Michigan 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 Title and Register
  • Where To Renew Your Certificate of Number
• Other Facts About Titling and Registration
• Schedule of Fees
• Hull Identification Number
• Legal Requirements for Trailers
• Who May Operate a Boat
• Who May Operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC)
• Marine Events
• 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
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Obstructing Navigation
• Accidents and Casualties
• Diver-Down Flags
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Discharge of Waste
• Discharge of Trash

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

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

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Good to Know

• Protecting the Environment
  • Invasive Aquatic Plants and Animals
  • Waste-Handling Facilities
  • Clean Boating Tips for Petroleum Control
• Commercial Fishing Nets
• DNRE Operation Service Centers
• Required Equipment Checklist
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)