Arkansas Boating Handbook Table of Contents

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• Boater Education

Boating Basics

Boating Basics: Before Going Out

• Vessel Length Classes
• Vessel Capacity
• Fueling a Vessel
• Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Preventing Theft
• Filing a Float Plan
• Pre-Departure Checklist
• Sample Float Plan

Boating Basics: On the Water

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
  • Lateral Markers
  • Non-Lateral Markers
• Weather Emergencies
  • What to Do If Caught in Severe Weather
  • VHF Frequencies Broadcasting NOAA Weather Reports
• Other Boating Emergencies
  • Falling Overboard
  • Capsizing or Swamping
  • Hypothermia
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Boating Basics: Specifically for PWCs

• Steering and Stopping a PWC
• Ignition Safety Switches
• Reboarding a Capsized PWC
• Courtesy When Encountering Other Vessels
• Environmental Considerations
• Other PWC Considerations

It's the Law!

It's the Law: Before Going Out

• Registering a Motorboat
• How To Apply for Registration
• Registration Fees
• Other Facts About Registration
• Where To Register
• Liability Insurance Requirement
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Local Regulations
• Enforcement

It's the Law: Required Equipment

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Navigation Lights
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)

It's the Law: On the Water

• Unlawful Operation
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Boating Accidents
• Diver-Down Flags
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Discharge of Waste
• Discharge of Trash
• Glass Containers and Trash

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements Specific to PWCs
• Sharing Your PWC ... Safely!

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Towing Skiers

Good To Know

• Federally Controlled Waters in Arkansas
• Aquatic Nuisance Species
• Arkansas Required Equipment Checklist
• Arkansas Game & Fish Commission
• Arkansas Boating Handbook PDF Version (prints well)