New Hampshire 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 or Ski Craft
• 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
  • New Hampshire's Spar Buoys
• Weather Emergencies
• Other Boating Emergencies
  • Falling Overboard
  • Capsizing or Swamping
  • Hypothermia
  • Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

Boating Basics: Specifically for PWCs and Ski Craft

• Steering and Stopping a PWC or Ski Craft
• Ignition Safety Switches
• PWC and Ski Craft Courtesy and Environmental Considerations

It's the Law!

It's the Law: Before Going Out

• Registering Your Vessel
• Where to Register
• Other Facts About Registration
• Personal Watercraft Access Decal
• Hull Identification Number
• Who May Operate a Vessel
• Marine Events
• Enforcement

It's the Law: Required Equipment

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

It's the Law: On The Water

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

It's the Law: Specifically For Ski Craft

• Requirements Specific to Ski Craft
• Sharing Your Ski Craft or PWC

It's the Law: Specifically for Boaters Who Tow

• Requirements for Towing Skiers
• Hand Signals for Skiers

New Hampshire Information

• Aquatic Nuisance Species
• New Hampshire Public Access Sites
• Vessel Pump-Outs and Dump Stations
• Overnight Anchoring and Mooring Permits
• Rafting in New Hampshire
• Sunrise & Sunset Times
• Required Equipment Checklist
• Department of Safety, Marine Patrol
• PDF Version of this Handbook (prints well)