Carver C43 - Visibility from the Helm; Owner;Operator Responsibilities; Domestic Safe Yachting Courses; Domestic Rules of the Road

SafetySafety
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VISIBILITY FROM THE HELM
High trim angles of the craft and other factors may obstruct operator vision from the helm. The following variable
conditions may cause an obstruction in the operator’s vision from the helm:
• Propulsion unit trim angles (on craft equipped with a power trim system on the propulsion unit)
• Hull trim plane angles (on craft equipped with power-operated trim planes or trim tabs on the transom)
• Loading and load distribution
• Speed
• Rapid acceleration
• Transition from displacement mode to planing mode
• Sea conditions
• Rain and spray
• Darkness and fog
• Interior lights
• Position of tops and curtains
• People or movable gear in the operator’s eld of vision
The International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGs) and the “rules of the road” require maintenance
of a proper lookout at all times and respect for observance of right of way. Observing these rules is essential.
owner/oPerator resPonsIbIlItIes
DOMESTIC SAFE YACHTING COURSES
Your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and the U.S. Power Squadrons offer comprehensive safe yachting classes several
times per year. Call the Boat U.S. Foundation at 1-800-336-BOAT (2628). In Virginia, call 1-800-245-BOAT (2628). Visit
www.boatus.com.
For a course schedule in your area, contact your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary or Power Squadron Flotilla for the class
schedule and location.
Carver recommends reading Chapman’s Piloting, Seamanship and Small Yacht Handling for further information on handling
the yacht in various situations.
DOMESTIC RULES OF THE ROAD
Navigating responsibly requires the operator to comply with a set of rules intended to prevent accidents. Just as car
drivers expect that all other drivers know how to drive a car, other yachters expect that all other yachters know how to
drive a yacht.
Yachters must be responsible and follow the marine trafc rules enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. Two sets of rules are
enforced:
1. United States Inland Navigational Rules
2. International Rules
The United States Inland Navigational Rules applies to all vessels inside the demarcation lines separating inland and
international waters. The U.S. Coast Guard lists the trafc regulations in the Navigation Rules, International-Inland
publication. Obtain a copy from a local U.S. Coast Guard Unit or the U.S. Coast Guard Headquarters at 1300 E. Street NW,
Washington, DC 20226.