Scout Boats 222 Abaco, Owner'S Manual

Page: 11 / 116

11
OWNER’S / OPERATOR’S INFORMATION
Registration and Numbering
Federal law requires that all undocumented vessels equipped
with propulsion machinery be registered in the state of prin-
cipal use. A certificate of number will be issued upon regis-
tering the boat. These numbers must be displayed on your
boat. The owner/operator of a boat must carry a valid certifi-
cate 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 boat-
ing authority for numbering requirements. The Coast Guard
issues the certificate of number in Alaska; all others are is-
sued by the state.
Insurance
In most states the boat owner is legally responsible for dam-
ages or injuries he or someone else operating the boat causes.
Responsible boaters carry adequate liability and property dam-
age 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 au-
thority for the state in which the accident occurred. Immedi-
ate 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.
A "Boating Accident Report" form is located near the back
of this manual to assist you in reporting an accident. If you
need additional information regarding accident reporting,
please call the Boating Safety Hotline, 800-368-5647.
Education
If you are not an experienced boater, we recommend that the
boat operator and other people that normally accompanies
the operator, enroll in a boating safety course. Organizations
such as the U.S. Power Squadrons, United States Coast Guard
Auxiliary, State Boating Authorities and the American Red
Cross offer excellent boating educational programs. These
courses are worthwhile even for experienced boaters to
sharpen your skills or bring you up to date on current rules
and regulations. They can also help in providing local navi-
gational information when moving to a new boating area.
Contact your dealer, State Boating Authority or the Boating
Safety Hotline, 800-368-5647 for further information on boat-
ing safety courses.
Required Equipment
U.S. Coast Guard regulations require certain equipment on
each boat. The Coast Guard also sets minimum safety stan-
dards for vessels and associated equipment. To meet these
standards some of the equipment must be Coast Guard ap-
proved. “Coast Guard Approved Equipment” has been deter-
mined to be in compliance with USCG specifications and
regulations relating to performance, construction, or materi-
als. The equipment requirements vary according to the length,
type of boat, and the propulsion system. Some of the Coast
Guard equipment is described in the Safety Equipment chap-
ter of this manual. For a more detailed description, obtain
“Federal Requirements And Safety Tips For Recreational
Boats” by contacting the Boating Safety Hotline 800-368-
5647 or your local marine dealer or retailer.
Some state and local agencies impose similar equipment re-
quirements on waters that do not fall under Coast Guard ju-
risdiction. These agencies may also require additional equip-
ment that is not required by the Coast Guard. Your dealer or
local boating authority can provide you with additional in-
formation for the equipment requirements for your boating
area.