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1 How To Use This Manual 1. Review each chapter of this manual and, if available, the BOAT AMERICA video. Complete that chapter's exercise on pages 54-56. 2. Check your answers for the exercise on page 57. 3. Review the information you may have answered incorrectly. 4. Continue in this manner until all chapters have been covered. 5. Upon successful completion of the Certification Exam, you will receive your boater safety certification card. What's Included in This Course This manual presents a wide variety of information, including: ◆ General information concerning boats and maintenance ◆ Information to make your boating experience safer and more comfortable ◆ Tips on how to be a more courteous boat operator ◆ Laws and regulations to which you must adhere In general, this information applies to all vessels (powerboats, personal watercraft, and manually driven boats such as sailboats, canoes, etc.). However, in some places, information may apply specifically to personal watercraft. Where To Find Additional Information This manual is designed to be an introductory course to meet the boater education needs of recreational boaters. We encourage you to continue to learn more about boating safety. ◆ For more advanced information, the following publications may be useful: • U.S. Coast Guard's Navigation Rules • Chapman Piloting: Seamanship and Boat Handling by Elbert S. Maloney • The Annapolis Book of Seamanship by Mark Smith and John Rousmaniere ◆ For additional courses, contact the following organizations: • U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary • U.S. Power Squadrons • American Sailing Association • U.S. Sailing Association Stay up-to-date on new boating laws! Be sure to stay abreast of new boating laws and requirements. For state boating law information, contact the Nebraska Game and Parks Commission: • Call 1-402-471-0641 • Visit www.outdoornebraska.ne.gov/boating/ For federal boating laws, visit the U.S. Coast Guard's boating safety website at: • www.uscgboating.org Information in this manual does not replace what is specifically legal for boating in your state, which is found in state and federal laws. www www www www www www www www www www www www www wwwww www www www www www www www www www www www www www www www w w w www www www www www www www www www www www www www www www w w w w www w ww Chapter One Know Your Boat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 2-4 Chapter Two Before You Get Underway. . . . . Pages 5-9 Chapter Three Operating Your Boat ... Safely . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 10-24 Chapter Four The Legal Requirements of Boating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 25-38 Chapter Five Boating Emergencies ... What To Do. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 39-47 Chapter Six Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 48-53 Chapter Review Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . Pages 54-56 Answers to Chapter Review Exercises . . . . . . Page 57 Exam Answer Sheet . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 61 Required Equipment Checklist . . . Inside Back Cover Copyright © 2014 Boat Ed, www.boat-ed.com

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