Carver 46 VOYAGER, Owner'S Manual

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B
OATING
S
AFETY
4627 9/02
S
ECTION
1
Carver also recommends that you read Chapman’s Piloting, Seamanship
and Small Boat Handling for further information on how to handle your
boat in various situations.
1.5.2 Rules of the Road
Navigating a boat responsibly requires you to comply with a set of rules
intended to prevent accidents. Just as you assume other car drivers know
what they are doing, other boaters assume you know what you are doing.
As a responsible boater, you must comply with the marine traffic rules
enforced by the U.S. Coast Guard. There are two sets of rules: the United
States Inland Navigational Rules and the International Rules. The United
States Inland Rules apply to all vessels inside the demarcation lines sepa-
rating inland and international waters. The U.S. Coast Guard lists the
traffic regulations in its publication “Navigational Rules, International-
Inland . ” You can get a copy from your local U.S. Coast Guard Unit or the
United States Coast Guard Headquarters, 1300 E Street NW, Washington,
D.C. 20226.
Other helpful publications available from the U.S. Coast Guard include
“Aids to Navigation” (U.S. Coast Guard pamphlet #123), which explains
the significance of various lights and buoys; the “Boating Safety Training
Manual” and “Federal Requirements For Recreational Boats.” Check
with your local U.S. Coast Guard station, your Carver Dealer, or a local
marina about navigational aids unique to your area.
1.5.3 Documentation
The owner of a boat registered with the U.S. Coast Guard is issued a Cer-
tificate of Number. This certificate must be onboard whenever the boat is in
use. State registration is also required. If your boat has a VHF radio
onboard, an FCC license must also be displayed. Check with the U.S. Coast
Guard or your state regulatory agency to determine what other records are
required on your boat.
In addition to required documents, it is strongly recommended that you
maintain the following logs. Log books are available from maritime supply
stores.
• A navigation log containing engine speeds, compass courses and time
records, which are essential for both cruising and maintenance pur-
poses.
• A radio log, which is mandatory on vessels required to have a radio. A
radio log can be useful to record unusual events, especially for future
litigation.