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Unit 3: Navigation + Safe Operation (Topic 1 (Non-Lateral Markers…

- - - - good for most boats
    - - lighterweight and good for most boats
    - - for canoes, rowboats, small sailboats, or inflatable boats only
        
        very weak holding power
- - - - mark edge of channel on port or left side as you enter open sea or head upstream.
    - - mark edge of channel on right side as you enter open sea or head upstream
    - - Called junction buoys
      - indicate preferred and primary channel when a channel splits.
        
        green on top=preferred channel to right
        
        red on top= preferred channel to the left
  - - - cylindrical shaped
      - always marked green and odd #'s
      - mark left side when entering from open sea or heading upstream
    - - cone shaped
      - red with even numbering
      - mark right side when entering from open sea or heading upstream
  - - - use shapes, colors, and numbers as well as have a matching colored light
    - - permanently place markers
      - red triangles- nuns and green squares=cans
  - - - in a clockwise direction starting from New Jersey and heading to Brownsville, Texas, these rules apply.
        
        Any marker displaying a yellow triangle should be passed by keeping it on the starboard (right) side of the boat.
        Any marker displaying a yellow square should be passed by keeping it on the port (left) side of the boat.
  - - - also give directions, distances, and other non regulatory info
  - - - red and white vertical stripes
        
        unobstructed water on all sides. pass either side
    - - white with blue horizontal band
        
        usually in marinas and other anchoring areas
        
        only buoy legally allowed to tie up to
    - - white with black vertical stripes
        
        do not pass between these buoys and the nearest shore
- - - - Sometimes called a boil
  - - - Have powerhouses or spillways (or both)
      - Can be dangerous both below and above dam
    - - Areas are usually off limits
- - - - Read and understand the owner's manual.
        Take time to review the video most PWC manufacturers provide.
        Inspect your PWC periodically, and perform necessary maintenance to keep it in good operating condition.
        Be aware of all local, state, and federal laws that apply to PWCs.
        Do not forget that in addition to obeying all boating laws, the PWC operator must adhere to laws specific to personal watercraft.
    - - must have power to steer and maintain control
      - allow plenty of room for stopping
      - just cause you released throttle or shut off engine doesnt mean you immediately stop
    - - Because a PWC is very maneuverable it is possible to get into trouble fast. Here are some important things to do when operating a PWC.
        Do not ride too closely behind another PWC. If it turns sharply or if it stalls, you could collide with it; if the other rider falls off, you could run over him or her.
        Always look behind you over both shoulders before making turns; another vessel may be too close behind you.
        Be aware of all traffic in your boating area; don't focus just on the short distance ahead.
        Always remember that operating a PWC has the same responsibilities as operating any other vessel.
    - - PWC operators need to beware of passing too closely behind another vessel. The vessel will block your view of oncoming vessels, as well as the oncoming vessel's view of the PWC.
  - - - dont follow too closely
    - - 30 in deep water minimum
      - avoid causing erosion
      - dont dock in reeds and grasses
      - take extra care fueling in or near water
      - never use pwc to disturb chase or harass wildlife
- - - - To avoid jet stream injuries:
        Connect the ignition safety switch lanyard to the operator’s wrist or PFD. If the operator ends up in the water, shutting off the engine stops the jet stream.
        Wear a wetsuit or other protective clothing that will keep the jet stream from entering your body cavities.
        This is recommended for both the operator and any passengers.
        Passengers could fall off the PWC into the path of the jet stream before the operator can stop the engine.
    - - Turn off the engine when passengers are boarding or disembarking. Propellers should not be spinning when a passenger is in a vulnerable situation.
      - Prevent passengers from being thrown overboard accidentally.
        
        Never start a boat with the engine in gear.
        
        Never ride on a seat back, gunwale, transom, or bow.
        
        Make sure all passengers are seated properly before getting underway. Some operators cause injuries by putting the engine in gear while people are still swimming or diving from the boat.
        
        Assign a responsible adult to watch any children in the boat and sound the alarm if a child falls overboard.
      - Maintain a proper lookout for people in the water. The primary cause of propeller strike accidents is operator inattention or carelessness.
        
        Slow down when approaching congested areas and anchorages. In congested areas, always be alert for swimmers and divers.
        
        Learn to recognize warning buoys that mark swimming and other hazardous areas.
        
        Keep the boat away from marked swimming and diving areas. Become familiar with the red flag with a white diagonal stripe and the blue-and-white “Alfa” flag—both signal that divers are down.
      - A PFD does more than keep you afloat to prevent you from drowning. It also can help a boater spot you more easily
    - - Guards:Devices that provide some type of physical barrier around the propeller. These include deflection devices, full cages, ring guards, ringed props, and "Kort Nozzles."
      - Propulsion: Devices other than a propeller such as jet drives and pump jets.
      - Interlocks: Devices that automatically turn off the engine or sound an alarm. For example, a ladder interlock stops the engine or triggers an alarm when passengers use the ladder to enter or leave the water.
      - Sensors: Wireless sensors or other devices worn by boaters that shut off the boat's engine or trigger an alarm if the wearer falls overboard.
  - - - The boat continues to travel in a circle and returns to strike the victim in the water, inflicting massive propeller wounds—thus the term "circle of death."
- - - - A lanyard connects the safety switch to the operator's wrist or PFD. When the lanyard is pulled from the switch, the engine shuts off.
        If a PWC has an ignition safety switch, most states require the operator to attach the lanyard. However, even if attaching the lanyard is not required by law, many lives could be saved by doing so. If your powerboat or PWC does not have an ignition safety switch, you should have one installed.
        Your PWC may have a self-circling feature. If the operator is thrown from the PWC, the engine idles while the PWC slowly circles so that the operator can reboard. Be sure the idle speed is set correctly.