BoatingBasicsOnline.com Basic Boating Safety Course
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1&2 Introduction
Educational Objectives
3 The Boat
Terminology
Boat Types
Measuring Length
Hull designs
Types of hulls
Propulsion
Carbon Monoxide
Capacity Plate
Engine Systems
Checklist

Review Quiz - 3
4 Legal Requirements
Who May Operate

Registration and Numbering

Hull ID Number
Required Equipment
Personal Flotation Devices
Navigation Lights
Fire Extinguishers
Ventilation
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Sound Producing Device
Visual Distress Signals
Pollution Regulations
MSDs
No Discharge Zones
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Recommended Equipment

Review Quiz- 4
5 Preparation
Vessel Check List

Trailering
Environmental Conditions
Leeway
Tide and Current
Local Hazards
Float Plan
Preventive Maintenance

Fueling
Review Quiz-5
6 Operations
Operator responsibility
Homeland Security
BUI
Navigation Rules
Definitions
Proper Lookout
Seamanship
Sound Signals
Rules of the Road
Meeting & Crossing
Commercial Vessels
Restricted Visibility
Aids to Navigation
Review Quiz-6
7 Getting Underway
Line Handling
Docking/Undocking
Maneuvering Underway
Anchoring

Water Sports
Hunting and Fishing
Swimming

Diving and Snorkling
Paddle Sports
Skiing and Towing
Personal Watercraft
Review Quiz-7
8 Accidents
Fatal Vs Non-fatal
Accident Reports
Crew Overboard
Assistance from Shore
Hypothermia
Fires on Board
First Aid
Rendering Assistance
Running Aground
Review Quiz-8
9 Special Items
Vessel Repairs
Locks
Dams
Security
Sailing
Review Quiz-9
State Requirements
Final Exam







Chapter VI - OperationsSection 2c - Restricted Visibility

Restricted Visibility

When operating at night, or other times of restricted visibility, the required navigation lights as set forth in the required equipment section are mandatory to be displayed. The lights themselves will let each vessel know which is the stand-on or give-way vessel and each vessel should react accordingly.

A vessel approaching in your danger zone (approaching from your starboard side) will show its red (stop) port light. That vessel will see your green (go) starboard light. If you do not see a mast light, you know the vessel is not power driven (or not operating under its own power, as in the case of a boat being towed) and has the right of way over power driven vessels.

Navigation Lights
Power Driven Vessel

Navigation Lights
Sailing Vessel


During nighttime operations vision can be tricky at best, so a proper lookout and safe speed need constant attention.

During times of restricted visibility such as smoke or fog, additional sound signals are required. Both inland and international rules require that any vessel underway in or near a restricted visibility area sound a warning signal every two minutes.

Motorboats must sound one prolonged blast every two minutes. Sailing vessels must sound one prolonged blast plus two short blasts every two minutes. When a power driven vessel is stopped (underway but making no way) she shall sound two prolonged blasts every two minutes. Vessels at anchor shall sound rapid strokes on the bell for 5 seconds at intervals not less than one minute (however, if your vessel is less than 65 feet and you are anchored in a designated "special anchorage" you do not need to sound these signals). Vessels aground shall sound three distinct strokes on the bell ("I Am Aground"), followed by five seconds rapid ringing of the bell, followed by three distinct strokes on the bell ("I Am Aground").

One Prolonged BlastOne Prolonged Blast Short BlastOne Short Blast
One Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the Bell

Power Vessel Underway
Every Two Minutes
One Prolonged Blast
Sailing Vessel Underway
Every Two Minutes
One Prolonged BlastShort BlastShort Blast
Power Vessel Underway
but making no way
One Prolonged BlastOne Prolonged Blast
Vessel at Anchor
Every Minute

One Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the Bell
5 seconds of rapid ringing

Vessel Aground
Every Minute

One Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the Bell
3 strokes
One Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the Bell
5 seconds rapid ringing
One Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the BellOne Stroke on the Bell
3 strokes


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