Nautical Know How
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Boating Safety Certification Course

Table of Contents

Chapter Section Topics Covered
I. Introduction and Educational Objectives
II. How to Get Your Certification
III. The Boat 1. Terminology
2. Boat Types
3. How to measure length
4. Hull designs and uses
5. Types of hulls
6. Propulsion Requirements
7. Boat Capacity Plate
8. Engine Systems
9. Semi-Annual Safety Checklist

Review Quiz-3

  • Displacement Vessels
  • Planing Vessels
  • Flat, Vee, round and multi-hulls
  • Outboard, Inboard, I/O, Jet Drive
  • Safe Loading Formulas
  • Cooling & Electrical
  • Oil and Filters
IV. Legal Requirements 1. Registration and numbering
2. Required Equipment

3. Recommended Equipment

Review Quiz-4

  • Proper display of boat numbers
  • Hull Identification Number
  • Personal Flotation Devices
  • Navigation Lights
  • Fire Extinguishers
  • Ventilation
  • Backfire Flame Arrestor
  • Sound Signaling Device
  • Visual Distress Signals
  • Pollution Regulations (MSDs)
  • Oil Pollution Placard
V. Preparation 1. Vessel Check List
2. Trailering
3. Awareness of environmental     conditions
4. Float Plan
5. Preventive Maintenance
6. Fueling

Review Quiz-5

  • Pre-departure Check List
  • Trailer Capacity
  • Safe Towing, Launching, Retrieval
  • Weather
  • Leeway
  • Tide and Current
  • Engine/General Maintenance Systems
  • Fueling Precautions
VI. Operations 1. Operator responsibility

2. Navigation Rules

3. Aides to Navigation

Review Quiz-6

  • Alcohol and controlled substances
  • Sound Signals
  • Meeting, Overtaking & Crossing Situations
  • Restricted Visibility
  • Federal IALA-B system
  • State Waterway System
  • Buoys and waterway markers
  • Intracoastal Waterway System
  • Regulatory Markers
VII. Getting Underway 1. Line Handling and Marlinespike
2. Docking/Undocking Plan
3. Maneuvering Underway
4. Anchoring
5. Water Sports
6. Personal Watercraft

Review Quiz-7

  • Cleat Hitch
  • Bowline
  • Square Knot (reef knot)
  • Round turn and two half hitches
  • Clove Hitch
  • Hunting and Fishing
  • Swimming, Diving
  • Boardsailing, Water Skiing
  • Pollution
VIII. Accidents 1. Fatal Vs Non-fatal
2. Accident Reports
3. Crew Overboard
4. Assistance from shore
5. Hypothermia
6. Fires on Board
7. First Aid
8. Rendering Assistance

Review Quiz-8

  • Capsizing
  • Overloading
  • Improper weight distribution
  • In water survival
  • Rescue Breathing
  • CPR
  • Shock, Bleeding
  • Burns, Broken Bones
IX. Special Items 1. Vessel Emergency Repairs
2. Locks
3. Dams
4. Security
5. Sailing

Review Quiz-9

X. State Specific Requirements
If your state is not listed below, use State Specific Requirements


XI. Boating Basics Glossary of Terms

Final Exam - Required for Certification

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