[ve-l] USPS Guide OK for COLREGS carriage requirement?

[Dave Donkers]

Greetings  --

OK - this is a bit long, but bear with me.....

I have just come across the USPS Guide, "The One-Minute
Guide to the Nautical Rules of the Road", by Charlie Wing,
published by McGraw-Hill and available through USPS.

I have found it to be an excellent guide to the rules,
written in plain language and giving clear descriptions
of what the rules mean to recreational boaters.  It's an
"easy read" - you can pick it up and start anywhere and
get something useful out of it.

It has a section that has the Rules in full (with some
explanatory material added).  No, I haven't proofed it to
check that it's accurate word-for-word.

The reason I'm writing this is not as a book review, but
because the book states on the cover that it "Satisfies
Coast Guard requirements for carrying the rules on board".

33CFR88.05 states "The operator of each self-propelled
vessel 12 meters or more in length shall carry on board
and maintain for ready reference a copy of the Inland
Navigation Rules."  Hmmmm...  No mention of having to carry
the International Rules, but I'm sure that's in there
somewhere.  8^)

As Vessel Examiners can we accept this book instead of the
traditional red/white/blue bound COMDINST M16672xxxx?

Almost more importantly, if we pass a vessel that is only
carries this book and they get inspected by the USCG, will
the USCG accept it?  I don't want to put a boater in a
position where they might get a ticket for something we
accept - they've got our name and phone number on the form.

I know the argument that "If you've got the money for a boat
XX feet long, spend the money for a 'regulation' copy...".
Let's face it, money is tight, and I'd rather suggest a copy
of the rules that gets used that having one that sits in a
locker getting moldy.

By the way, the book lists for $18.95 on the McGraw-Hill
website, but your SEO can order them for $13.50.  If they're
acceptable, sell them for 15 or 16 bucks and let your
squadron make some money.

Any advice, approvals, comments etc.?

Dave Donkers
VSC Chair
Education Officer
DuPage Power Squadron