4327 • X5 04/2015 19
YACHTING REGULATIONS
The owner’s responsibility includes making sure that the yacht complies with all federal, state and local regulations. Check
with your local U.S. Coast Guard ofce for relevant federal regulations. Your state’s Department of Natural Resources may
have some publications available that deal with relevant state laws. The yachter should be aware of local environmental
laws and respect codes of good practice.
GARBAGE
Dumping garbage into the sea is a worldwide problem. U.S. Coast Guard regulations prohibit dumping plastic refuse
and garbage mixed with plastic into any waters, and the regulations restrict the dumping of other forms of garbage. ALL
YACHTERS MUST HELP KEEP WATERWAYS CLEAN BY PROPERLY DISPOSING OF ALL GARBAGE.
Be aware of international regulations against marine pollution (MARPOL) and respect it as much as possible.
OIL
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or oily waste into or upon the navigable waters and
contiguous zone of the United States. Violators may face a signicant ne if such discharge causes a lm or sheen upon
the water, if the discharge discolors the surface of the water, or if the discharge causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the
surface of the water.
SEPTIC WASTE
It is illegal to discharge septic waste directly overboard on U.S. inland and coastal waters. Always discharge toilets or
holding tanks close to the shore or in any prohibited zone. Always use harbor or marina pump-out facilities to empty the
holding tank before leaving the harbor. If the yacht has an overboard discharge installed, check with a local U.S. Coast
Guard ofce to ensure that the overboard discharge complies with federal regulations.
STATE AND LOCAL ORDINANCES
States or localities may have laws limiting speed, noise or the yacht’s wake. Check with the local harbormaster to
determine whether or not local ordinances or state laws restrict yachting operations. Check with state and local authorities
to conrm your compliance with local regulations regarding marine sanitation, noise, speed and wake.
PRE-DEPARTURE ACTIONS
• Check the weather for hazardous conditions and seas that could negatively affect your outing.
• Make sure to keep all safety equipment onboard, accessible, and in good working condition.
• Check the bilge for fuel vapor or water. Ventilate or pump out the bilge as necessary.
• Make sure the horn, navigation equipment, and lights work properly.
• Instruct guests and crew in safety and operational matters.
• Check engine oil, transmission oil and coolant levels.
• After starting the engines, check:
– The overboard ow of cooling water
– Engine temperatures
– Oil pressures
• Fill the fuel tanks as needed. Know the tank capacity and fuel consumption at various RPMs. Know the tank’s cruising radius
and fuel tank range. Typical tank usage is 1/3 of the supply to reach the destination, 1/3 of the supply to return, and keep
1/3 in reserve for changes in plans due to weather or other circumstances.
• Designate a secondary person onboard who can operate the yacht in case the primary operator suddenly becomes disabled.
To Next Page
Loading...