Copyright 2012—State Of Alaska, Department Of Natural .
Seventh Edition2012
Copyright 2012—State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources,Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, Office of Boating Safety LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES AND FAMILIESAlthough this media is not a NASBLA-approved boating course, it is recognized by NASBLA to benefit boating safety.The Alaska Boating Safety Program cooperates with the U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary,and other partners to produce educational programs and publications that promote safe and enjoyableboating, including this 2012 edition of the Alaska Boater’s Handbook.
Photo Courtesy of Mike Folkerts, U.S. Coast Guard Office of Boating SafetySpecial thank you to the contributors of photos for this publication:Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Alaska Marine Safety Education, MikeFolkerts, Noreen Folkerts, D.L. Gustafson, Ashley Massey, Mustang Survival,Steve Neel, Megan Piersma, Kelli Toth, Raincoast Conservation Foundation,United States Fish and Wildlife
DEPARTMENT OF NATURAL RESOURCESDIVISION OF PARKS AND OUTDOOR RECREATIONOffice of Boating SafetySEAN PARNELL, Governor550 W. 7th AVENUE, SUITE 1380ANCHORAGE, ALASKA 99501-3561PHONE: (907) 269-8706FAX: (907) 269-8907Dear Alaskan Boater,Alaska offers a wide array of boating activities on its vast system ofwaterways. The types of water and vessels used are as varied as thepeople who use them. For many, Alaska is a boater’s paradise, but theusers of its waterways know that circumstances can change quicklyand accidents can and do happen. The Alaska Boater’s Handbook isintended to inform boaters on points to consider before departure, whatto do when underway and how to handle emergencies on the water sothat everyone can have a safe and memorable adventure on the water.Long time Alaskans as well as the newest visitor can benefit from theinformation found in the pages of this handbook. Education, preparationand preparedness can help reduce fatalities when boating in our greatstate. Please familiarize yourself with the information the handbookprovides and consider taking a boating safety course to stay up to dateon legal requirements, new innovations such as inflatable life jackets andthe latest information on topics such as cold water immersion.In addition to this handbook, the Alaska Office of Boating Safety providesother resources for boaters that can be obtained by calling (907) 2698706 or visiting the website www.alaskaboatingsafety.org. You can alsosearch for the Alaska Boating Safety Program on Facebook and “like” toreceive information about our latest activities and programs.Many great adventures await the well prepared and adventurous boater.From all of us at the Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation, we wishyou a safe and memorable adventure on the water. For the sake of youand your loved ones, please follow safe boating practices when on thewater including filing a float plan, avoiding alcohol, and most importantlyalways wear a life jacket.Sincerely,Ben EllisDirector, Divison of Parks and Outdoor Recreation
CONTENTSTable of ContentsPREPARATION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1Attitude . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Knowledge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2Skill . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3Judgment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3State Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6Life Jacket Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7Types of Personal Flotation Devices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8Visual Distress Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10Sound Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Ventilation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11Backfire Flame Arrestors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Navigation Lights and Shapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15How to Register . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Registration Fees . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Notification Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .17Display of Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17Display of Validation Decals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Hull Identification Number (HIN) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18OTHER BOATING LAWS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Prohibited Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Owner’s Civil Liability. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19Alcohol and Boating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Littering and Pollution Laws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Boating Accidents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20Accident Reporting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20MARINE LAW ENFORCEMENT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLIST . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22Signals/Communication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Fire Extinguishers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23Fuel and Oil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Hull . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23Bilge/Engine Compartments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24Main and Auxiliary Engines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24Electrical/Electronics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25Ground Tackle and Dock Lines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
CONTENTSOther Items . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26Documents and Placards . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Reference Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Float Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27Passenger Briefing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29PREVENTIVE MAINTENANCE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29WEATHER AND TIDES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .30FUELING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31BOAT CAPACITY, LOADING AND STABILITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31BOAT TRAILERING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32Launching . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .34Retrieving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36THEFT PREVENTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36UNDERWAY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38ENVIRONMENTAL ETHICS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38Aquatic Invasive Species. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39U.S. AIDS TO NAVIGATION SYSTEM. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40Information and Regulatory Markers and Mooring Buoys . . . . .40Lateral Aids (Channel Markers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41NAVIGATION RULES—STEERING AND SAILING . . . . . . . . . . . . 42Responsibility (Rule 2) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42General Definitions [Selected] (Rule 3) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Proper Look Out (Rule 5) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43Safe Speed (Rule 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44Risk of Collision (Rule 7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Action to Avoid Collision (Rule 8) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Narrow Channels (Rule 9) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44Overtaking (Rule 13) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .45Head-On Situation (Rule 14) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45Crossing Situation (Rule 15) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Action by Give-way Vessel (Rule 16) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Action by Stand-on Vessel (Rule 17) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46Responsibilities between Vessels (Rule 18) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46Conduct of Vessels in Restricted Visibility (Rule 19) . . . . . . . . 47Rendering Assistance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47COMMUNICATIONS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Marine VHF Radios . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48Cellular Telephones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48HOMELAND SECURITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49POWERBOATING TIPS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50General . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50Handling Rough Open Water . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
CONTENTSAnchoring. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52River Boating . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53Personal Watercraft (PWC). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55Guidelines for PWC Operation: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55PADDLE SPORTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Safe Paddling Tips. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56Safe Paddler’s Checklist. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Canoeing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58Swift Water Paddling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .59Coastal Kayaking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60OTHER WATER ACTIVITIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Water Skiing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60Diving . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61Hunting and Fishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62EMERGENCIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63SURVIVING COLD WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63The Effects of Cold Water Immersion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63Causes of Cold Water Immersion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Prepare for Cold Water Immersion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .64Surviving Cold Water Immersion, the 1-10-1 Principle . . . . . . .65Person Overboard Response . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68Treating Immersion Hypothermia. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69Cold Water Near-Drowning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69CARBON MONOXIDE POISONING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69FIRE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71TAKING ON WATER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71RUNNING AGROUND . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .72MECHANICAL BREAKDOWN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 73SHORE SURVIVAL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75Distress Signals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .75Emergency Radio Procedures. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .76Emergency Cellular Procedures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77Single Side Band (SSB). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .78Distress Radio Beacons . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78Digital Selective Calling . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 78Other Sources of Assistance: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .79CONTACTS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .80Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
INTRODUCTIONFrom powerboating and kayaking our coastal waters to air boating, jetboating, rafting, drift boating and canoeing our interior rivers and lakes,Alaska’s boating opportunities are unsurpassed. However, Alaska alsohas one of the highest boating fatality rates in the nation. Statisticsshow us that the majority of those who died while boating in Alaska: PREPARATIONPREPARATIONMore Alaskans die in recreational boating accidents thandie commercial fishing9 of 10 involve boats under 26 feet in length3 of 4 are powerboats9 of 10 are adult males5 of 6 involve capsizing or a fall overboard, resulting in acold water immersion related drowning.Because nearly all boating-related mishaps involve operatorcontrollable risk factors, most are both predictable and preventable. Allboating entails some risk and safe and enjoyable boating depends oneffective risk management. The best skippers and paddlers know theymust be able to anticipate, recognize and assess risks, avoid or controlwhat they can, and minimize the effects of those they can’t. The abilityAlaska Boater’s Handbook—20121
PREPARATIONto do this hinges on the four cornerstones of safe, enjoyable boating:proper attitude, knowledge, skill and unimpaired judgment. These are thekeys to safe and enjoyable boating experiences.AttitudeSafe, enjoyable boating begins with the proper attitude. According toBoatUS, most accidents occur in good weather. Alaska’s waterways area dynamic, ever changing environment. Complacency, over-confidence,carelessness or “amusement park” mentalities are serious liabilities ona boat. Never underestimate the powerof Alaska’s cold water. When boating inAlaska, avoid a day trip ”attitude.”KnowledgeNationwide, eight out of ten boatingfatalities involve boat operators whohad not taken a single boating course.The Alaska Office of Boating Safetyhighly recommends that all boaters takeboating courses relevant to their type ofboating and then continue to refresh andJoe McCullough teaches an Alaska Water Wise coursebuild on their knowledge over time.Power boaters should look for courses approved by the NationalAssociation of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). Completinga NASBLA-approved boating safety course fulfills the mandatory boatingeducation requirements of many states and may qualify boaters fordiscounts on their boat insurance. For more information on NASBLA, visitwww.nasbla.org.The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, a civilian component of the U.S. CoastGuard, conducts NASBLA-approved boating classes in Alaska. Visit theirwebsite at http://a170.uscgaux.info/The Alaska Boating Safety Program offers the NASBLAapproved Alaska Water Wise course and trains, certifies andsupports a statewide network of registered boating safety instructors whoteach a variety of boating education programs in their communities. Formore information, please contact the Alaska Office of Boating Safety at(907) 269-8704 or www.alaskaboatingsafety.org.Marine safety instructor training and educational courses are alsoavailable through the Alaska Marine Safety Education Association(AMSEA). For more information, contact the Alaska Marine SafetyEducation Association at (907) 747-3287 or www.amsea.org.2Alaska Boater’s Handbook—2012
PREPARATIONPaddlers should look for courses specific to their sports, such asthose sponsored by the American Canoe Association and AmericanWhitewater. There are also several Alaska paddling organizations.Courses that incorporate hands-on instruction are recommended.American Canoe Association: www.americancanoe.orgAmerican Whitewater: www.americanwhitewater.orgKnik Canoers and Kayakers: www.kck.orgFairbanks Paddlers: www.fairbankspaddlers.orgAlaska Sea Kayak Symposium: www.aksks.orgSkillAll boaters should have the skill to operate their boat under a variety ofconditions and deal with a variety of problems. Beginning boaters mayhave enough skill to operate a boat under ideal conditions, but eventssuch as deteriorating weather or mechanical breakdown can suddenlyoccur, requiring a much higher level of skill than the boater possesses.Skills are developed with instruction, practice and experience. It’simportant for boaters to recognize their skill level and avoid operating inconditions that could potentially exceed their abilities.JudgmentSound judgment, unimpaired by alcohol, drugs or fatigue, is a boater’smost important tool. Boaters often have a choice of whether or not to putthemselves and their passengers in a situation that could be beyond theirskill or the capability of their boat or equipment. Be flexible in decisionmaking, lives may depend on it.EQUIPMENT REQUIREMENTSThe federal and state laws requiring basic equipment on vessels aredesigned to save lives and reduce the need for rescue. Equipmentrequired for a specific boat depends on many factors including the sizeof the boat, source of propulsion, construction and where and how theboat is used. The Alaska Requirements Summary (page 5) incorporatesthe items required under state and federal law. Please note theserequirements are the minimum—every boater should carry additionalequipment appropriate for the boat and the operating conditions.Suggestions may be found in the Pre-Departure Checklist (page 21).Alaska Boater’s Handbook—20123
PREPARATIONFederal RequirementsFederal requirements apply on all U.S. navigable waters. In Alaska,this includes all saltwater, rivers that empty into saltwater and inlandwaterways designated as U.S. navigable waters under federal law.The requirements for non-commercial boats are found in the brochure“Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boats,” orthrough the United States Coast Guard’s website at:www.uscgboating.org.State RequirementsIn Alaska, state requirements are similar to the federal requirements andapply to all boats (except ship lifeboats, seaplanes, inspected passengervessels and water toys) on all waters of the state including inland watersand saltwater within the territorial limits of the state. This section providesan overview of state requirements as of this printing.A person may not operate a boat in the State of Alaska: without the equipment required by law in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life orproperty of another person 4that is not registered unless the vessel is exempt from thisrequirementwith any person under 13 on deck or in an open boat NOTwearing a United States Coast Guard-approved PFDif they are under the influence of drugs or alcoholAlaska Boater’s Handbook—2012
RequirementsPersonalFlotationDevices (PFD)ThrowableDevices(Type xtinguishersBoats Under16 FeetBoats 16 feetto less than26 feetBoats 26 feetto less than 40feetBoats 40 feetto less than 65feetOne USCG-approved Type I, II, III or V PFD for each person on board.Must be in serviceable condition. Persons under 13 must wear a PFDwhen in an open boat, on the deck of a boat or when waterskiing.Recommendedbut notmandatory.Except for canoes and kayaks, one USCGapproved Type IV (seat cushion or throw ring)device must be carried.Boats less than 39.4 feet (12 meters) in length mustbe able to make an efficient sound signal (such asthat made with a whistle or horn) to signal intentionsand to signal position in periods of reduced visibility.USCGapproved nightsignals requiredbetween sunsetand sunrise.Boats 39.4 feet(12 meters) ormore in lengthmust carry onboard a whistleor horn.USCG-approved visual distress signals for bothday and night time use must be carried. Exception: boats and open sailboats not equipped withmechanical propulsion and under 26 feet in lengthare not required to carry day signals.Note: Pyrotechnic devices, if used to meet this requirement, must becurrent, serviceable and readily accessible. At the minimum, a totalof three day/night combination devices or three day and three nightdevices must be carried.At least one USCG-approved B-Irequired for boats with inboardengines, living spaces, permanentfuel tanks or enclosed storageareas or hull voids not sealed orfilled with flotation material.At least two B-Ior one B-IIUSCGapproved fireextinguishers.At least threeB-I or oneB-I and oneB-II USCGapproved fireextinguishers.NavigationLightsDisplay required between sunset and sunrise and during periods ofrestricted visibility. International configuration required (varies withlength and mode of operation). See the International Navigation Rules.Backfire FlameArrestorsOne USCG-approved backfire control device on each carburetor of allinboard gasoline engines.VentilationRegistrationPREPARATIONALASKA REQUIREMENTS SUMMARYBoats with permanently installed engines, closed compartments orpermanent fuel tanks must have efficient natural or mechanicalventilation.Undocumented boats equipped with mechanical propulsion (gas,diesel or steam engines, and electric motors) and any undocumentedvessel used in sport fishing charter activities must be registered withthe Division of Motor Vehicles. Certificate of Number must be carriedonboard. Registration numbers and validation decals must be properlydisplayed on hull of boat.Alaska Boater’s Handbook—20125
PREPARATIONPersonal Flotation Devices (PFDs)Personal flotation devices, or life jackets (both terms will be usedinterchangeably throughout this handbook), have always been thoughtof simply as a substitute for swimming ability. However, with increasedunderstanding of the factors involved in Alaska’s boating fatalities andthe effects of cold water immersion (see Surviving Cold Water, pages 6367), many boaters are realizing the importance of always wearing a PFDwhen underway. EVERYONE in Alaska should wear a PFD when in anopen boat or on an open deck.Personal flotation devices: Assist with self-rescue or when rescuing someone else Keep a person floating, even if disabled or unconsciousAid breath control by increasing the distance betweenbreathing passages and the waterLife jackets provide additional buoyancyfor the wearer. Buoyancy is the upwardforce exerted on anything in the waterthat is less dense than the water itdisplaces, thereby causing it to float. Ifsomething is more dense than the waterit displaces, it has negative buoyancyand sinks. In the water, the average adulthas about 7.5 lbs of negative buoyancy. A U.S. Coast Guard approvedPFD provides at least 15 lbs of supplemental buoyancy to overcome thisnegative buoyancy, allowing a person to float with little or no effort.There are important legal requirements (see Alaska RequirementsSummary, page 5) concerning PFDs that must be observed. 6A U.S. Coast Guard-approved wearable life jacket must becarried on board for each person on the boat.Persons under 13 years old must wear a PFD when in anopen boat, on an open deck or when being towed on waterskisor other devices.Life jackets must be of the proper size and fit for the intendedwearer. Adult sizes do not satisfy the legal requirements forchildren or vice versa.PFDs must be used in accordance with the manufacturer’slabel and owner’s manual. Some PFDs must be worn to countas a U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD.Alaska Boater’s Handbook—2012
All PFDs must be in serviceable condition, meaning theymust be free of defects such as missing or waterloggedflotation material, or broken zippers, buckles or straps. Specialattention should be given to inflatable devices, which shouldbe carefully maintained per manufacturer recommendations.PREPARATION All PFDs must be readily accessible for use during anemergency. Of course, the best way to meet this requirementis to WEAR IT!Life Jacket SelectionA properly selected life jacket that is worn is the most important piece ofequipment that a person can have with them when boating in Alaska. Lifejacket designs have come a long way over the years and now come in avariety of styles and colors. Although no one life jacket is perfectly suitedfor all persons in all situations, they all provide supplemental buoyancy inthe water.When selecting a life jacket, carefully read the manufacturer’s label andthe owner’s manual to determine if the life jacket is U.S. Coast Guardapproved and recommended for the intended use. Consider the followingpoints about life jackets: Some are designed and/or only approved for certain uses. Forexample, inflatable PFDs are not recommended for personalwatercraft use or water skiing because an impact may rendera person unable to activate the device.Brightly colored models increase the visibility of a person inthe water, improving the chances of a successful rescue orrecovery.Some are made with materials that helpslow body heat loss in cold water.All PFDs perform differently in the waterand identical PFDs perform differentlyon different people. If possible, test lifejackets in a pool.Immersion suits Immersion suits completely cover the wearer,significantly slowing heat loss in the water. These deviceshave saved many lives but are not U.S. Coast Guardapproved for recreational boats. If non-approved devices are used, a U.S. Coast Guardapproved life jacket for each person must also be carried onthe boat in order to meet federal and state requirements.Alaska Boater’s Handbook—20127
PREPARATIONTypes of Personal Flotation mendedUsesTurnsUnconsciousWearer Face Up?22 lbs.off-shore PFDdesigned forrough, remote oropen watermostoffers mostbuoyancy; highvisibility colors15.5 lbs.near-shore PFDdesigned forcalm, inlandwatersomeless cost and lessbuoyancy thanType Iinflatable designsturn most persons;inherently buoyant(foam) designs donotcomfortable, manystyles (fishing,paddling, skiing);use according tolabelnot applicableboat cushions,life rings; notconsidered by lawto be awearable PFDvariesin-waterperformance ofa Type I, II or III(see label); somemodels must beworn to meetrequirements15.5 lbs.III16.5-20lbs.IVVvariesType Idesigned for awide variety ofusesdesigned forthrowing to aperson in calmwaterwearable specialuse devicesdesignedfor specificpurposes orconditions, suchas flotation suitsor deck coatsType IIType IIIOtherCommentsInflatable: readlabel for type anduse“The best type of life jacket is the one you WEAR and the one that FITS.”8Alaska Boater’s Handbook—2012
Fire extinguishers are required on all powerboats with enclosed enginecompartments, permanently installed fuel tanks or enclosed areas thatcould trap fumes. Extinguishers are classified by the type of fire (A, B, C,or D) they are designed for and size (I, II). Class A—fires in ordinary combustible materials, such aswood, cloth, paper, rubber and many plastics. Class B—fires in flammable liquids, combustible liquids,petroleum, greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents,lacquers, alcohols and flammable gases. Class C—fires that involve energized electrical equipment.PREPARATIONFire ExtinguishersClass D—fires in combustible metals, suchas magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium,lithium and potassium.Extinguishers must beara label from the testinglaboratory and have a U.S.Coast Guard approvalnumber or specify “MarineType USCG.” Marineextinguishers are typicallyB-I or B-II.The size and number of extinguishers that are requiredto be carried on a powerboat vary with the length of the boat. (SeeAlaska Requirements Summary, page 5) Everyone on the boat should befamiliar with the location and correct use of fire extinguishers. Fire drillsare highly recommended. (See Fire, page 71)Some additional points: Do not test a fire extinguisher (this breaks the seal and causesleakage). See label for additional information.Place extinguishers in readily-accessible locations, but NOTwhere a fire would be most likely to break out. For example,an extinguisher mounted inside a closed engine compartmentmay be impossible to reach in the event of a fire.Mount dry chemical extinguishers horizontally. They will beless susceptible to packing of the powder charge due tosettling. Occasionally remove these extinguishers from theirbrackets and give them a good shake to redistribute the agent.Alaska Boater’s Handbook—20129
PREPARATIONVisual Distress SignalsProblems can occur for many reasons when boating and even wellprepared boaters sometimes need help. In these situations, boaters mustbe able to alert others. Signals can help, but only if they are the right typefor the conditions and are used properly. Visual distress signals are classified and approved by the U.S.Coast Guard as day signals, night signals or combination dayand night signals.Boats
Alaska Boater’s Handbook—2012 PREPARATION INTRODUCTION From powerboating and kayaking our coastal waters to air boating, jet boating, rafting, drift boating and canoeing our interior rivers and lakes, Alaska’s boating opportunities are unsurpassed. However, Alaska also has one of the highest boating fatality rates in the nation. Statistics
Judge Larry Zervos Alaska Superior Court, Sitka Rural Access Subcommittee Judge Dale Curda, co-chair Alaska Superior Court, Bethel Judge Roy Madsen (retired), co-chair Alaska Superior Court, Kodiak Louise Brady Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Sitka James Jackson Alaska Court Magistrate, Galena Judge Michael Jeffery Alaska Superior Court, Barrow
Alaska Airlines Inflight Magazine. Economics 300: Economy of Alaska, Notes-Introduction to Alaska Geography, page 9 Alaska Census Areas For purposes of collecting and reporting economic and social Alaska data, Alaska is divided into 27 “census areas.” These census areas are shown in the map below.
Alaska Native Language Materials . in the . Alaska State Library . Historical Collections . Compiled by . James Simard . Alaska State Library - Historical Collections . Alaska Department of Education & Early Development Division of Libraries, Archives & Museums . P.O. Box 110571 Juneau Alaska 99811-0571 (907) 465-2925 Fax: (907) 465-2990
All National Banner Unified Champion Schools 518 schools *Denotes a school with 4-year renewal recognition STATE City School Name ALASKA Anchorage Robert Service High School ALASKA Anchorage East High School ALASKA Anchorage West Anchorage High School ALASKA Chugiak Chugiak High School ALASKA Eagle River Eagle River High School ALASKA Eagle River Homestead Elementary School
In addition to DEC, the slate agencies named as Defendants are: Alaska Department of Natural Resources, Alaska Oil and Gas Conservation Commission, Alaska Energy Authority, and Regulatory Commission of Alaska. 2 Kanuk v. State, 335 P.3d 1088, 1090 (Alaska 2014). 3 4 Id. at 1103. Id. at 1097. 1
Wholesale Trade, and Construction. Source: Alaska Department of Labor, . employment pie. 2 ALASKA ECONOMIC TRENDS AUGUST, 1998 Alaska Economic Trends is a monthly . the Employment Security Division and published by the Alaska Department of Labor, P.O. Box 21149, Juneau, Alaska 99802-
Alaska’s official state song, Alaska’s Flag, begins with a description of Alaska’s flag: “Eight stars of gold on a field of blue ” John Ben “Bennie” Benson, Jr., a 13-year-old Aleut boy, created the design for the state flag contest. Raising the Alaska State Flag The Alaska
secondary folds of the Ben Lawers Synform and of the Ben Lui Fold using the brilliant model of a folded length of carpet in which the way up indicators, pile is top, were far more obvious than in the rocks to be examined. John Mendum demonstrates the folding of the inverted limb of the Tay Nap. Note the pile side, the young side, of the carpet is down except where he holds the Ben Lui Folds in .
