3
achieve it. So, if you have an issue, please do not take it personal. We didn’t single you
out nor are we trying to hurt you in any way. Just let us know and, when applicable, give
us a reasonable opportunity to correct it.
Studying and continuing to refer to this manual and all instructions for your boat and any
third party products associated with your boat.
Being familiar and complying with all local and national regulations applicable to the
transportation and operation of the boat.
Examining your boat and confirming that all systems are working properly at the time of
delivery and prior to each use.
Scheduling regular maintenance for your boat and associated third party products.
Completing a boater safety course approved by the Florida Fish and Wildlife
Commission
and
currently
found
at:
http://www.myfwc.com/boating/safety-
education/courses/
(“Safety Course”).
Complying with the U.S. Coast Guard’s most current Navigation Rules
(
https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/pdf/navrules/navrules.pdf
)
and
Navigation
Aids
(
http://uscg.mil/d13/docs/usaidstonavigationsystembooklet23dec03.pdf).
The contents and requirements of the Safety Course and Navigation Aids are incorporated into
and are a part of this Manual.
Registration and Numbering
US 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. If you need additional information regarding accident
reporting, please call the Boating Safety Hotline, 800-368-5647.
Safety Standards
To meet required standards some of the safety equipment on your boat 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