3.7
dle Speed, No Skiing, or 5 MpH” may appear on the marker. An orange diamond
means danger. If the diamond has an orange cross inside it, don’t enter the area. The
reason you should stay out, such as “Swim Area,” may be printed in black on the
marker.
Informational markers are white signs with orange borders. They give information
such as direction, distance, and location.
Lateral markers in the USWMS system are either numbered red or black buoys. Black
buoys may have green reflectors or lights. They are the equivalent of green buoys in the
IALA-B system. Red buoys may have red reflectors or lights. They are the same as red
buoys in the IALA-B system. Red and black buoys are usually found in pairs – pass
between them.
A Special Sign
In Florida, you may see a special sign: “Caution, Manatee Area.” When you see this
sign, slow down to idle speed. Manatees, an endangered species, are passive, large,
slow-moving mammals. Many manatees are seriously injured or killed each year by
boat propellers.
Noise
Always be aware of local laws on noise limits. Noise means engine noise, radio
noise, or even yelling by people on your boat. Good seamanship demands that you
operate your boat quietly so as not to infringe on the rights of others.
RECOMMENDED READING
We recommend that you read the boating literature published by your state boating
agency and the U.S. Coast Guard. Other suggested reading includes the following:
Damford, Don.
Anchoring
. (ISBN 0-915160-64-1). Seven Seas.
United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.
Boating Skills and Seamanship
. LC74-164688.
(illus.). (ISBN 0-930028-00-7). U.S. Coast Guard.
Bottomley, Tom.
Boatman’s Handbook
, (illus.). 316 p. (ISBN 0-688-03925-1, Hearst
Marine Book). Morrow.
Whiting, John and Bottomley,
Tom. Chapman’s Log and Owner’s Manual.
192 p.
(ISBN 0-87851-801-0); (ISBN 0-686-96737-2). Hearst Marine Book.
Chapman, Charles F. and Maloney, E.S.
Chapman’s Piloting, Seamanship and Small
Boat Handling
. (illus.) 62 p. (ISBN 0-87851-814-2, pub. by Hearst Bks.); deluxe ed.
(ISBN 0-87851-815-0). Morrow
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