Vermont Boating Handbook Table of Contents

• Home Page
• Boater Education

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

Boating Basics: On the Water

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System

Boating Basics: Specifically for PWCs

• Steering and Stopping a PWC
• Ignition Safety Switches
• PWC Courtesy and Environmental Considerations

It's The Law: Before Going Out

• Registering Your Vessel
• Where To Title and Register Your Vessel
• Other Facts About Titling and Registering
• Hull Identification Number
• Schedule of Fees
• Buying or Selling a Vessel
• What You Need To Register and Title a Vessel
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Marine Events
• Enforcement

It's The Law: Required Equipment

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

It's The Law: On The Water

• Unlawful Operation
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Accidents and Casualties
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Obstructing Navigation
• Diver-Down Flags
• Discharge of Trash
• Discharge of Oil
• Discharge of Sewage and Waste

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements for PWCs
• Sharing Your PWC

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Other Information

• Collected Management Rules for Vermont Lakes, Ponds, & Reservoirs (PDF file)
• Lake-Specific Rules Regulating the Use of Particular Public Waters (PDF file)
• Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species
• Vermont Required Equipment Checklist
• Vermont State Police Offices and Contact Information
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)

NOTE: Information in this handbook does not replace what is specifically legal for boating in Vermont, which is found in the Vermont Statutes and federal law.