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Other helpful publications available from the U.S. Coast Guard include:
• Aids to Navigation (U.S. Coast Guard pamphlet #123) publication – explains the signicance of various lights and buoys
• Yachting Safety Training Manual
• Federal Requirements for Recreational Yachts
Check with your local U.S. Coast Guard station, your Carver dealer, or a local marina about navigational aids unique to your area.
DRUGS AND ALCOHOL
WARNING
NEVER OPERATE THE YACHT UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS. FEDERAL AND STATE LAW
PROHIBIT OPERATING A YACHT UNDER THE INFLUENCE OF ALCOHOL AND OTHER DRUGS. THESE REGULATIONS ARE
ACTIVELY ENFORCED.
Drugs and alcohol adversely affect a person’s ability to make sound judgments, to react quickly, and to operate a yacht
safely. Responsible yachters should avoid using drugs or alcohol while operating the yacht. Operating a motorized yacht
while under the inuence of drugs or alcohol can result in bodily injury and death and carries a signicant penalty.
DISTRESS CALLS
If a ship-to-shore radio telephone is installed, heed storm warnings, and answer any distress calls from other yachters.
The word “MAYDAY” spoken three times is the international signal of distress. Monitor marine radio channel 16, which is
reserved for emergency and safety messages. Also use channel 16 to contact the U.S. Coast Guard or to contact other
yachters if there is trouble.
WARNING
NEVER SEND A “MAYDAY” MESSAGE UNLESS THERE IS A SERIOUS EMERGENCY AND IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE IS
REQUIRED.
VOLUNTARY INSPECTIONS
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliaries or state yachting ofcials offer courtesy inspections in many states to ensure that all
yachts comply with safety standards, and to ensure that the required safety equipment is onboard. After a voluntary
inspection, the yachter has time to make corrections without prosecution. Check with the appropriate state agency or the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for details.
YACHTING ACCIDENTS
Yachters using a vessel for recreational purposes must le a U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Accident Report when:
• An accident results in loss of life or the disappearance of a person from a vessel
• An injury requires medical treatment beyond rst aid
• Property damage exceeds $2,000
• Total loss of the vessel occurs
The form can be downloaded from the U.S. Coast Guard website. In cases of death and injury, yachters must submit
reports within 48 hours. In all other cases, yachters must submit reports within 10 days. Yachters must submit reports to
ofcials in the state in which the accident occurred.
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