ACA Boating Regulations, Navigation Rules & Float Plans — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What does U.S. Coast Guard regulation generally require regarding PFDs on a paddlecraft?
- One properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved PFD for each person on board, readily accessible (Correct answer)
- One PFD per boat, shared as needed
- PFDs only for non-swimmers
- PFDs only for trips longer than one day
Correct answer: One properly fitting, Coast Guard-approved PFD for each person on board, readily accessible
Every person aboard needs their own properly fitting, approved PFD. State laws can add requirements, such as mandatory wear for children. ACA instructors generally teach and model wearing PFDs.
Question 2: What sound-signaling equipment is generally required on a human-powered boat?
- A whistle or other sound-producing device (Correct answer)
- A marine VHF radio
- A foghorn with compressed gas
- None, because paddlecraft are exempt
Correct answer: A whistle or other sound-producing device
Vessels under 12 meters must have an efficient sound-producing device, which for paddlers is typically a whistle attached to the PFD. It is used for signaling and for emergencies.
Question 3: What lighting is generally required for a paddlecraft operating between sunset and sunrise?
- A white light (such as a flashlight or headlamp) that can be shown in time to prevent a collision (Correct answer)
- A flashing red strobe at all times
- A green light on the port side and a red light on the starboard side
- No light is needed if the moon is visible
Correct answer: A white light (such as a flashlight or headlamp) that can be shown in time to prevent a collision
Under the navigation rules, paddlecraft must have a white light ready to show in time to prevent a collision. Brightly lit visibility is also a good practice.
Question 4: What is a float plan?
- Information about the trip (people, route, equipment, expected return) left with a responsible person who can raise the alarm if you are overdue (Correct answer)
- A diagram of how the boat floats when swamped
- A permit from the Coast Guard for each trip
- A flotation inspection for the PFD
Correct answer: Information about the trip (people, route, equipment, expected return) left with a responsible person who can raise the alarm if you are overdue
A float plan gives someone ashore the details needed to start a search if the group does not return on time. It should include the planned route, the times and the contact steps.
Question 5: When a paddlecraft is crossing a shipping channel, how should the paddler generally act toward large commercial vessels?
- Assume the large vessel can stop or maneuver easily
- Stay clear of vessels that are restricted in their ability to maneuver, and avoid impeding them in narrow channels (Correct answer)
- Cross directly in front of the vessel to show intent
- Anchor in the middle of the channel until the vessel passes
Correct answer: Stay clear of vessels that are restricted in their ability to maneuver, and avoid impeding them in narrow channels
Large ships have limited maneuverability and long stopping distances. Paddlers should avoid narrow channels, cross quickly and at right angles when necessary, and never impede them.
Question 6: Which is a proper first step for an instructor to confirm the regulations that apply to a teaching site?
- Assume federal rules cover everything
- Check state, local and land-manager rules (permits, PFD age laws, launch restrictions) in addition to federal requirements (Correct answer)
- Ask participants to research the rules on their own
- Ignore rules for short, shallow-water lessons
Correct answer: Check state, local and land-manager rules (permits, PFD age laws, launch restrictions) in addition to federal requirements
State and local rules and land-manager requirements can be stricter than federal rules. Instructors need to check these before the course.
