SAFETY-5
tional-Inland” for specifi c requirements of
sound signaling devices.
Navigation Lights
The United States Coast Guard requires all
boats that are operated during the hours
of darkness or when visibility is impaired,
be equipped with navigation lights that are
illuminated. Observe all rules of navigation
when meeting or passing another vessel.
DO NOT operate your yacht at high speeds
during night operation or when visibility is
impaired. A good rule to follow is to NEVER
operate your yacht at a greater speed than
that which would prevent you from stopping
within the distance of your visibility.
Always use common sense and good judge-
ment when operating your yacht at night or
during restricted visibility.
Refer to the United States Coast Guard pub-
lication “Navigational Rules, International-
Inland” for specifi c navigational lighting
requirements.
Additional Safety Equipment
You should consider having additional
equipment on board your yacht to help
make your cruising experience safer and
more enjoyable. Some examples of this
additional equipment are as follows:
Anchor with chain and/or line.
Boat hook.
Bucket and sponge.
Commonly used spare parts, such as
hose clamps, spark plugs, etc.
Compass.
Docking lines.
Engine and accessory manuals.
Extra keys.
Extra V-belts.
Fenders.
First aid kit.
Flashlight with extra batteries.
Manually operated bilge pump.
Navigational charts for your
cruising area.
Owner’s Manual.
Replacement light bulbs.
Ship-to-Shore radio.
Spare fuel and oil fi lters.
Spare propeller with fastening hardware.
Tool kit.
Navigation Rules of the Road
Navigating your yacht is much the same as
driving an automobile. Operating either one
responsibly means complying with a set of
rules intended to prevent accidents. Just as
you assume other automobile drivers know
the rules of the road and expect them to
abide by them, other boaters assume the
same of you. As a responsible yachtsman,
you must comply with the “Rules of the
Road”; the marine traffi c laws enforced by
the United States Coast Guard. There are
two (2) sets of rules: The United States
Inland Navigational Rules and the Inter-
To Next Page
Loading...