Montana Boating Handbook Table of Contents

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• Boater Education

Boating Basics

Boating Basics: Before Going Out on Your Vessel

• Vessel Length Classes
• Vessel Capacity
• Fueling a Vessel
• Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Preventing Theft
• Filing a Float Plan
• Pre-Departure Checklist
• Sample Float Plan

Boating Basics: On the Water With Your Vessel

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Encountering Vessels With Limited Maneuverability
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation (ATON)
• Non-Lateral Markers
• Weather Emergencies
• Other Boating Emergencies

Boating Basics: On the Water 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 on Your Vessel

• Registering Your Vessel
• Validation Decals
• Display of Numbers and Decals
• Buying or Selling a Vessel
• Other Facts About Vessel Registration
• Vessel Documentation
• Hull Identification Number
• Operator Age and Boater Education Requirements
• Local Regulations
• Enforcement

It's The Law: Required Equipment for Your Vessel

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Navigation Lights
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers and Noise Limitations
• Sound Producing Devices

It's The Law: On The Water With Your Vessel

• Unlawful and Dangerous Operation
• "No Wake Zones" on Lakes in the Western Fishing District
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Vessel Accidents
• Diver Down Flags
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Discharge of Trash
• Discharge of Waste

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

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

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiers and Those Towing Them

• Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Good to Know

• Required Equipment Checklist
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)