Animation: When You See a Red, a Green, and a White Light
When You See a Red and a Green Light But No White Light
Animation: When You See a Red and a Green Light But No White Light
When You See Only a Green Light or Only a Red Light
Animation: When You See Only a Green Light
Animation: When You See Only a Red Light
Video: Navigating at Night
Towing Lights on Commercial Vessels
Topic 6: Sound Signals
Sound Signals Used for Encountering Situations
Examples of Sound Signals Used for Encountering Situations
Sound Signals Used to Alert or Warn
Topic 7: Summary
What You've Learned
Video: Unit 2 Review
Unit 3: Navigation and Safe Operation
Topic 1: U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
Traffic Signals of the Waterways
Video: Navigating the Waterways
Lateral Markers: Colors and Numbers
Lateral Markers: Shapes
Lateral Markers: Other Kinds of Buoys and Markers
Lateral Markers: "Red Right Returning"
Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
Western Rivers System
Non-Lateral Markers
Common Non-Lateral Markers
Other Non-Lateral Markers
Animation: Waterway With Buoys and Markers
Topic 2: Anchoring
Choosing the Right Anchor
Preparing Your Anchor
Anchoring Your Boat
Allowing for "Swing Room" When Anchoring
Retrieving an Anchor
Animation: Anchoring Review
Video: Anchoring Your Boat
Topic 3: Dams, Locks, and Bridges
Low-Head Dams
Animation: Dangers of Low-Head Dams
Large-Structure Dams
Locks
Traffic Signal Lights at Locks
What Boaters Should Do When Using Locks
Animation: Locks Review
Passing Under Bridges
Topic 4: Changing Water Levels
Dangers of Fluctuating Water Levels
Tides on Coastal Waters
Topic 5: Compasses and Charts
Steering Compasses
Nautical Charts
Topic 6: Personal Watercraft
Video: Personal Watercraft: Preparing to Ride
Before You Go Out on Your PWC
Steering and Stopping a PWC
What Happens When You Release the Throttle
Video: Steering and Stopping a PWC
PWC Safety: Stay Aware of Traffic
Video: PWC Safety—Stay Aware of Traffic
PWC Safety: Be Aware of Blind Spots
PWC Safety Practices
Inspecting Your PWC
Reboarding a Capsized PWC
PWC Courtesy: Limit Your Noise
PWC Courtesy: Keep Your Distance
Video: Personal Watercraft: On the Water
Environmental Considerations for a PWC
Video: PWC Review
Topic 7: Engine Cut-Off Switches
How an Engine Cut-Off Switch Works
Use of Engine Cut-Off Switches Helps Prevent Injuries
Topic 8: Avoiding Jet Stream and Propeller Strike Injuries
Avoid Jet Stream Injuries
The Most Gruesome of Boating Accidents
How to Prevent Propeller Strikes
Devices That Reduce Propeller Strikes
The "Circle of Death"
Animation: The "Circle of Death"
Topic 9: Summary
What You've Learned
Video: Unit 3 Review
Unit 4: Florida’s Legal Requirements of Boating
Topic 1: Your Boat's Identification
Which Boats Require Registration?
Certificate of Registration
Displaying the Registration Number and Validation Decal
Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Boat
Hull Identification Numbers
Topic 2: Who May Operate
Operator Age and Education Requirements
Who Must Carry the Boating Safety Education ID Card
Topic 3: Unlawful Operation
Reckless or Careless Operation
Improper Speed
Video: The Danny Hampson Story
Exceeding Maximum Loading or Horsepower
Boating Regulatory Zones
Critical Wildlife Areas
Manatee Travel Corridors
Topic 4: Alcohol and Drugs
Video: Alcohol Can Be Deadly
Boating Under the Influence
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Penalties for Boating Under the Influence
Penalties for Underage Boating Under the Influence
Topic 5: Staying Clear of Other Boats
Obstructing Navigation
Homeland Security Restrictions
Video: Homeland Security
America's Waterway Watch
Topic 6: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
Overview of PFD Law
Specific PFD Requirements
Inflatable Life Jackets
Federal Life Jacket Requirements for Children
New PFD Label
Type I PFDs: Wearable Offshore Life Jackets
Type II PFDs: Wearable Near-Shore Vests
Type III PFDs: Wearable Flotation Aids
Type IV PFDs: Throwable Devices (Not Wearable)
Type V PFDs: Special-Use Devices
Video: Wearing Life Jackets
Topic 7: Fire Extinguishers
Types of Fire Extinguishers
Requirements to Carry Fire Extinguishers
Number and Type of Required Fire Extinguishers
Keeping Fire Extinguishers Readily Accessible and in Good and Serviceable Condition
Fire Extinguisher Charge Indicators
Topic 8: Other Engine Requirements
Backfire Flame Control Devices
How Ventilation Systems Work
Ventilation System Requirements
Mufflers
Topic 9: Navigation Lights
Overview of Navigation Lights Law
Required Lights: Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet When Underway
Required Lights: Unpowered Vessels Less Than 65.6 Feet When Underway
Required Lights: Unpowered Vessels Less Than 23 Feet When Underway
Required Lights: All Vessels When Not Underway
Topic 10: Federally Controlled Waters
Which Waters Are Federally Controlled?
Topic 11: Signaling and Sound Devices
Requirements to Carry Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)
Pyrotechnic VDSs
Non-Pyrotechnic VDSs
Combinations of VDSs That Meet Requirements
Requirements to Have Sound-Producing Devices
Common Sound Signals
Topic 12: Additional Regulations and Safety Considerations
Diver-Down Warning Device
Trailers
Marine Events
Local Regulations
Human-Powered Vessels Operating in the Florida Intracoastal Waterway (ICW)
Liveries (Boat/PWC Rental Facilities)
Courtesy Equipment Inspection
Topic 13: Personal Watercraft
Requirements Specific to PWC
Operating a PWC
Topic 14: Skiing and Tubing
Requirements to Tow a Person With a Vessel
Towing a Person With a Vessel
Topic 15: Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal
Overview of Pollutant Disposal Laws
Florida’s Clean Boater Program
Discharge of Sewage and Waste
Florida’s Clean Marina Program
Discharge of Trash
Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
Discharge of Oil Placard
Waste Management Plan
Topic 16: Protect the Environment
Protect Florida's Manatees
Protect Florida's Seagrasses
Protect Florida's Waterways From Invasive Aquatic Plants
Video: Aquatic Invasive Species
Topic 17: Boating Accidents and Casualties
What You Must Do if Involved in an Accident
Reporting an Accident
Topic 18: Enforcement and Penalties
Who Enforces Boating Laws?
Topic 19: Summary
What You've Learned
Video: Unit 4 Review
Unit 5: Boating Emergencies
Topic 1: Risk Management
Prepare for and Prevent Accidents
Practice Risk Management
Typical Boating Fatalities
Increased Risk Due to Boating Stressors
Increased Risk Due to Dehydration
Minimize Risk by Avoiding Alcohol
Understand Alcohol Impairment
Video: Avoid Alcohol
Minimize Risk by Wearing PFDs
Keep PFDs Readily Accessible
Have PFDs of the Proper Size
Maintain PFDs in Good Condition
Consider Inflatable PFDs
Topic 2: Rescue Techniques
Reach, Throw, Row, or Go
Animation: Reach, Throw, Row, or Go
Topic 3: Capsizing, Swamping, or Falling Overboard
Ending Up in the Water Unexpectedly
Preventing Capsizing, Swamping, or Falling Overboard
If You Capsize, Swamp, or Fall Overboard
If Your Boat Sinks or Floats Away
If a Passenger Falls Overboard
Preventing Falls Overboard From Small Boats
Topic 4: Avoiding Collisions
Preventing a Collision
Video: Avoiding Accidents
Topic 5: Dealing With Fire Emergencies
Preventing a Fire
If a Fire Erupts on Your Boat
How to Use a Fire Extinguisher
Topic 6: Running Aground
Preventing Running Aground
If Your Boat Runs Aground
Topic 7: Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia
Cold Water Immersion Kills
Stages 1 and 2 of Cold Water Immersion
Stages 3 and 4 of Cold Water Immersion
Preparing for Possible Cold Water Immersion
Surviving Cold Water Immersion
Protecting Against Rapid Heat Loss
The HELP and Huddle Positions
Treating a Victim of Cold Water Immersion
Video: Preparing for Emergencies
Topic 8: Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
What Is Carbon Monoxide Poisoning?
Preventing CO Poisoning Before You Go Boating
Preventing CO Poisoning While Boating
CO Poisoning: Boat Exhaust
CO Poisoning: Teak Surfing
CO Poisoning: Other Situations
Topic 9: Personal Injuries
How to Respond to Injuries
A First-Aid Kit
Topic 10: Weather Emergencies
Changes in the Weather
How to Avoid Severe Weather
Severe Weather: Prepare Your Boat and Passengers
Severe Weather: Go to Shore or Ride it Out?
Weather Warning Display Signals
Topic 11: Summoning Help
What You Need on Board to Summon Help
Using a VHF Marine Radio
Issuing a MAYDAY Call
VHF Marine Radio Channels
Topic 12: Summary
What You've Learned
Video: Unit 5 Review
Unit 6: Enjoying Water Sports
Topic 1: Responsibilities of a Boat Operator
Sharing the Fun of Your Boat
Responsibility to Your Passengers
Pre-Departure Checklist
Video: Preparing to Ride
Responsibility to Others Operating Your Boat
Responsibility to Others Operating Your PWC
Responsibility to Environment: Keep Waterways Clean
Responsibility to Environment: Practice the Three Rs
Responsibility to Environment: Protect and Preserve
Responsibility to Environment: Avoid Toxic Products
Common Ways Boaters Harm the Environment
Responsibility to Others Using the Waterways
Topic 2: Small Boats and Paddlecraft (Canoes, Kayaks, and Rafts)
Paddlers Are at Risk
Preparing for Paddling
Safety While Paddling
River Hazards
If You Capsize While Paddling
Topic 3: Water-Skiing and Tubing
Before Towing a Skier
When Starting to Tow a Skier
While Towing a Skier
What a Skier Should Do
Hand Signals for Skiers
Animation: The "Pendulum Effect"
Topic 4: Scuba Diving and Snorkeling
Boaters and Divers Need to Be Cautious
Topic 5: Windsurfing and Sailing
Safety While Windsurfing
Safety While Sailing
Sailing Safety Tips
Topic 6: Fishing and Hunting
Anglers Who Use Boats to Fish
Boating in the Vicinity of Anglers
Hunters Who Use Boats to Hunt
Safety Tips for Anglers and Hunters
Topic 7: Summary
What You've Learned
Video: Unit 6 Review
View Course Outline
On Florida waterways, there are signs restricting boat speed. Florida regulates boat speeds in certain areas either for protection of manatees or for boating safety purposes. It is important that boat operators look for signs, understand what they mean, and abide by the speed regulations. Here are the most common signs.
“Idle Speed, No Wake” Zone: A designated area where vessels must be operated at a speed no greater than that which is necessary to maintain steerage and headway. The vessel should not produce a wake at this speed.
“Slow Speed, Minimum Wake” Zone: Areas where vessels must be fully off plane and completely settled in the water. Any wake created by a vessel in one of these zones must be minimal (very small). If your vessel is traveling with the bow even slightly elevated while in one of these zones, it is not proceeding at “Slow Speed” as required by law.
Maximum 25 MPH, 30 MPH, and 35 MPH Speed Zones: Controlled areas within which a vessel must not exceed posted speed.
Vessel Exclusion Area: An area marked with a vertical diamond shape with a cross in the center that indicates all vessels or certain classes of vessels are excluded from the area.
Temporary zones are areas established for certain vessels in accordance with the “Move Over Law.” If a vessel approaches an emergency vessel—such as one belonging to the FWC, a local marine unit, or the USCG—with its lights activated, that vessel must operate at slow speed, with a minimum wake, within 300 feet of the emergency vessel. In addition, temporary zones are established for construction vessels that display an orange flag. A vessel must operate at slow speed, with a minimum wake, within 300 feet of a construction vessel engaged in construction and displaying a construction flag.
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