LARSON Bass - Naval Vessel Protection Zones; Commercial Shipping Safety Zones; Bridges and Shipping Channels; Americas Waterway Watch

BOATING REGULATIONS AND YOUR
RESPONSIBILITIES
SECTION
3
© 2003-2018 Ken Cook Co. Bass l 3 - 5
NAVAL VESSEL PROTECTION ZONES
Do not approach within 100 yards of any U.S. Naval vessel. Slow to minimum
speed within 500 yards of any U.S. Naval vessel. Operators needing to approach
within 100 yards to ensure a safe passage in accordance with the Navigation Rules
must contact the U.S. Naval vessel or the U.S. Coast Guard escort vessel on the
boat’s VHF radio (channel 16) for authorization.
COMMERCIAL SHIPPING SAFETY ZONES
Do not operate the boat near cruise liners or certain waterfront commercial
installations such as ferry terminals. Observe and avoid all security zones and
commercial port operations.
BRIDGES AND SHIPPING CHANNELS
Do not stop or anchor beneath bridges or in shipping channels. Operators doing so
should expect to be asked to move and/or be boarded by law enforcement officials.
Anchoring in these areas is dangerous for the operator and others on the water.
AMERICA’S WATERWAY WATCH
Boat operators can help the U.S. Coast Guard in keeping waterways and coastal
installations safe and secure. Boat operators can do this by participating in
America’s Waterway Watch (AWW). Boaters reporting suspicious activities to AWW
should call 877-24WATCH if noticing suspicious activity or behavior on or near the
water.
In cases of immediate danger to life or property, call the U.S. Coast Guard on
channel 16 VHF-FM or dial 911 for emergencies.
FISHING
Fishing can be very exciting and distracting for the operator when the action gets
intense. Operators must always be conscious of the primary responsibility, which is
the safe operation of the boat and the safety of passengers and other boats in the
area.
Always make sure the helm is properly manned and is never left unattended while
trolling. If the boat is equipped with a tower, exercise caution and sound judgment
whenever someone is in the tower. Remember, weight in the tower raises the boat’s
center of gravity and the boat’s motion is greatly exaggerated for the person in a
tower.