Idaho 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
  • Additional Safety Procedures for PWCs
• 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

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 Your Vessel
  • Where to Register
  • Fees to Register Your Vessel
  • Other Facts About Titling and Registration
• Buying or Selling a Vessel
• Hull Identification Number
• Operator Age and Education Requirements
• Marine Events
• Local Regulations
• Enforcement

It's The Law: Required Equipment

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

It's The Law: On The Water

• Unlawful Operation
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Vessel Accidents and Casualties
• Diver-Down Flag
• Skier-Down Flag
• Discharge of Sewage and Waste
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Dumping of Trash
• Aquatic Nuisance Species

It's The Law: Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements Specific to Personal Watercraft (PWCs)
• Sharing Your PWC—Safely!

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Good to Know

• Idaho Boat Pump-out & Sanitation Sites
• Idaho Required Equipment Checklist
• Other Publications Available
• Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation Information
• Idaho Boating Handbook PDF Version (prints well)