Carver 46 VOYAGER, Owner'S Manual

Page: 34 / 180

B
OATING
S
AFETY
4627 9/02
S
ECTION
1
1.5.8 Boating Regulations
It is your responsibility to make sure that your boat is in compliance with
all federal, state and local regulations. Check with your local U.S. Coast
Guard office for relevant federal regulations. Your state’s Department of
Natural Resources may have some publications available which deal with
relevant state laws.
1.5.8.1 Garbage
Dumping garbage into the sea is a worldwide problem. U.S. Coast Guard
regulations prohibit dumping plastic refuse and garbage mixed with plastic
into any waters, and restrict the dumping of other forms of garbage. It is
essential that all boaters help to clean our waterways by properly disposing
of all garbage.
Within three miles of the shore of U.S. lakes, rivers and bays it is illegal to
dump plastic, dunnage, lining and packing materials that float, and any
garbage except dishwater/greywater or fresh fish parts. From three to
twelve miles from shore it is illegal to dump plastic, dunnage, lining and
packing materials that float, and any garbage not ground to less than one
square inch. From 12 to 25 miles from shore it is illegal to dump plastic,
dunnage, lining and packing materials that float. Beyond 25 miles from
shore it is illegal to dump plastics.
1.5.8.2 Oil
The Federal Water Pollution Control Act prohibits the discharge of oil or
oily waste into or upon the navigable waters and contiguous zone of the
United States if such discharge causes a film or sheen upon, or discoloration
of, the surface of the water, or causes a sludge or emulsion beneath the
surface of the water. Violators are subject to a significant fine.
1.5.8.3 Septic Waste
On U.S. inland and coastal waters, it is illegal to discharge septic waste
directly overboard. If your boat is equipped with an overboard discharge
option, check with your local U.S. Coast Guard office to be sure that you are
in compliance with federal regulations.
1.5.8.4 State and Local Ordinances
Your state or locality may have laws limiting speed, noise, or your boat’s
wake. Check with your harbor master to find out whether your boat’s opera-
tion is restricted in any way by local ordinances or state laws. Check with
state and local authorities to make sure that you are in compliance with
local regulations regarding marine sanitation, noise, speed and wake.