Albemarle 288 EXPRESS FISHERMAN, Owner'S Manual

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288 OBXF
Registration and Numbering
Federal law requires that all undocumented vessels equipped
with propulsion machinery be registered in the State of
principal use. A certificate of number will be issued upon
registering the boat. These numbers must be displayed on
your boat. The owner/operator of a boat must carry a valid
certificate of number whenever the boat is in use. When
moved to a new State of principal use, the certificate is valid
for 60 days.
In order to be valid, the numbers must be installed to the
proper specifications. Check with your dealer or state boating
authority for numbering requirements. The Coast Guard
issues the certificate of number in Alaska; all others are issued
by the state.
Insurance
In most States the boat owner is legally responsible for
damages or injuries he or someone else operating the boat
causes. Responsible boaters carry adequate liability and
property damage insurance for their boat. You should also
protect the boat against physical damage and theft. Some
States have laws requiring minimum insurance coverage.
Contact your dealer or State boating authority for information
on the insurance requirements in your boating area.
Reporting Boating accidents
All boating accidents must be reported by the operator or owner
of the boat to the proper marine law enforcement authority
for the state in which the accident occurred. Immediate
notification is required if a person dies or disappears as a
result of a recreational boating accident.
If a person dies or there are injuries requiring more than first
aid, a formal report must be filed within 48 hours.
A formal report must be made within 10 days for accidents
involving more than $500.00 damage or the complete loss of
a boat.
A Boating Accident Report form is located near the back of
this manual to assist you in reporting an accident. If you need
additional information regarding accident reporting, please
call the Boating Safety Hotline, 800-368-5647.
Education
If you are not an experienced boater, we recommend that
the boat operator and other people that normally accompanies
the operator, enroll in a boating safety course. Organizations
such as the U.S. Power Squadrons, United States Coast Guard
Auxiliary, State Boating Authorities and the American Red
Cross offer excellent boating educational programs. These
courses are worthwhile even for experienced boaters to
sharpen your skills or bring you up to date on current rules
and regulations. They can also help in providing local
navigational information when moving to a new boating area.
Contact your dealer, State Boating Authority or the Boating
Safety Hotline, 800-368-5647 for further information on
boating safety courses.
Required Equipment
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain equipment
on each boat. The Coast Guard also sets minimum safety
standards for vessels and associated equipment. To meet
these standards some of the equipment must be Coast Guard
approved. “Coast Guard Approved Equipment” has been
determined to be in compliance with USCG specifications
and regulations relating to performance, construction, or
materials. The equipment requirements vary according to the
length, type of boat, and the propulsion system. Some of the
Coast Guard equipment is described in the Safety Equipment
chapter of this manual. For a more detailed description, obtain
“Federal Requirements And Safety Tips For Recreational
Boats” by contacting the Boating Safety Hotline 800-368-
5647 or your local marine dealer or retailer.
Some state and local agencies impose similar equipment
requirements on waters that do not fall under Coast Guard
jurisdiction. These agencies may also require additional
equipment that is not required by the Coast Guard. Your dealer
or local boating authority can provide you with additional
information for the equipment requirements for your boating
area.
OWNER’S / OPERATOR’S INFORMATION