Indiana Boating Handbook Table of Contents

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• Boater Education

Boating Basics

Boating Basics: Before Going Out

• Vessel Length Classes
• Vessel Capacity
• Fueling a Vessel
• Fuel Selector Switch on a PWC
• Preventing Theft
• Filing a Float Plan
• Pre-Departure Checklist
• Sample Float Plan

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

Boating Basics: Specifically for PWCs

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

It's the Law!

It's The Law: Before Going Out

• Registering Your Boat or PWC
• Boat Excise Tax
• Fees Related to Registering a Boat or PWC
• Titling Your Boat or PWC
• Display of Number and Decals
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Marine Events
• Fishing Tournaments
• Diver-Down Flags
• Enforcement

It's The Law: Required Equipment

• Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)
• Fire Extinguishers
• Backfire Flame Arrestors
• Ventilation Systems
• Mufflers
• Navigation Lights
• Sound-Producing Devices
• Visual Distress Signals (VDSs)

It's The Law: On The Water

• Unlawful Operation
• Obstructing Navigation
• Homeland Security Restrictions
• Alcohol and Drugs
• Accidents and Casualties
• Discharge of Trash
• Discharge of Sewage and Waste
• Discharge of Oil and Other Hazardous Substances

It's the Law: Specifically for PWCs

• Requirements Specific to PWCs

It's the Law: Specifically for Skiing

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Water-Skiing/Tubing on the Ohio River
• Hand Signals for Skiers

Good to Know

• Lake & River Enhancement Program
• Indiana Boat Sewage Pump-Out Locations
• Boating Checklist
• Life Jacket (PFD) Loaner Program
• Indiana Department of Natural Resources
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)