Pyrotechnic visual distress signals must be Coast Guard-approved,
in serviceable condition and readily accessible. This means that:
• They are marked with an expiration date. Expired signals may be
carried as extra equipment, but cannot be counted toward meeting
the visual distress signal requirement, since they may be unreliable.
• If pyrotechnic devices are selected, a minimum of three are required.
That is, three signals for day use and three signals for night. Some
pyrotechnic signals meet both day and night use requirements.
• Pyrotechnic devices should be stored in a cool, dry location, if
possible. A watertight container painted red or orange and promi-
nently marked “Distress Signals” or “Flares” is recommended.
U.S.C.G.-approved pyrotechnic visual distress signals and associ
-
ated devices include pyrotechnic red airs, hand-held or aerial; pryo-
technic orange smoke, hand-held or oating, or launchers for aerial
red meteors or parachute ares.
Non-pyrotechnic devices may be allowed. These include an or-
ange distress ag (day signal only) or an electric distress light (which is
acceptable for night use). Use of these devices must still meet Coast
Guard requirements, information for which is available online and
from the Coast Guard.
Under Inland Navigation Rules, a high intensity white light ash-
ing at regular intervals from 50-70 times per minute is considered a
distress signal. Such devices do NOT count toward meeting the visual
distress signal requirement, however. Regulations prohibit display of
visual distress signals on the water under any circumstances except
when assistance is required to prevent immediate or potential danger
to persons on board a vessel.
All distress signals have distinct advantages. No single device is
ideal under all conditions or suitable for all purposes. Pyrotechnics
are universally recognized as excellent distress signals. However, there
is potential for injury and property damage if not properly handled.
These devices produce a very hot ame and the residue can cause
burns and ignite ammable materials.
Pistol launched and hand-held parachute ares and meteors have
many characteristics of a rearm and must be handled with caution. In
some states they are considered a rearm and prohibited from use.
Check with local authorities regarding the best visual distress sig
-
nal for use in the area in which you will be boating.
Registration, Numbering and Documentation
Although it might not be immediately obvious as to how this
relates to boating safety, in fact it can be critical in emergencies. All
undocumented vessels equipped with propulsion machinery must
be registered in the state of
principal use. A certicate of
number will be issued upon
registering the vehicle. These
numbers must be displayed
on your vessel. The owner/
operator of the vessel must
carry a valid certicate of
number whenever the vessel
is in use. When moving to a new state of principal use, the certicate is
valid for 60 days. Check with your state boating authority for registra-
tion requirements.
Numbers must be painted or permanently attached to each side
of the forward half of the vessel. The validation stickers must be af-
xed within six inches of the registration number. With the exception
of the vessel fee decal, no other letters or numbers may be displayed
nearby. Lettering must be in plain, vertical block characters of not less
than three (3) inches in height. Spaces or hyphens between letter and
number groupings must be equal to the width of a letter other than
“i” or a number other than “1.”
The owner of a vessel must notify the agency which issued the
certicate of number within fteen (15) days if the vessel is transferred,
destroyed, abandoned, lost, stolen or recovered, or if the certicate of
number is lost, destroyed or the owner’s address changed. If the certi-
cate of number becomes invalid for any reason, it must be surrendered
in the manner prescribed to the issuing authority within 15 days.
Operator’s License
Some states are implementing operator’s license requirements.
These requirements vary widely. Whether operating a boat locally
or in a remote location, operators should verify with state and local
authorities regarding whether a license or training is required. This
should be checked at least annually.
Recommended Equipment
The responsible boat owner will avoid potential problems on an
outing by having additional equipment on board. Normally, the deci-
sion regarding the appropriate equipment to take on individual out-
ings is dependent upon the body of water and the length of the trip.
We suggest the following equipment as a minimum (your MasterCraft
dealer can also assist you with additional recommendations):
• An anchor with at least 75 feet of line (in saltwater operation, par-
ticularly);
• A manual bailing device for removing water;
• A combination oar/boat hook;
• A day-and-night visual distress signal;
• A rst aid kit and manual;
• An airway breathing tube;
• A waterproof ashlight;
• A non-electric horn or whistle;
• A set of local navigational charts;
• Mooring lines and fenders;
• Extra engine oil;
• A tool kit; and
• A portable, battery-operated AM/FM radio or weather radio/scanner.
Safety Afloat
The cause of many boating accidents is often the operator’s fail-
ure to follow basic safety rules or written precautions. Many accidents
can be avoided if the operator is completely familiar with the boat, its
operation and can recognize potentially hazardous situations before
an accident occurs.
Failure to comply with safety-related information and in-
structions may result in serious injury or death to you and/
or others. Always use common sense when operating the
boat or participating in any activities associated with the
boat, including, but not limited to, periods of time when the
boat engine is shut down and the boat is not in operation.
mastercraft 2010 ow n e r ’s m anual • page 1-4
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