Arizona Boating Handbook Table of Contents

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• Arizona Game and Fish Department

Boating Basics

Boating Basics: Before Going Out

• Vessel Length Classes
• Vessel Capacity
• Fueling a Vessel
• Additional Safety Procedures for PWCs
• Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Preventing Theft
• Filing a Float Plan
• Pre-Departure Checklist
• Sample Float Plan
• Trailering Your Vessel Safely

Boating Basics: On the Water

• Encountering Other Vessels
• Navigation Rules
• Nighttime Navigation
• U.S. Aids to Navigation System (ATON)
• Lateral Markers
• Non-Lateral Markers
• Weather Emergencies
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
• Other Boating Emergencies

Boating Basics: Specifically for PWCs

• Steering and Stopping a PWC
• Ignition Safety Switches
• Reboarding a Capsized PWC
• PWC Courtesy
• Environmental Considerations
• Other PWC Considerations

It's the Law!

It's The Law: Before Going Out

• Registering Your Vessel
• Where to Register
• Where to Renew
• Proof of Ownership Required to Register
• Other Facts about Vessel Registration
• Vessel Registration Fees
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Marine Events
• Enforcement

It's The Law: Required Equipment

• Life Jackets (Personal Flotation Devices or PFDs)
• Navigation Lights
• Fire Extinguishers
• Ventilation Systems
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Mufflers and Noise Level Limits
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Sound Signals
• Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)

It's The Law: On The Water

• Unlawful and Dangerous Operation
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Obstructing Navigation
• Accidents and Casualties
• Diver-Down Flags
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances
• Discharge of Waste
• Discharge of Trash

It's the Law: Specifically for PWC Operators

• Requirements Specific to PWCs
• Sharing Your PWC...Safely!

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Towing Skiers
• Avoiding Propeller Strike Injuries
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Good to Know

• Control Aquatic Pests
• Vessel and Engine Restrictions
• Arizona Boater's Directory
• Required Equipment Checklist
• Arizona Boating Handbook PDF Version (prints well)

New Boating Laws

Call the Arizona Game and Fish Department at 602-942-3000 or visit the Arizona Game and Fish Department website.

Information in this booklet does not replace what is specifically legal for boating in Arizona, which is found in the Arizona Revised Statutes, Arizona Game and Fish Commission Rules, and federal laws.