1 SAFETY INFORMATION
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that recognize non-proctored, NASBLA-approved courses.
ACCIDENT
REPORTING
Boat operators are required by law to file a Boating Accident Report with their state
boating law enforcement agency if their boat is involved in any of the following
accidents:
1. There is loss of life or probable loss of life.
2. The is personal injury which requires medical attention beyond first aid.
3. There is damage to boats or other property which exceeds $500.00.
4. There is complete loss of a boat.
Contact local law enforcement personnel if a report is necessary.
Reading Buoys and Other Markers
The waters of the United States are
marked for safe navigation by the later-
al system of buoyage. Simply put,
buoys and markers have an arrange-
ment of shapes, colors, numbers and
lights to show which side of the buoy a
boater should pass on when navigating
in a particular direction. The markings
on these buoys are oriented from the
perspective of being entered from sea-
ward (the boater is going towards the
harbor). Red buoys are passed on your
starboard (right) side when proceeding
from open water into port, and black
buoys are to your port (left) side. An
easy way to remember the meaning of
the colors is the phrase “red right
returning.” When navigating out of the
harbor, your position with respect to the
buoys should be reversed; red buoys
should be to port and black buoys to
starboard.
Many bodies of water used by boaters
are entirely within the boundaries of a
particular state. The Uniform State
Waterway Marking System has been
devised for these waters.
This system uses buoys and signs with
distinctive shapes and colors to show
regulatory or advisory information.
These markers are white with black let-
ters and orange borders. They signify
speed zones, restricted areas, danger
areas, and general information.
Remember, markings may vary by geo-
graphic location. Always consult local
boating authorities before riding your
boat in unfamiliar waters.
TO GET MORE BOATING
SAFETY INFORMATION
Be informed about boating safety.
Additional publications and information
can be obtained from many organiza-
tions, including the following.
United States Coast Guard
Consumer Affairs Staff (G-BC)
Office of Boating, Public, and
Consumer Affairs
US Coast Guard Headquarters
Washington, D.C. 20593-0001
Boating Safety Hotline:
1-800-368-5647
Other Sources:
You can find local rules by contacting
the National Association of State
Boating Law Administrators, or your
local Power Squadron.
BOAT EDUCATION AND TRAIN-
ING
The Online Boating Safety Course,
available through the watercraft section
of the yamaha-motor.com website, is a
free, 50-question learning course avail-
able to the public. Upon successful
completion of 80 percent or better, the
user can request a certificate of com-
pletion by mail or can download one
immediately. The Online Boating
Safety Course, provided by the
Boat/US Foundation, is approved by
the National Association of State
Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
and recognized by the United States
Coast Guard. This course meets the
education requirement for those states
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