Malibu Boats Response Owner's Manual

Malibu Boats Response Owner's Manual Manual pdf 19 page image

1-3RegulationsThe U.S. Coast Guard is the governing authority of the waterways and is there to help theboating public. State boating regulations are enforced by local authorities. You are subjectto marine traffic laws and “Rules of the Road” for both federal and state waterways; youmust stop if signaled to do so by enforcement officers and permit to be boarded, if asked.ResponsibilitiesRegistrationFederal Law requires that all motorboats be registered and that all motorcraft notdocumented by the U.S. Coast Guard display registration numbers. In nearly all states,this means registration with the designated state agency. In a few jurisdictions, the CoastGuard retains registration authority. Your Malibu dealer will either supply registrationforms or tell you where they may be obtained. The agency will supply you with acertificate which must be carried with you when the boat is in operation.EducationIf you have never owned a boat before, you can get an excellent introduction to boathandling from organizations such as the U.S. Coast Guard and American Red Cross.Even if you are a veteran boater, these courses will help sharpen your boating skills aswell as bring you up to date on current rules and regulations. See your local boatingagency or Malibu dealer for information on classes in your area.InsuranceThe boat owner is legally responsible for damages or injuries he or she causes. Commonsense dictates that you carry adequate personal liability and property damage insuranceon your boat, just as you would on your automobile. You should also protect yourinvestment from physical damage or theft.Restricted AreasBefore boating, check with Local, State and Federal authorities to identify restrictedareas. Because of the threat of terrorism, the U.S. Coast Guard has and will continue toimplement strict limits on watercraft near U.S. Navy and Coast Guard ships and otherpotential targets.Our EnvironmentAs a boater, you already appreciate nature’s beauty and the peace of the great outdoors. Itis a boater’s responsibility to protect the natural environment by keeping waterwaysclean. DO NOT put anything in the water you would not want to eat or drink!Conserve Fishery ResourcesThere is a tremendous drain on our fishery resources. Over-fishing and pollution havestrained the fish population. Do your part by keeping only what you will eat by practicingcatch-and-release.