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: Indiana's Legal Requirements of Boating
Topic 1: Your Boat's Identification
Which Boats Require Registration?
Certificate of Registration
Displaying the Registration Number and Excise Tax Decals
Other Facts About Titling and Registering Your Boat
Boat Excise Tax
Hull Identification Numbers
Topic 2: Who May Operate
Operator Age and Education Requirements
Topic 3: Unlawful Operation
Reckless Operation
Illegal Speeds or Distances
Video: The Danny Hampson Story
Unsafe Conditions
Topic 4: Alcohol and Drugs
Video: Alcohol Can Be Deadly
Boating While Intoxicated
Blood Alcohol Concentration
Penalties for Boating While Intoxicated
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
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 Arrestors
How Ventilation Systems Work
Ventilation System Requirements
Mufflers
Topic 9: Navigation Lights
Overview of Navigation Lights Law
Required Lights: Power-Driven Vessels Less Than 15 Horsepower
Required Lights: Power-Driven Vessels 15 Horsepower or Greater
Required Lights: Unpowered Vessels More Than 22 Feet in Length
Required Lights: Unpowered Vessels 22 Feet in Length or Less
Topic 10: Waters of Concurrent Jurisdiction
Which Waters Have Concurrent Jurisdiction?
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 Flags
VHF Radio
Marine Events
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
Skiing or Tubing on the Ohio River
Topic 15: Waste, Oil, and Trash Disposal
Overview of Pollutant Disposal Laws
Discharge of Sewage and Waste
Discharge of Trash
Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
Discharge of Oil Placard
Waste Management Plan
Topic 16: Protect the Environment
Aquatic Nuisance Species
Stop the Spread of Nuisance Species
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
Boat and PWC operators may encounter physical structures such as dams, locks, and bridges. You need to be extra cautious in these situations.
Dams pose dangers both above and below the dams.
The low-head dam is the most dangerous type of dam and has been named the “drowning machine.” They may not be easily spotted because the top of a low-head dam can be several feet below the water’s surface. Because of their small size and drop, low-head dams do not appear to be dangerous. However, water going over a low-head dam creates a strong recirculating current or backroller (sometimes referred to as the “boil”) at the base of the dam. Even on small rivers, the force of the backroller can trap your boat against the face of the dam and pull you under the water—even while wearing your personal flotation device (PFD). Be aware that on large rivers or during high water, the backroller or boil may be located more than 100 feet downstream of the dam. Avoid low-head dams.
Low-head dams pose a serious danger to vessel operators. Surface currents below low-head dams can suck vessels toward the face of the dam. Currents above low-head dams can sweep vessels over the dam. The recirculating currents and turbulent waters below these dams can swamp vessels and drown boaters.
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