We believe that every person who takes control of a boat, regardless of the size of the vessel, has a personal responsibility to become educated and trained in the proper operation of that boat. Boating is a fun, exciting recreational activity. Letís work together to ensure that you, your family and those sharing the water with you have an enjoyable experience.

Operating Rules: You are legally responsible for the safety of those on your boat, any damage your boat causes to other boats and property, and all others injured by any damage you cause. Just like driving a car, if you don't know and obey the rules, the fact that you didn't know them is not a valid defense. Boat operators are expected to make sure that their boats carry at least a minimum of safety equipment and comply with federal and state regulations.

Boating Regulations

• U.S.Coast Guard Office of Boating Saftety
• State Regulations
  • State Boating Laws
  • California Habors and Navigation Codes
• Federal Regulations
  • Federal Laws
  • A Recreational Boater's guide to Federal Requirement
  • Registration
  • The NAVRULES Online - The Inland Navigation Rules.

Equipment

• Required Equipment
• Navigation Light Requirements
• Personal Flotation Device (PFDs)
• VHF Marine Radio

Safety - Regardless of how many years you've been boating, safety must be your first concern. If your vessel loses power or suffers a casualty, there are several ways to obtain assistance. The Coast Guard and most county sheriffs are the primary search and rescue agencies in the Delta. However, the quickest remedy may be seeking the aid of a passing boat. Flares, smoke, blinking lights or waving arms have helped many. A marine radio equipped to handle Coast Guard frequencies will insure that assistance is on its way.

• First Aid
• Facts On Personal Watercraft
• Boarding and Loading your Boat
• Docking
• Float Plan
• Water Skiing As a team, the boat operator, skier, and observer need to learn safe skiing skills. Before your team hits the water, know your equipment, teamwork, boating laws, and the fundamentals of the sport.

Hazards, such as shoals, mud flats, submerged pilings, floating and submerged debris, and overhanging snags offer many navigational problems. Shallow areas are shown on nautical charts. Submerged ledges, parallel to levee banks, trap or ground snags. If you plan to beach your boat, do so at right angles to the shore. Always cruise away from shore and shallow areas.

Safety Hints and Links

• Personal Watercraft Safety
• NOAA Marine Chart Division
• Marine Signal Flags
• Knots
• NEXRAD Weather Radar for a graphical look at the weather, or
• Interactive Weather from the National Weather Service (NOAA)
• Weather Charts including the Coast Guard offshore weather FAX charts.