Boating Course

Prolonged blast

4-6 seconds in duration

Risk of collision

Any situation when an approaching vessel continues on a collision course (the bearing of the approaching vessel does not change), or anytime you are approaching a very large vessel

Vessel engaged in fishing

Any vessel fishing with nets, lines, trawls, or other fishing equipment that restricts maneuverability; however, this does not include a vessel fishing with trolling lines or other fishing equipment that does not restrict maneuverability

Power-driven vessel

Any vessel propelled by machinery, including a sailboat using an engine

Sailing vessel

Any vessel under sail and with no engine in use

Prepare your anchor before setting out

Attach 7-8 feet of galvanized chain to the anchor. The chain helps set the anchor by lowering the angle of the pull as the chain sinks and settles to the bottom. It also will help prevent abrasion of the anchor line from sand or rock on the bottom. Most anchors grip by digging into the bottom when the line is pulled horizontally. Any upward pull may break the anchor loose. Be sure the anchor line is strong and long enough to anchor your boat. A good rule of thumb is that the length of the line should be at least seven to ten times the depth of the water where you are setting anchor. Since an anchor can be a safety device in an emergency situation, store the anchor and its lines in an accessible area. If the engine breaks down, you may need to anchor quickly to avoid drifting aground.

Remember

On outboard boats, the capacity plate also will display the recommended maximum horsepower rating of the boat. Your boat's motor should never exceed this rating.

drive shaft

The long stem connection between the motor and the impeller

coupler

The part of the trailer that attaches to the ball hitch on a towing vehicle

Paths That Cross

The vessel on the operator's port (left) is the give-way vessel. The vessel on the operator's starboard (right) is the stand-on vessel.

Overtaking:

The vessel that is overtaking another vessel is the give-way vessel. The vessel being overtaken is the stand-on vessel.

give-way vessel

The vessel that is required to take early and substantial action to keep well away from other vessels by stopping, slowing down or changing course

stand-on vessel

The vessel that must maintain its course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way boat is not taking appropriate action; if you must take action, do not turn toward the give-way boat or cross in front of it

Mooring Buoy

These are white with a blue horizontal band. They usually are placed in marinas and other areas where boats are allowed to anchor. These are the only buoys you may tie up to legally.

Inland Waters Obstruction Marker

These are white with black vertical stripes and indicate an obstruction to navigation. You should not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore

Safe Water Markerv

These are white with red vertical stripes and indicate unobstructed water on all sides. They mark mid-channels or fairways and may be passed on either side.

Sensors

Wireless sensors or other devices worn by boaters that shut off the boat's engine or trigger an alarm if the wearer falls overboard.

bunks

Wooden supports on which the vessel rests while on the trailer

Weight Limits

You should not exceed either the stated maximum weight capacity or the maximum number of people. Maximum weight is the combined weight of passengers, gear, and motors. In many states, it is a violation to exceed capacity.

You've completed the material of Unit 1 of the online boating safety course!

You should now: Be able to identify the different types of hulls and their performance characteristics Be able to identify the basic parts of a boat, personal watercraft, and sailboats Be able to identify the different kinds of engines and drives commonly found in recreational boats and their uses Be able to locate and understand a boat's capacity plate Know how to file a proper float plan Be able to fuel a boat safely Be able to launch and retrieve a boat from a trailer safely and courteously Know the basics of boat and engine maintenance

Short blast

about one second in duration

draft

depth of water needed to float a vessel

Three short blasts

tell other boaters, "I am operating astern propulsion." For some vessels, this tells other boaters, "I am backing up."

Two short blasts

tell other boaters, "I intend to pass you on my starboard (right) side."

One short blast

tells other boaters, "I intend to pass you on my port (left) side."

Tongue Weight

"Tongue weight" is the amount of the loaded trailer's weight that presses down on the towing hitch. The tongue weight should be about 10% of the combined weight of the vessel and trailer ("gross trailer weight" or GTW). If the tongue weight is too light, the trailer will tend to swing from side-to-side (or "fishtail"). If the tongue weight is too heavy, the rear wheels of the towing vehicle will be weighted down, making it difficult to steer.

Casting Off With Wind or Current Away From the Dock

Cast off the bow and stern lines. Use an oar or boat hook to keep the boat clear of the dock. Let the wind or current carry the boat away from the dock. Once there is sufficient clearance, shift into forward gear and slowly leave the area.

Wind Current leaving Dock

Cast off the stern line. Move and secure the bow line to a mid-boat position on the dock. Make sure fenders are in place on the bow. Put the boat into forward gear briefly, and turn the steering wheel hard toward the dock. Increase speed slowly until the stern is well clear of the dock. Cast off the bow line. Back out slowly until you have room to shift into forward and turn away from the dock.

Fueling a PWC

Check the entire fuel system for leaks and inspect fuel system connections frequently. Engine vibrations and the pounding from operating on rough water can loosen connections. Avoid fuel spills when fueling in or near the water. Do not tip the PWC in order to fill it all the way up. The tank is designed to leave space for the fuel to expand. If the tank is overfilled, the fuel may expand and spill into the water. After fueling, open the door of the engine compartment and sniff to check for any evidence of gas fumes. Do this before starting the engine. If you do smell gas fumes, determine the source and make repairs

Controlled Area

Circles indicate a controlled area such as "no wake," "idle speed," speed limit, or ski zone.

Float Plan for Short Outings

Contact a responsible person before you go out and tell him or her where you will be boating and when you plan to return. Give your contact the phone number for local authorities in case you fail to return when expected. Contact this person again when you return or if you decide to extend your time out on the water.

Exclusion Area

Crossed diamonds indicate areas off-limits to all boats, such as swimming areas, dams, and spillways.

Float Plan for Extended Outings

Describes the vessel, including its registration number, length, make, horsepower, and engine type. Includes the description and license plate of the tow vehicle and trailer. Gives the number of passengers, their names and addresses, and a contact in case of emergency. States where you are going, the detailed route, your planned departure time, and your expected return time. Include the location of all stopping points, dates, and times. Gives the phone number for local authorities in case you fail to return when expected. If boating on waters under U.S. Coast Guard jurisdiction, give the phone number of the U.S. Coast Guard.

steering nozzle

Device used for directing the stream of water to the left or right at the stern of the PWC, which steers the PWC

impeller

Device used to pump and force water under pressure through a steering nozzle at the rear of the vessel

Propulsion

Devices other than a propeller such as jet drives and pump jets.

Interlocks

Devices that automatically turn off the engine or sound an alarm. For example, a ladder interlock stops the engine or triggers an alarm when passengers use the ladder to enter or leave the water.

Guards

Devices that provide some type of physical barrier around the propeller. These include deflection devices, full cages, ring guards, ringed props, and "Kort Nozzles."

Danger Area

Diamonds warn of dangers such as rocks, shoals, construction, dams, or stumps. Always proceed with caution and keep a safe distance. Never assume that every hazard will be marked by a buoy.

windward

Direction from which the wind is blowing, or upwind. Windward vessel refers to the vessel that is upwind of the other

leeward

Direction toward which the wind is blowing, or downwind. Leeward vessel refers to the vessel that is downwind of the other

On the Road With a Trailer

Drive cautiously. Drive at moderate speeds and avoid sudden maneuvers. On long trips, pull over every hour or so to check the towing vehicle, trailer, tires, trailer coupling, and gear in the vessel. Allow for the added length and weight of the trailer. Make wider turns at corners and curves. Allow extra time and distance for stopping and for passing other vehicles. Steer wider on corners to clear curbs.

Remember about Fueling

Evaporating gasoline creates vapors or fumes that are heavier than air. These fumes settle to the bottom of the boat where they could explode if enclosed areas, such as the bilge, are not ventilated properly to remove fumes.

Vessel

Every kind of watercraft capable of being used as a means of transportation on water, including seaplanes

bow

Front of a vessel

Square

Give directions and information.

upwind

In the direction that is against the wind

downcurrent

In the direction the current is flowing

bilge

Interior of the hull below the floorboards; lowest part of a vessel's interior where the sides of the vessel curve in to form the bottom

While Fueling Your Boat

Keep the nozzle of the fuel-pump hose in solid contact with the tank opening to prevent producing a static spark. Use caution and fill the tank slowly to avoid spilling fuel into the boat's bilge or into the water. Use an oil-absorbent pad to catch drips or spills. Never fill a tank to the brim—leave room for fuel to expand.

Before Casting Off

Keep your boat tied to the dock while you warm up the engine. Make sure everyone on board is seated and wearing a personal flotation device (PFD). Check that the engine is running properly and the departure area is clear of traffic. Then begin to cast off.

sheets

Lines (ropes) used to control the angle of the sails to the wind

halyards

Lines (ropes) used to raise and lower the sails

Boater's Tip

Make sure you have enough fuel before casting off. Operating at two-thirds throttle instead of full throttle will conserve fuel. The following rule will help prevent running out of fuel: One-third to get out One-third to get back One-third in reserve for emergencies

Circle

Mark controlled areas.

Crossed Diamond

Mark exclusion (closed) areas.

cleat

Metal fitting on which a rope can be fastened

Meeting Head-On

Neither vessel is the stand-on vessel. Both vessels should turn to starboard (the right).

Underway

Not anchored, tied to shore, or aground

Calculating Your Boat's Capacity

Number of people = (boat length (ft.) × boat width (ft.)) 15

All-Round White Light

On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, this light may be used to combine a masthead light and sternlight into a single white light that can be seen by other vessels from any direction. This light serves as an anchor light when sidelights are extinguished

intake

Opening in the hull that draws water toward the impeller

After Fueling Your Boat

Put the fill cap on tightly to prevent vapors from escaping. Wipe up any spilled fuel and properly dispose of the used paper towels or rags on shore. Open all windows, ports, doors, and other openings. If your boat is equipped with a power ventilation system (exhaust blower), turn it on for at least four minutes before starting your engine. This will help eliminate fuel vapors in the bilge. Before starting the engine, sniff the bilge and engine compartment for fuel vapors. Continue ventilating until you cannot smell any fuel vapors. Consider installing a gas vapor detection and alarm device. Start the engine and then reload your passengers.

stern

Rear of a vessel

intake grate

Screening cover over the intake, which prevents large debris from entering

Fueling Tips

Serious accidents can occur when fueling. Never fuel at night unless it is an emergency. If you must refuel after dark, use only electric lights. To protect the water environment, try to refuel away from the water or on a commercial fueling ramp. Follow these procedures in order to fuel safely and responsibly.

Information

Squares provide information such as places to find food, supplies, and repairs; and they give directions, distances, and other non-regulatory information.

Sidelights

These red and green lights are called sidelights (also called combination lights) because they are visible to another vessel approaching from the side or head-on. The red light indicates a vessel's port (left) side; the green indicates a vessel's starboard (right) side.

Sternlight

This white light is seen only from behind or nearly behind the vessel.

Masthead Light

This white light shines forward and to both sides and is required on all power-driven vessels. (On power-driven vessels less than 39.4 feet in length, the masthead light and sternlight may be combined into an all-round white light; power-driven vessels 39.4 feet in length or longer must have a separate masthead light.) A masthead light must be displayed by all vessels when under engine power. The absence of this light indicates a sailing vessel because sailboats under sail display only sidelights and a sternlight.

Before Fueling Your Boat

Tie the boat securely to the fuel dock. Ask all passengers to leave the boat and go onto the dock. Do not allow anyone in your group or others at the fuel dock to smoke or strike a match. Check to see that fuel lines, connections, and fuel vents are in good condition. Turn off anything that might cause a spark—engines, fans, or electrical equipment. Shut off all fuel valves and extinguish all open flames, such as galley stoves and pilot lights. Close all windows, ports, doors, and other openings to prevent fumes from entering the boat. Remove portable fuel tanks from the boat and fill them on the dock. Make sure that your fire extinguisher is within reach.

swamp

To fill with water

capsize

To turn on the side or turn completely over

Trailer Safety Chains

Two strong safety chains should be crisscrossed to support the trailer's coupler if it becomes disconnected from the towing vehicle. The chains should be strong enough to hold the combined weight of the vessel, engine, and trailer. Crisscross the safety chains under the trailer's coupler when attaching them to the towing vehicle.

Choosing the Right Trailer and Towing Vehicle

Use the size of your vessel to determine the dimensions of the trailer needed. Today, most trailerable boats are sold as a package with a trailer of the appropriate size. Look at the load capacity of the trailer stated by the trailer's manufacturer. If the combined weight of your vessel and its engine is more than 90% of the recommended load capacity, buy the next larger trailer. This is because your gear (fuel, life jackets, called personal flotation devices (PFDs), anchors, lines, etc.) will increase the overall weight by at least 10%. Check the owner's manual of your towing vehicle to ensure that your vehicle is rated to tow the combined weight of your vessel, engine, and trailer.

transom

Vertical surface at the back of the hull

Diamond

Warn of hazards and obstructions

hull

carries the passengers and supports the rigging.

downwind

in the direction the wind is blowing

rigging

includes many parts of the sailboat, such as the lines (sheets and halyards), mainsail, headsail (jib), boom, and mast.

keel or centerboard

is attached to the bottom of the hull and keeps the boat from sliding sideways through the water.

rudder

is used to steer the sailboat, turned by a tiller or steering wheel

Flashing amber

light means approach the lock at a safe speed and under full control.

Flashing green

light means enter the lock.

Flashing red

light means stay well clear of the lock and do not enter. Allow plenty of room for boats to exit the lock.