Mississippi 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
• Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Preventing Theft
• Filing a Float Plan
• Pre-Departure Checklist

Boating Basics: On the Water

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System
• Weather Emergencies

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
• Registration Fees
• Other Facts About Titling and Registration
• Buying and Selling a Vessel
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Local Regulations
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Enforcement

It's The Law: Required Equipment

• Personal Flotation Devices
• Navigation Lights
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Visual Distress Signals

It's The Law: On The Water

• Unlawful and Dangerous Operation
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Obstructing Navigation
• Boating Accidents
• Diver-Down Flags
• Discharge of Waste
• Discharge of Oil
• Discharge of Trash

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements for PWCs
• Sharing Your PWC

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Good to Know

• Mississippi Boaters' Telephone Directory
• Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, & Parks Regional Offices
• Aquatic Nuisance Species
• Required Equipment Checklist
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)