Title: Level 1 Basic Boating Knowledge Scope: This is the minimum required standard that applies to all basic boating courses in the U.S. states and territories and District of Columbia. Purpose: To establish the national standard for use by course providers to meet the needs of recreational boaters for basic boating knowledge in order to identify and reduce primary risk factors and mitigate their effects on recreational boating. 1.0 The Boat 1.1 Boat Capacities 1.1.1 The course will describe how to determine acceptable loading based on: 1.1.1.1 locating and determining a boat s gross load capacity (total weight and # persons) from the boat capacity plate, and 1.1.1.2 horsepower recommendations. 1.1.2 PWCs or other boats without capacity plates should reference the owner s manual and state laws. 1.2 Boat Registration Requirements 1.2.1 The course will describe: 1.2.1.1 that all motorized boats and many other boats are required to be registered (check state requirements), 1.2.1.2 requirements for hull identification number, 1.2.1.3 the required certificate of number (registration documentation), and external display of numbers, 1.2.1.4 the requirements for federally documented vessels, 1.2.1.5 reciprocity regulations, and 1.2.1.6 registration requirements in the boat s state of principal use. 2.0 Boating Equipment 2.1 Personal Flotation Device Types and Carriage 2.1.1 The course will explain that there are: 2.1.1.1 different classifications, types, and 1 P age
2.1.1.2 sizes of U.S. Coast Guard approved personal flotation devices (PFDs), including inflatable life jackets and, throwable Type IV devices, and 2.1.1.3 will feature examples of their respective uses, advantages, and disadvantages based upon the activity for which they are intended. 2.1.2 The course will also: 2.1.2.1 describe the number and types of PFDs/life jackets that must be carried aboard the boat according to applicable regulations, 2.1.2.2 discuss and clarify label restrictions, and 2.1.2.3 emphasize that the best life jacket is the one that will be worn all the time. 2.2 Personal Flotation Device Sizing and Availability 2.2.1 The course will communicate that PFDs/life jackets must be: 2.2.1.1 readily accessible, and 2.2.1.2 correctly sized for the persons using them. 2.3 Wearing Personal Flotation Devices 2.3.1 The course must: 2.3.1.1 inform boat operators of the importance of wearing PFDs/life jackets at all times; 2.3.1.2 show passengers how to correctly put on their PFDs/life jackets and tell them to wear them; 2.3.1.3 emphasize the need to be aware that conditions can change quickly while boating (i.e. weather and water conditions, boat traffic, etc.); 2.3.1.4 address the difficulty of putting on a PFD/life jacket in the water while under distress; and 2.3.1.5 include state or federal regulations pertaining to children wearing PFDs/life jackets aboard recreational watercraft. 2.4 Personal Flotation Device Serviceability 2.4.1 The course will describe: 2.4.1.1 the characteristics of serviceable (good) PFDs/life jackets and 2.4.1.2 when to replace PFDs/life jackets due to excessive wear or damage. 2.4.2 Special attention must be given to the maintenance of inflatable PFDs/life jackets as per manufacturer recommendations. 2.5 Fire Extinguisher Equipment 2.5.1 The course will describe: 2.5.1.1 the legal requirements for fire extinguishers on recreational boats, 2.5.1.2 the kind of fire extinguishers needed for different types of fires, 2.5.1.3 the importance of placing fire extinguishers in a readily accessible location, and 2.5.1.4 the need for regular inspection of fire extinguishers. 2 P age
2.6 Back-Fire Flame Control Device 2.6.1 The course will describe: 2.6.1.1 the purpose, and 2.6.1.2 maintenance of a back-fire flame control device (a required device on all enclosed engines with a carburetor). 2.7 Ventilation Systems 2.7.1 The course will discuss the ventilation system requirements for different types of boats. 2.8 Navigation Light Equipment 2.8.1 The course will cover the navigation light requirements for recreational boats from applicable sections of Navigation Rules (Part C) as summarized in Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats. 2.9 Sound Signaling Equipment 2.9.1 The course will describe: 2.9.1.1 the types and 2.9.1.2 use of sound producing devices required on recreational boats. 2.10 Visual Distress Signal Equipment 2.10.1 The course will describe: 2.10.1.1 the types and 2.10.1.2 use of visual distress signals required on recreational boats operating on 2.10.1.2.1 coastal waters and 2.10.1.2.2 adjoining rivers two (2) miles or more wide at the mouth and up to the first point the river narrows to less than two (2) miles as summarized in Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats. 3.0 Trip Planning and Preparation 3.1 Checking Local Weather and Water Conditions 3.1.1 The course will describe how to make informed boating decisions based on 3.1.1.1 forecasted local weather, 3.1.1.2 water conditions, 3.1.1.3 boater skill level, 3.1.1.4 vessel range and 3.1.1.5 capability pertinent to those conditions. 3.1.2 It will describe: 3.1.2.1 dangerous weather (i.e., strong winds, storms, lightning, hurricanes, fog), 3 P age
3.1.2.2 water conditions (i.e., high water, sand bars, currents, large waves), and 3.1.2.3 their importance in trip planning. 3.2 Checking Local Hazards 3.2.1 The course will describe how to obtain information about local hazards that may impede the safe operation of a recreational boat. 3.3 Filing a Float Plan 3.3.1 The course will describe: 3.3.1.1 the importance of notifying someone of your boating plans, and 3.3.1.2 the basic information that should be included. 3.4 Boat Preventative Maintenance 3.4.1 The course will communicate the need for: 3.4.1.1 regular inspection, and 3.4.1.2 maintenance of the boat and its key components (e.g., through-hull fittings, motor, electrical system, fuel system). 3.5 Transporting and Trailering 3.5.1 The course will describe procedures to prevent: 3.5.1.1 trailering accidents, and 3.5.1.2 resulting injury, and 3.5.1.3 property damage. 3.5.2 Additionally, the course will cover safe trailering procedures including: 3.5.2.1 safe towing preparation, 3.5.2.2 road handling factors when pulling a trailer, 3.5.2.3 launching a boat, and 3.5.2.4 retrieving a boat from the water. 3.6 Fueling Procedures 3.6.1 The course will provide information on proper procedures for: 3.6.1.1 fueling, 3.6.1.2 ventilation during fueling, and 3.6.1.3 protection of the marine environment during fueling. 3.7 Pre-Departure Checklist & Passenger Communication 3.7.1 The course must describe: 3.7.1.1 the importance of using a pre-departure checklist, and 3.7.1.2 conducting an onboard safety discussion with passengers. 3.7.2 Passengers should be informed about the location and use of: 3.7.2.1 PFDs/life jackets (and shown how to put them on), 3.7.2.2 fire extinguishers, 3.7.2.3 flares and first-aid kit; 4 P age
3.7.2.4 the discharge and management of waste procedures; 3.7.2.5 anchoring procedures; 3.7.2.6 emergency radio operation (if applicable); 3.7.2.7 storm/rough weather procedures; 3.7.2.8 line handling; 3.7.2.9 emergency boat operation; and 3.7.2.10 falls overboard procedure. 4.0 Marine Environment 4.1 Environmental Laws and Regulations 4.1.1 The course will describe the environmental laws and regulations concerning: 4.1.1.1 littering (e.g., garbage and plastic), 4.1.1.2 waste management plans, and 4.1.1.3 display of information placards (where applicable), and 4.1.1.4 aquatic nuisance species. 4.2 Human Waste Disposal 4.2.1 The course will describe: 4.2.1.1 the proper procedure for disposal of human waste from recreational boats, and 4.2.1.2 how to identify no discharge zones and pumpout station locations. 4.3 Disposal of Toxic Substances 4.3.1 The course will describe: 4.3.1.1 procedures for the prevention of spills and improper disposal of toxic substances such as fuels, oils, and cleaning products into the marine environment, and 4.3.1.2 the associated fines for non-compliance. 5.0 Safe Boat Operation 5.1 Operator Responsibilities 5.1.1 The course will describe: 5.1.1.1 a boat operator s ultimate responsibility for: 5.1.1.1.1 operator proficiency, 5.1.1.1.2 situational awareness, 5.1.1.1.3 safety of boaters aboard and anyone coming into contact with the boat, and 5.1.1.1.4 all activity aboard the boat. 5.1.2 This responsibility extends to other water users and includes but is not limited to: 5.1.2.1 controlling boat speed; 5 P age
5.1.2.2 obeying no wake/limited wake restrictions; 5.1.2.3 refraining from careless, reckless, or negligent operations on the water; 5.1.2.4 controlling boat noise; 5.1.2.5 abiding by other general boater courtesy; and 5.1.2.6 observing and operating in accordance with homeland security measures. 5.1.3 Homeland security measures include: 5.1.3.1 keeping a safe prescribed distance from military and commercial ships; 5.1.3.2 avoiding commercial port operations areas; 5.1.3.3 observing all security zones; and 5.1.3.4 observing and reporting suspicious activities to proper authorities. 5.1.4 The course should indicate that it is but the beginning of the boater s education and that other courses are available. 5.2 Influence of Drugs and Alcohol on Boat Operation 5.2.1 The course will describe: 5.2.1.1 the effects of drinking alcohol or using drugs while boating, and 5.2.1.2 the boating laws pertinent to operating a boat while under the influence. 5.3 Navigation Rules 5.3.1 This course will describe basic safe boating operation and good seamanship for recreational boaters. 5.3.2 It is designed to assist the recreational boater when encountering typical navigation rules of the road situations. 5.3.3 Although you are responsible to be knowledgeable of the Navigation Rules in their entirety, this course will focus on only the following Inland Rules*: *In those states that Inland Rules do not apply, the equivalent International, Western Rivers or Great Lakes rule(s) may be substituted by the Course Provider. 5.3.3.1 Rule of responsibility Rules 2(a) and 2(b) 5.3.3.2 Proper lookout Rule 5 5.3.3.3 Safe speed Rule 6(a) 5.3.3.4 Collision avoidance rules 5.3.3.4.1 Rules 7(a), 5.3.3.4.2 7(d), 5.3.3.4.2.1 7(d)(i), 5.3.3.4.2.2 7(d)(ii); 5.3.3.4.3 Rule 8; 5.3.3.4.4 Rules 13(a), 5.3.3.4.5 13(b); 6 P age
5.3.3.4.6 Rule 16; 5.3.3.4.7 Rule 17; 5.3.3.4.8 Rule 18 5.3.3.5 Inland Rules 5.3.3.5.1 14(a), 5.3.3.5.2 14(b), 5.3.3.5.3 14(c), 5.3.3.5.4 Rule 15(a) 5.3.3.6 Restricted visibility Rules 19(a) through (e) 5.3.3.7 Disclaimer 5.3.3.7.1 The navigation rules contained in this course summarize basic navigation rules for which a boat operator is responsible on inland waterways. 5.3.3.7.2 Additional and more in-depth rules apply regarding various types of waterways, such as 5.3.3.7.2.1 International Waters and 5.3.3.7.2.2 Western Rivers, and 5.3.3.7.2.3 operation in relation to commercial vessels and other watercraft. 5.3.3.7.3 It is the responsibility of a boat operator to know and follow all the navigation rules. 5.3.3.7.4 In those states that Inland Rules do not apply, the equivalent International, Western Rivers or Great Lakes rule(s) may be substituted by the Course Provider. 5.3.3.8 For a complete listing of the navigation rules, the document Navigation Rules published by the U.S. Coast Guard (COMDTINST 16672.2 Series) and available through the U.S. Government printing office or on the web at http://www.uscg.mil/vtm/navrules/navrules.pdf. 5.3.3.9 For State specific navigation requirements, refer to the state laws where you intend to boat. 5.4 Aids to Navigation 5.4.1 The course will describe: 5.4.1.1 the Federal U.S. Aids to Navigation (USATONS), and 5.4.1.2 the Uniform State Waterway Marking System (USWMS). 5.4.2 The course must provide information about regulatory/informational markers (identified by orange bands on the top and bottom of each buoy) used to advise of: 5.4.2.1 situations, 7 P age
5.4.2.2 dangers, or 5.4.2.3 directions indicating: 5.4.2.3.1 shoals, 5.4.2.3.2 swim areas, 5.4.2.3.3 speed zones, etc. 5.5 Docking and Mooring 5.5.1 The course will describe common practices for docking and mooring a boat relative to: 5.5.1.1 boat size, 5.5.1.2 type of boat, 5.5.1.3 location, 5.5.1.4 weather, and 5.5.1.5 current. 5.6 Anchoring 5.6.1 The course will describe the importance of: 5.6.1.1 carrying an anchor, 5.6.1.2 the selection of: 5.6.1.2.1 anchors, 5.6.1.2.2 related ground tackle, and 5.6.1.2.3 their use for different types of boats in various boating conditions. 5.6.2 The course must describe: 5.6.2.1 procedures for anchoring, 5.6.2.2 use of anchors as safety devices in emergency situations, and 5.6.2.3 the hazards of stern anchoring. 5.7 Carbon Monoxide 5.7.1 The course will describe the: 5.7.1.1 dangers, 5.7.1.2 symptoms, and 5.7.1.3 avoidance practices associated with carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning in recreational boating. 5.8 Propeller Intervention & Awareness 5.8.1 The course will describe the: 5.8.1.1 dangers, 5.8.1.2 unsafe activities, 5.8.1.3 safety equipment, and 8 P age
5.8.1.4 avoidance practices to mitigate or prevent propeller strikes in recreational boating. 6.0 Emergency Preparedness 6.1 Rendering Assistance 6.1.1 The course will explain that, according to the Navigation Rules, boat operators are required to render assistance to a boat in distress to the extent they are able. 6.2 Capsizing/Falls Overboard 6.2.1 The course will describe how to prevent and respond to these emergencies. 6.2.2 The prevention responses will include at least the following: 6.2.2.1 stay centered and low, 6.2.2.2 avoid standing and sudden moves, 6.2.2.3 maintain three points of contact, 6.2.2.4 never overload, 6.2.2.5 balance your load, and 6.2.2.6 avoid rough water. 6.2.3 The responding procedures will include at least the following: 6.2.3.1 wearing PFDs/life jackets, 6.2.3.2 taking a head count, 6.2.3.3 staying with the craft when appropriate, 6.2.3.4 signaling for assistance, 6.2.3.5 using improvised floating aids, and 6.2.3.6 initiation of procedures to recover people in the water. 6.3 Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia Prevention 6.3.1 The course will describe the dangers of cold water immersion and hypothermia, including: 6.3.1.1 prevention and the physiological impact of cold water immersion, including: 6.3.1.1.1 information on the various stages which include: 6.3.1.1.1.1 initial reaction (involuntary gasp reflex), 6.3.1.1.1.2 short term immersion/swimming failure, 6.3.1.1.1.3 long term immersion/immersion hyperthermia, and 6.3.1.1.1.4 post-rescue collapse. 6.4 Fire Emergency Preparedness 6.4.1 The course will describe: 6.4.1.1 procedures to prevent and respond to boating fires such as: 6.4.1.1.1 proper use of fire extinguishers, and 6.4.1.1.2 basic knowledge of fire suppression principles. 9 P age
6.5 Running Aground Prevention and Response 6.5.1 The course will describe: 6.5.5.1 how to prevent, and 6.5.5.2 respond to running aground for recreational boats. 7.0 Other Water Activities 7.1 Personal Watercraft and other Jet Propelled Watercraft 7.1.1 The course will inform all boat operators [of personal watercraft] about: 7.1.1.1 safe boating practices, 7.1.1.2 operational characteristics, and 7.1.1.3 special accident risks unique to personal watercraft (PWC), such as: 7.1.1.3.1 PWC handling characteristics/stability; 7.1.1.3.2 off throttle steering; 7.1.1.3.3 stopping (including braking and reverse systems); 7.1.1.3.4 re-boarding a PWC; and 7.1.1.3.5 the use of a lanyard cut-off switch. 7.2 Water Skiing, Towed Devices and Wake Sports 7.2.1 The course will describe procedures to follow when: 7.2.1.1 pulling water skiers, 7.2.1.2 towing anyone behind a vessel, or 7.2.1.3 allowing anyone to participate in an activity using the wake of the vessel (wake boards, tubes, etc.). 7.3 Diving and Snorkeling 7.3.1 The course will describe: 7.3.1.1 how to recognize a diver down flag, and 7.3.1.2 the legal requirements for operating a boat in the vicinity of snorkeling or scuba diving activities. 7.4 Hunting & Fishing 7.4.1 The course will inform people who fish and hunt from boats that they: 7.4.1.1 are boaters, and 7.4.1.2 need to follow safe boating practices. 7.4.2 Information must be provided about accident risks unique to this group of recreational boaters. 7.5 Paddlesports and Small Boats 7.5.1 The course will describe that all boat operators, including paddlers and small boat operators, should be aware of their interactions around paddle boats, including the effect of motor boat wakes: 7.5.1.1 on paddle boats, 7.5.1.2 other smaller boats, and 10 P age
7.5.1.3 swimmers. 7.5.2 Additionally, the course should provide information about the unique considerations for paddle sport boats and safety procedures including: 7.5.2.1 being prepared to enter the water, 7.5.2.2 knowing how to swim, and 7.5.2.3 how to effect self rescues in rivers/currents and other moving water conditions (strainers, low head dams, unusual high water conditions); 7.5.2.4 how to load the boat properly, and 7.5.2.5 move around in the boat (e.g. keep the weight centered both from side to side and bow to stern). 11 P age