Louisiana 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
• Additional Rules for All Vessels
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
• Lateral Markers
• Intracoastal Waterway System
• Non-Lateral Markers
• Weather Emergencies
• Other Boating Emergencies
• 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 Your Vessel
• Where to Register
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Marine Events
• 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 and Dangerous Operation
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Boating Accidents
• Diver-Down Flags
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Discharge of Sewage and Waste
• Discharge of Trash

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements Specific to PWCs

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers
• Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries

Good to Know

• Protect Louisiana’s Waterways
• Louisiana Required Equipment Checklist
• Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)