4 short blasts are the letter H is morse. On the River Clyde in Scotland a local bye law allows it to be signalled by a vessel going astern from a berth, generally a paddle steamer, indicating that it is going astern, it has difficulty in manoeuvring and warning other vessels to keep clear.

That is a Scuba diver flag, meaning "diver down."

Generally, those 16 years old and younger must, by law, wear a PFD.

There are other laws that vary from state to state that regulate the number and use of PFD's, so you should refer to the published boating regulations for your state.

Louisiana : All boaters or passengers under 16 years of age must be wearing their PFD while onboard a vessel that is 26 feet or less in length while the vessel is underway. (changed from 12 years old)

register the pwc

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission and the US Coast Guard on navigable rivers.

Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries

Any powered vessel must give way to a boat under sail power. The main reason is maneuverability as the sail boat cannot reverse its sails in order to stop. Since the sailboat is dependent entirely on the wind for power it simply just cannot go in any direction like a powered craft can.

Red marks the Port or left side. (Green is Starboard or the right-hand side.)

Port

Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the US Coast Guard on navigable rivers.

The length of anchor line is called "Scope" by mariners. The scope of your anchor line should be 5 to 7 times the depth of water that you're anchored in. It should never be less than 3 times the depth. In other words if you usually anchor where the water is 20 feet deep you should have a MINIMUM of 100 feet of line.

In most states it is the Department of Public Safety, State Police. Some states have departments dedicated to boating, some are attached to environmental departments. And the US Coast Guard always has jurisdiction in coastal waters and navigable rivers.

Keep it on your left when heading upstream

Anything that looks reckless, like swerving at the last minute to avoid a collision, driving faster than is allowed, not being careful of swimmers and other vessels, etc.

As the last resort

The Oregon State Marine Board contracts with 32 county Sheriff's Offices and the Oregon State Police to enforce boating laws and help patrol Oregon's waterways. The Marine Board provides state-of-the-art, hands-on training for marine law enforcement and provides equipment, gear, and funding for patrol boats.

You don't have to - it's not a legal requirement. However - from a safety aspect - it's certainly recommended !

1. Observe the navigational guidelines.

2. Pay heed to the signs that direct you.

3. Keep a close eye on everything and designate one person as the "lookout."

4. Maintain a safe speed, especially at night and in congested traffic.

5. Before making any turn, take a thorough look around.

Texas Parks and Wildlife is responsible for regulating Texas boating and water safety laws. The following vessels must be owned and registered in Texas. Sailing vessels 14 feet or more in length or sailing vessels with auxiliary engines.

1999

The symbol on a regulatory marker indicates rocks or other underwater hazard is an Orange Diamond.