Regal 42 Fly-Grande Coupe, Owner'S Manual

Page: 30 / 386

10
Chapter 2
According to both Inland and
International Rules, all boats
must carry a way of producing
an effi cient sound signal. If your
vessel is 12 meters (39’ 4”) or
longer, a power whistle or power
horn and bell must be carried.
Bell mouth must be at least 7 7/8”
diameter.
Th
e sound signal made in all cases must be capable of a
four or six second blast audible for one half mile. See the
section discussing bridge and whistle signals for more
information.
RADIO COMMUNICATIONS
VHF radios are used for distress and ship to shore and
ship to ship communications today. Learn the specialized
messages such as Mayday, Mayday, Mayday. It is only used
when life or vessel is in imminent danger.
Many of the more recent VHF’s feature DSC capability
which off ers the ability to place and receive digital calls
directly with vessels and shore stations including USA
and Canadian Coast Guards. Channel 70 is reserved
exlusively for DSC calls. Refer to the VHF owner’s
information since you need to establish a Mobile
Maritime Safety Identity (MMSI) number before using
the DSC feature. A MMSI number identifi es each DSC
radio, like a telephone number. Th
e FCC requires a ship
station license for all vessels equipped with a marine
VHF radio.
NAVIGATION LIGHTS
The U. S. Coast Guard requires recreational boats
operating at night to display navigation lights between
sunset and sunrise along with other periods of reduced
visibility.
Navigation lights help avoid collisions by improving the
night visibility of vessels. Red and green directional lights,
white stern lights, white masthead lights and white all-
around lights must be displayed in specifi ed positions,
depending on boat size, and mode of operation.
Th e confi guration of visible lights tells an operator the
size, direction of travel and means of propulsion (sail,
power, rowing or at anchor) of another vessel.
Th
is helps both operators determine who has the right of
way. Larger boats are required to carry bigger, brighter
lights that are visible over longer distances. See the light
requirement chart for pleasure craft .
MARINE SANITATION
DEVICES
Recreational vessels under 65’ with installed toilet
facilities must have an operable marine sanitation device
(MSD) on board. Vessels 65’ and under may use Type
I, II, or III MSD’s. All installed MSD’s must be U.S.
Coast Guard certifi ed. Th
e MSD’s are labeled to show
conformity to the regulations.
SOUND PRODUCING DEVICES
NAVIGATION RULES
Th e navigation rules establish actions to be taken by
vessels to avoid collision. Th ey are divided into Inland/
International. Operators of vessels 39.4’ or more shall
have on board and maintain a copy of the Inland
navigation rules.