Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely
Contents

• Casting Off
• Docking
• Navigation Rules—Traffic Laws of the Waterways
  • Encountering Other Vessels
    • Meeting Head-On
    • Paths That Cross
    • Overtaking
    • Sailing Vessel Encountering Sailing Vessel
  • Responsibilities Between Vessels
  • Operating in Narrow Channels
  • Operating During Restricted Visibility
• Navigation Lights
• Night Navigation
• Sound Signals
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
  • Lateral Markers
  • Variations on the U.S. Aids To Navigation System
  • Non-Lateral Markers
  • Buoy System on Waterway
  • Navigational Chart for Waterway
• Anchoring
• Dams, Locks, and Bridges
• Changing Water Levels
• Compasses and Charts
• Operating a Personal Watercraft
  • Steering and Stopping a PWC
  • Courtesy on the Water
  • Environmental Considerations
  • Other PWC Considerations
  • Reboarding a Capsized PWC
• Ignition Safety (Engine Shut-Off) Switches
• Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries
• Chapter 3 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 3: Operating Your Boat—Safely