Alabama Boating Handbook Table of Contents

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• How to Use This Manual

Boating Basics

Boating Basics: Before Going Out on Your Vessel

• Vessel Length Classes
• Vessel Capacity
• Fueling a Vessel
• Filing a Float Plan
• Pre-Departure Checklist
• Sample Float Plan

Boating Basics: On the Water With Your Vessel

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Encountering Vessels with Limited Maneuverability
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
• Lateral Markers
• Non-Lateral Markers
• Weather Emergencies
• What to Do If Caught in Foul Weather
• VHF Frequencies Broadcasting NOAA Weather Reports
• VHF Channels for Recreational Boaters
• Other Boating Emergencies
• Falling Overboard
• Capsizing or Swamping
• Hypothermia
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Preventing Theft

It's the Law!

It's The Law: Boater Safety Certification

• Age and Boater Certification Requirements for Operators
• Age to Operate Legally on Alabama Waters
• Certification Requirements for Alabama Residents
• Certification Requirements for Residents of Other States
• Persons Exempt from Certification
• Persons Who May Not Be Issued Certification
• Requirement to Display Certification
• How to Obtain Boater Certification
• Boater Certification Fees
• Other Facts about Boater Certification

It's The Law: Required Equipment

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Navigation Lights
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers and Noise Level Limits
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Other Equipment
• Diver-Down Flags

It's The Law: On The Water With Your Vessel

• Unlawful and Dangerous Operation
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Vessel Accidents
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Enforcement
• Marine Sanitation Act

It's the Law: Specifically For PWCs

• Legal Requirements Specific to PWCs

It's the Law: Specifically For Skiing

• Legal Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Equipment Checklist

• Alabama Required Equipment Checklist

Good to Know

• Boater Education
• Marine Police Offices
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)