WA Boating License condensed

Boat Terms
	Bow - front
	Stern - rear
	Port - left side when facing bow
	Starboard - right side when facing bow
	Transom - flat area along stern
	Gunwales - upper edges of sides of a boat
	Helm - steering mechanism

Registration Requirements
	Properly numbered
	Have a current state registration decal
	Registration, or "certificate of number", must be aboard
	Registration numbering must be on both sides of bow

	Federal documentation is an alternative to state documentation, may be required for international travel
	(recreationally, only for vessels that admeasure [by volume] 5 gross tons)
	In Washington, federally documented vessels must be registered with the state, but do not have to display state reg. #'s

	In Washington, sailboats over 16 ft. and any vessel with a motor over 10 hp (?) must be registered
	Certificates of reg. expire on June 30th yearly

	HIN is manufacturer's number located on upper right of transom

Chap 1
	capacity plate lists
		# of people,
		weight of people, fuel and gear
		maximum HP of motor

	Boats powered by outboards:
		maximum capacity of people in pounds,
		maximum weight capacity (persons, motor and gear) in pounds,
		maximum horsepower capacity.

	Boats powered by inboards and stern drives:
		maximum capacity of people in pounds and maximum weight capacity (persons and gear).
		(The Coast Guard Safe Powering Standard does not apply to inboards, stern drives, etc.)

	Manually propelled boats:
		the maximum capacity of people in pounds and maximum weight capacity (persons and gear).

	Formula for boats under 26 feet, or boats without a capacity plate:
		Boat Length (in feet) X Beam (in feet) / 15

	TYPES OF BOAT HULLS
		Planing: 		Rides on top of water - faster, but poor handling in rough water - may have 'v' shape to balance two attributes
		Displacement: 	Large displacement, efficient, upper limit on speed. Rounded bottom with a teardrop shape running bow to stern.

	Marine Sanitation Devices
		Illegal to discharge untreated sewage on inland waters or within 3mi of shore
		No Discharge Zone prohibts discharge of even treated waste; states have the authority to set NDZs for habitat and drinking water protection
		MSD's must be USCG certified and have a Y valve for directing to holding tank or drain out
		Gray water (dish, shower, etc) has no discharge restrictions in the US
		WA: illegal to discharge any untreated sewage

	Waste management
		Under federal laws, illegal to throw any waste overboard within 3 miles of shore
		For 3-12 miles, any waste except finely ground food
		Boats 26+ ft must have garbage/oil discharge placards, 40+ ft must have waste management plan

	Fishing
		Know the laws
		Have a license
		Know best practices

	Invasive species
		Clean, dry & drain boat before you leave the launch area
		Care about the environment and be smart

	Wildlife approach distances
		Sea turtles: 50 yards (150 feet)
		Dolphins, porpoises, & seals: 50 yards (150 feet)
		North Atlantic right whales: 500 yards (1500 feet)
		Other large whales: No intentional approach within 100 ft.
		Keep parallel course (do not approach head on/from behind) and limit viewing time to 30 minutes
		If animals approach a motoring boat, reduce speed/shift to neutral until animals have surfaced clear of vessel

Chap 2
	Lifejackets (PFDs)
		Different bouyancy requirements for each individual
		Inspect wear/tear, test in water, consider visibility
		One life jacket per person

	Lifejacket Types
		Type I: 22lbs bouyancy, will turn most face up, not available to public
		Type II: 15.5lbs bouyancy, will turn some face up
		Type III: 15.5 bouyancy, not designed to turn face up
		Type IV: Throwable w/ 16.5 lbs bouyancy for ring bouy, 18 for oat cushion.
		Type V: Automatic inflation. 22+ lbs bouyancy

	All children under 13 (12 in WA) required to wear a life jacket while under way
	Every person on a PWC or being towed must wear a life jacket
	Life jackets must be accessible to meet requirements

	Required Equipment
		One life jacket per person + a throwable (Type IV) by the helm
		Three unexpired flares
		# of fire extinguishers depending on vessel size
		A sound making device
		Running lights

	Gas powered engines on non-open boats require a mechanical ventilation system
	Recommended to use a bilge blower at least four minutes before starting the engine and after fueling
	Inboard gasoline engines must be equipped with a backfire flame control-or "flame arrestor".

Signals in Reduced Visibility:
		Power driven vessels underway: one long blast @ 2-min intervals
		Power driven vessels underway, but stopped: two long blasts @ 2-min intervals w/ 2-sec between
		Sailboats, vessels w/ nets or trawling, and vessels not under own power: one long, two short @ 2-min intervals
		Vessels at anchor: rapidly ringing bell for 5 seconds every minute at least,
				Under 40m: every two minutes at least
		Danger signal if a vessel is approaching: short, long, short in quick succession.

	CB (Civilian Band) Radio:
		Channels numbered 1-40, #9 reserved for emergencies

	VHF (Very High Frequency) Radio:
		Monitored by USCG and FCC
		#9  - Recreational contact
		#13 - Commercial Shipping
		#16 - Distress (monitored by USCG)
			If your radio is on while underway, you must be monitoring channel 16.
		#22 - USCG communications

	Distress Calls
		Mayday - Grave or imminent danager
		Panpan - Urget information
		Securite - Safety of Navigation, i.e. storm system, etc
		Include time and position with all distress calls
		Repeat periodically in the absence of a response

CH 3 - Trip Planning & Prep
	Seven ?'s
		Do you know your boat?
		Who will be aboard?
		Where are you going?
		What is your environment?
		What is your equipment?
		What can go wrong?
		What is your responsibility?

	Vehicle Hitches
		Class I		2k lbs
		Class II 	3.5k lbs
		Class III	5k lbs
		Class IV	10k lbs

CH 4 -
	"Boater's Hypnosis" is a type of fatigue resulting from extended exposure to the physical stressors of boating,
	and affects reflexes and reaction times as if drinking.

	Powerboat Maneuvering
		Give-way vessel must manuever to avoid the stand-on vessel
		Stand-on vessel must maintain course and speed unless it becomes apparent that the give-way vessel will not take action to avoid a collision

		Crossing
			If two power boats are crossing, the vessel with the other on her starboard side is the give-way vessel and must manuever to avoid a collision.
			The give-way vessel should pass behind the stand-on vessel.
				Recall:	vessels have a red light on the port side, and a green light starboard. Therefore, if you see a a red light crossing right-to-left, you are the give-way vessel and should manuever (to starboard) to avoid a collision (passing behind).
						"If you see a green light crossing from left-to-right, you must first determine the type of boat it is to identify the stand-on vessel." ???

		Meeting
			Case of seeing both red and green lights approach.
			Both vessels should give way (turning to starboard).

		Overtaking
			Approaching from rear (white light)

	Order of Deference (further on list -> give way)
		0. Vessel being overtaken
		1. Vessel not under command
		2. Vessel restricted in ability to manuever (size of vessel)
		3. Vessel constrained by draft (size of channel)
		4. Fishing vessels engaged in fishing (equipment deployed)
		5. Sailing vessels
		6. Power driven vessels

	Collision avoidance rules (apply regardless of ToD, visibility, etc)
		Maintain look-out & hearing at all times
		Proceed at safe speed at all times
		Take any action required to avoid collision

	Speeds should not cause damage or disturbance to persons or shorelines

	Other Crossing Rules & Signals
		If a power boat wishes to cross port-to-port, it should signal with a short blast and take the course when the same signal is returned.

	Channels
		Operate towards starboard side (i.e., drive on the right side of the road)
		WHen rounding a bend, give one prolonged blast as warning
		Give way to vessels that can only operate in the channel
		Downbound (downstream) vessels have priority when passing through bridges and other particularly narrow areas of (already narrow) channels, and should initiate manuervering signals between itself and any upbound vessels

	Sailing Vessels
		Whether following inland or international rules, power vessels must keep clear of sailing vessels in open water. A sailboat with its motor running is defined as a motor boat. The responsibility between sailing vessels is more complex. If two sailing vessels are approaching one another, avoid the risk of collision by following these sailing rules:

			When each has the wind on a different side, the vessel which has the wind on the port side shall keep out of the way of the other.
			When both have the wind on the same side, the vessel which is to windward shall keep out of the way of the vessel which is to leeward.
			If a vessel with the wind on the port side sees a vessel to windward and cannot determine with certainty whether the other vessel has the wind on the port or the starboard side, she shall keep out of the way of the other.

		In the rules listed above, the windward side will always be on the opposite side of the mainsail. On square-rigged vessels, the mainsail will be on the opposite side from the largest fore-and-aft sail.

	Aids to Navigation
		Red, Right, Returning - On navigable waters returning from sea, red/even-numbered marks are on starboard side, and green/odd-numbered marks are on port side.
								Numbers increase when traveling inland.
		Starboard buoys are called NUNs, portside buoys are called CANs.
		Portside beacons are rectangular (two-color w/ reflective border), starboard are triangular (same coloration).

		Dayboards - 		Diamond shaped, white light, corresponds to position on map and color to nearby lateral marks.
		Safe Water Marks -	Red/white, may have white light. Indicate safe water on all sides.
		Danger marks -		indicate you should not approach from any side. Black/red, may have lights/sound.
		Ranges - 			pairs of vertically striped boards that, when viewed in line, indicate the pilot to be on the centerline of a safe channel.
		Mooring bouys - 	White w/ blue stripe, only bouys you can legally tie your vessel to.
		Special marks -		Yellow, indicates special area such as fishing ground, spill, mil training site, etc. May have flashing yellow light.

	Regulatory marks
		White bouys with orange markers:
			Square/rectangular conveys instructions
			Circle indicates operating restriction, such as speed limit
			Open diamond signifies danger
			Diamond with a cross in it means exclusion zone - do not enter

	WA Shipping Lane Awareness
		USCG operates a Vessel Traffic Service (VTS) in the Puget Sound. Monitor channel 13 or 14/5A - channel 16 is not standard usage under VTS.
		Columbia River may have shipping traffic, but has no VTS.

	Equipment
		Ground tackle is the anchor, chain, line, connecting elements, etc.
		Rode is the anchor line, including chain. For every foot of water, you should have seven feet of rode. Also include height to bow above water.
		Recommended to have a length of three-strand nylong connecting to chain connecting to anchor.

	Anchoring
		Anchor from the bow, not stern
		Head into the wind/current, reduce speed, and reverse engine before lowering (now throwing) the anchor.
		Mooring balls are an easier alternative to anchoring

	Naval Protection Zones
		Do not approach within 100yds of Navy vessels unless unavoidable (contact vessel or USCG escort in this case)
		Operate at minimum speeds within 500yds of Navy vessels

	Report suspicious activity to 877-24WATCH.

CH 5 -
	Damage over $2000 or loss of vessel must be reported within 10 days (federal requirement).
	Death, disappearance or injuries requiring attention beyond first aid must be reported within 48 hours.
	Bar restrictions are broadcast by the USCG when put into place or lifted, as well as every 4 hours on 16 VHF (or more frequently if conditions change), and continually on 1610AM.

	Fire extinuishers
		Class A - combustible solids
		Class B - flammable liquids (inc. gas) and gases
		Class C - energized electrical equipment; potential to cause electrocution if water is used to fight them

		Dry chemical extinguishers operate by snuffing the fire at it's base, and are not effective if not aimed properly.
		Gaseous extinguishers reduce the oxygen content of the air, and are not effective except in closed spaces.

		Requirements
			Under 26' -	If there are enclosed compartments or permanently installed fuel tanks, at least one B-I extinuisher is required
			26-40' -	At least two B-I, or one B-II. An approved fire extinuisher system counts as one B-I.
			40-65' -	At least three B-I, or one B-I and one B-II. An approved fire extinuisher system counts as one B-I.

	Fight only when you have an exit and you can keep your back to it.
	Burning fibreglass is extremely hot and produces toxic smoke.
	Utilize communication equipment before you are forced off the boat.

	Hypothermia
		Dress for the water temperature, not the air temperature
		Clothes will preserve warmth but decrease swimming ability - wear a 'float coat' or a lifejacket
		Much heat is lost through the head - wear a hat

		If you fall in -
			If you are about to fall into water, cover your face to avoid 'torso reflex', wherein being suddenly immersed in cold water causes an involuntary gasp for air
			Conserve heat
			Avoid swimming

		HELP position -
			Cover head, neck, sides of chest, and groin (areas of greatest heat loss) to preserve warmth
			In a group, huddle together and link arms to share warmth

		Four stages of Cold Water Immersion -
			1.	Cold Shock - immediate gasp reflex, possibility of panic, hyperventilation, and increased heart rate.
				Lasts 3-5 minutes. Should concentrate on staying afloat w/ head above water.
			2.	Swimming Failure - in 3-30 minutes, muscle coordination is lost and the body tends to go more vertical, making forward movement difficult.
				This is why it is recommended to stay with the boat to await rescue.
			3.	Hypothermia - Core temperature drops dangerously low after 30 minutes. May fall unconscious after one hour.
			4.	Post Rescue Collapse - body reacts to the air and changed body position. Improperly re-warming a person may have many dangerous effects. Utilize proper medical attention.

		To rewarm a cold-immersed person in the absence of medical attention:
			Apply hot water bottles or heating pads to neck, armpits, groin, and head (hats are good too). Keep temp low enough to avoid burns.
			If these are unavilable, use your own body heat. Wrap yourself in a blanket with the victim and use as much body to body contact as possible.
			Do not apply heat to arms or legs. This will force cold blood back to the central body (heart/brains/lungs), potentially causing fatal 'after drop'.
			Do not massage the victim or give a hot bath. This may cause cardiac arrest.
			Do not give food or drink to unconscious victims.
			Conscious victims may have warm beverages. Sugar can be absorbed even when the stomach has shut down.

		Note that average water temp in the hottest areas of Washington is 70 degrees, 30 below body temperature.

CH 6 -
	Any person being towed must wear a PFD.
	Must have an observer with a 12x12" orange flag on a pole at least 24".
	May not tow a water skier (or similar device) from one hour after sunset to one hour before sunrise.
	Vessels engaged in diving activity & restricted in their ability to maneuver must hoist a blue&white alpha flat at least 3.3' high and visible in all directions (in fed/international waters). At night, it must be illuminated.
	A diver's down flag (red with a diagonal white stripe) may be used in the presence of a submerged diver - /alongside/ the alpha flag.
	Vessels not engaged in diving ops should stay at least 200' from either flag.
	"Teak surfing" aka "platform dragging" is prohibited because it kills people.

	PWC's must have a fire extinguisher and signaling device.

	Hand signals
		Turn the boat:		Circle motion with hand over head, then point in desired direction
		Ok/understood:		"Ok" hand
		Speed up:			Thumbs up
		Slow down:			Thumbs down
		Return to dock:		Pat head
		Cut motor/stop:		Slashing motion over neck
		Ok after falling:	Hands clasped overhead

	Canals and Locks
		Hail on VHF 16/14/13 (local chart will have proper channel marked for instructions), or three long blasts if you don't have VHF
		Follow the lock-master's instructions on VHF or light signals:
		Flashing green	means enter the lock (alternatively, horn blasts)
		Flashing red 	means do not enter
		Green and amber means proceed with caution
		Amber 			means proceed under full control
		If there is a main & auxillary lock, one long horn blast (from L-M) means enter main (land side) lock,
		while two long horn blasts means enter auxiliary (river side) lock
		When leaving, the same signals apply, except they are short blasts