Bertram 540 - Know Your Responsibilities as a Yacht Owner;Operator

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HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK
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2.4 KNOW YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES AS A YACHT
OWNER/OPERATOR
If your Bertram is to be operated in the waters regulated by the United
States Coast Guard, there are certain requirements that must be met.
These requirements are discussed in the Coast Guard Publication
Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats.
As a yacht owner, you are responsible for being informed about a variety
of laws (state and Federal, in the U.S.) and regulations that apply to the
navigation, operation and equipping of your yacht.
In the United States, the Federal government, through the U.S. Coast
Guard, specifies the requirements for PFD’s (personal flotation devices,
a.k.a., “life jackets”) and other required safety equipment that must be
carried aboard recreational yachts.
PFD’s and the other safety equipment must be approved by the Coast
Guard and/or other safety standards organizations. If approved, there will
be a label indicating this on the equipment. States may impose additional
requirements. Know the regulations for your areas of operation.
The yacht’s owner and/or operator, is responsible for knowing the
navigation and safety rules and good seamanship practices. Take the
time to learn the Nautical Rules of Navigation (COLREGS) that are found
in the Coast Guard publication “Navigation Rules - International and
Inland”. CG-169 that is required to be carried on all yachts over 39.4 feet
(12 m) in length. Study navigation techniques and the safe practices for
operating Your yacht and its equipment.
You are also the key person ensuring the safety of your passengers,
crew, and of the yacht. Please take time to study the chapter on SAFETY
in this manual for important information about safety procedures.
Every yacht owner and operator must be knowledgeable about the yacht
and its systems. Because you are responsible for the operation of your
yacht, we provide you with information on those topics. For each system
on board, we have provided a detailed description, including schematics
where appropriate, as well as information on maintenance and
troubleshooting.
There is a variety of instructional books, courses and videos available to
help you improve your knowledge of the Rules of Navigation, navigation,
yacht operation, operation of marine electronics, maintenance, etc.
Consult the resources listed in the appendix.
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NOTICES
United States Coast Guard Regulations state that it is the responsibility
of the vessel owner to be certain that all required equipment is onboard
and in proper working order.
Bertram has supplied you with a copy of Navigation Rules, International
– Inland.
Regardless of how much experience you have, it is important to refresh
your memory by studying the Navigation Rules on a regular basis.