1&2 Introduction
Educational Objectives
3 The Boat
Terminology
Boat Types
Measuring Length
Hull designs
Types of hulls
Propulsion
Carbon Monoxide
Capacity Plate
Engine Systems
Checklist
Review Quiz - 3
4 Legal Requirements
Who May Operate
Registration and Numbering
Hull ID Number
Required Equipment
Personal Flotation Devices
Navigation Lights
Fire Extinguishers
Ventilation
Backfire Flame Arrestor
Sound Producing Device
Visual Distress Signals
Pollution Regulations
MSDs
No Discharge Zones
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Recommended Equipment
Review Quiz- 4
5 Preparation
Vessel Check List
Trailering
Environmental Conditions
Leeway
Tide and Current
Local Hazards
Float Plan
Preventive Maintenance
Fueling
Review Quiz-5
6 Operations
Operator responsibility
Homeland Security
BUI
Navigation Rules
Definitions
Proper Lookout
Seamanship
Sound Signals
Rules of the Road
Meeting & Crossing
Commercial Vessels
Restricted Visibility
Aids to Navigation
Review Quiz-6
7 Getting Underway
Line Handling
Docking/Undocking
Maneuvering Underway
Anchoring
Water Sports
Hunting and Fishing
Swimming
Diving and Snorkling
Paddle Sports
Skiing and Towing
Personal Watercraft
Review Quiz-7
8 Accidents
Fatal Vs Non-fatal
Accident Reports
Crew Overboard
Assistance from Shore
Hypothermia
Fires on Board
First Aid
Rendering Assistance
Running Aground
Review Quiz-8
9 Special Items
Vessel Repairs
Locks
Dams
Security
Sailing
Review Quiz-9
State Requirements
Final Exam

Ventilation

All vessels built after April 25, 1940 and which use gasoline for electrical generation, mechanical power or propulsion are required to be equipped with a ventilation system. The ventilation system may be either natural or powered:

A natural ventilation system consists of at least two ventilator ducts, fitted with cowls or their equivalent:

A minimum of one exhaust duct installed so as to extend from the open atmosphere to the lower portion of the bilge; and

A minimum of one intake duct installed so as to extend to a point at least midway to the bilge or at least below the level of the carburetor air intake.

A powered ventilation system consists of one or more exhaust blowers. Each intake duct for an exhaust blower should be in the lower one-third of the compartment and above the normal accumulation of bilge water.

NOTE: Boats built after July 31, 1980, which contain power exhaust blowers in gasoline engine compartments must have the following warning sticker near the instrument panel:

Backfire Flame Arrestor

Internal combustion engines can backfire. In order to prevent flames from the backfire causing a fire onboard, an approved Backfire Flame Arrestor must be attached to the air intake with a flame tight connection. Flame arrestors must be in good and serviceable condition and approved by the USCG, Underwriters Laboratories (UL 1111) or the Society of Automotive Engineers Standard (SAE - J-1928). All motorboats have this requirement except outboards and diesels.

It is very important to insure that your Flame Arrestor is clean and undamaged. If there is a hole in the grid, or oil or gasoline in the grid, or if it is not properly attached, it will not work correctly. To clean the flame arrestor, remove it and wash the heat dissipation grid with soap and water. Let dry thoroughly and reinstall. Make sure that the arrestor has a flame-tight connection.

You, the owner of the boat, are responsible for keeping your boat's ventilation systems in operating condition. Make sure openings are free of obstructions, ducts are not blocked or torn, blowers are operating properly and worn out parts are replaced with equivalent marine type equipment.

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