Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating
Contents

• Your Vessel's Certificate of Ownership and Certificate of Number
• Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Vessel
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Unlawful Operation of a Vessel
• "No Wake" Zones on Lakes in the Western Fishing District
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Ventilation Systems
• Mufflers and Noise Limitations
• Navigation Lights
• Visual Distress Signals
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Other Equipment and Local Regulations
• Requirements Specific to Personal Watercraft (PWCs)
• Towing a Person with a Vessel Legally
• Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal in Montana and Federal Waters
• Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species
• Vessel Accidents and Casualties—What the Law Requires You to Do
• Enforcement
• Montana Pre-Departure Checklist
• Chapter 4 Summary
• Review Questions for Chapter 4: The Legal Requirements of Boating