2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook - (Page 19)

EQUIPMENT Whistle or Horn On boats less than 12 meters (39 ft.) in length, a mouth whistle may be used. All mechanically propelled boats 12 meters (39 ft.) and greater in length must carry a sound producing mechanical appliance. Whether your boat has a horn or a whistle, it must be audible to at least one-half mile. If your boat came with a horn, test it regularly. Over time, oxidation build-up inside the horn can diminish the sound level. Consider keeping a portable air horn on your boat, as well as the mechanical horn or mouth whistle. The air horn provides a back-up in case the mechanical horn fails to work properly. And, if your boat is small and carries a whistle, the air horn may be a better option in some circumstances. For example, on a crowded lake the air horn will be easier to hear and in foggy conditions, repeatedly sounding the mouth whistle may leave you out of breath! Bell be attached to the air intake, usually on top of the carburetor. The device must be US Coast Guard approved. A backfire flame arrestor may look like an air filter but this is not its primary function. The operating principle of the flame arrestor is to cool and quench the flame, by forcing it between closely spaced metal vanes or screens. This cools the flame so it will not exit the carburetor. Check your arrestor periodically to ensure that it fits snugly against the air intake. The arrestor should be removed and cleaned each season with de-greaser or soap and water to ensure that air flows into the engine properly. A damaged flame arrestor should be replaced, not repaired. All boats 12 meters (39 ft.) and greater in length must have a bell. The bell signals the location of the anchored or grounded boat to others during periods of reduced visibility. Anchor & Line All motorized boats must carry an anchor and line of sufficient weight and strength to provide the boat with safe anchorage. Though the law applies only to motorized craft, Sound Signaling Devices All mechanically propelled boats must carry some sort of sound signaling device. Keep in mind that it may be fun to toot at your friends on the water, but remember that your boat horn or whistle is an important piece of safety equipment. Navigation rules require boats to produce sound signals, toots of the whistle or horn, in certain circumstances. You must sound your horn or whistle when meeting, crossing and/or overtaking another boat, in times of danger (not distress), and during periods of restricted visibility. 19 all boats should carry an anchor in case of an emergency on the water. Select an anchor that is appropriate for the types of waters in which you’ll be operating. An anchor that will hold a boat in a lake may not hold the same boat in a river with a strong current. We will talk more about anchoring later. 

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of 2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook
Contents
Introduction
Boats and Motors
Registration of Boats
Equipment
Fueling and Ventilation
Safe Loading and Powering
Preparation for Getting Underway
The Marine Environment
Rules of the Road
Boat Operations
Seamanship
Navigation
Personal Watercraft
Boating Related Activities
Accidents and Emergencies
Frequently Asked Questions
Chapter Review Questions Answers

2013 New York Safe Boating Textbook

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