3
INSURANCE: The boat owner is legally responsible for damages or injuries
he causes. In most states this is true, even if someone else is operating the
boat at the time of the accident. Common sense dictates that you carry
adequate personal liability and property damage insurance on your boat,
just as you would on an automobile. You should also protect your invest-
ment by insuring your boat against physical damage or theft.
EDUCATION: If you have never owned a boat before, an excellent intro-
duction to the arts of boat handling and seamanship can be obtained
through the free courses conducted by volunteer organizations, such as the
U.S. Power Squadrons, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the American Red
Cross. Even if you are a veteran boatman, these courses will help sharpen
your boating skills, bring you up to date on current rules and regulations and
add to your enjoyment of the sport. See last page of this manual for
additional information.
ACCESSORY EQUIPMENT: U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain
accessory equipment on each boat. This equipment varies according to
length and type of boat and type of propulsion. Other law enforcement
agencies - state, county and municipal - impose similar equipment
requirements on waters that do not fall under Coast Guard jurisdiction.
Some local laws require additional equipment. It is important to obtain
copies of your state and local laws.
U.S. Coast Guard REQUIREMENTS
For a more detailed description, obtain "Federal Requirements for
Recreational Boats" published by the Coast Guard, generally available at
boating retailers, or contact the Coast Guard directly (see last page of this
manual).
1. Personal Flotation Devices
(PFDs): PFDs must be Coast
Guard approved, in good and
serviceable condition, and of
the appropriate size for the
user. Though not required, the
Coast Guard emphasizes that
PFDs should be worn at all
times when the vessel is
underway. Throwable devices
must be immediately available
for use. Boats less than 16 feet
in length (including canoes and
kayaks of any length) must be
equipped with one Type I, II, III or V (see accompanying illustration for
examples of types) PFD for each person on board. Boats 16 feet and longer
must be equipped with one Type I, II, III or V plus one Type IV.
