to help the boating public. State
boating regulations are enforced by local authorities.
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 to be boarded if asked.
There are many pamphlets, prepared by the US Coast
Guard, available to you. These pamphlets explain
"Rules of the Road," signal lights, buoys, safety,
international and inland regulations and other informa-
tion which goes beyond the scope of this manual.
Operation - Section A
For more information contact your local US Coast
Guard Unit or call the Coast Guard info line at 1 800
368-5647, or visit the US Power Squadron website
at www.usps.org.
A - 12 BOAT OWNER REGISTRATION
Federal and state laws require that every boat
equipped with propulsion machinery of any type
must be registered in the primary state of usage.
Registration numbers and validation stickers must
be displayed on the boat according to regulations.
In most states, this means registration with the
designated state agency. In a few jurisdictions,
the Coast Guard retains registration authority. Your
dealer will either supply registration forms or tell you
where they may be obtained. The registration agency
will issue you a certificate that 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 boat has a hull identification number on the
starboard side of the hull. Figure A8 shows a typical
identification number. Use this hull identification
number for registration and to identify your boat for
warranty service.
Figure A8: HIN
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 insur-
ance on your boat, just as you would on an automo-
bile. You should also protect your investment by
insuring your boat against physical damage or theft.
Owner's Manual Page 24
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