Task I.I
Water and Seaplane Characteristics, Seaplane Bases, Maritime Rules, and Aids to Marine Navigation
To determine the applicant exhibits satisfactory knowledge, risk management, and skills associated with water and seaplane characteristics, seaplane bases, maritime rules, and aids to marine navigation.
References: AIM; Chart Supplements; FAA-H-8083-2, FAA-H-8083-3, FAA-H-8083-23, FAA-H-8083-25; POH/AFM; USCG Navigation Rules
Study Notes
Seaplane-only ground knowledge (ASES/AMES): reading the water, operating at seaplane bases, and playing by boat rules once you're on it.
Read the surface. Wind streaks and foam lines run with the wind (foam spills off the downwind side of ripples); on shore, smoke, flags, and moored boats point it out. Swells persist from distant or old winds and may not match the local wind, so evaluate wind, swell direction, and water state separately. Glassy water hides height cues; rough water sets a structural limit.
- Surface state — glassy, light chop (the ideal), rough
- Swell systems — land parallel to big swells, not through them
- Current in rivers and tidal areas
- Water depth and floating debris
- Traffic wakes — a boat wake can be usable chop or a hazard depending on angle and size
The Chart Supplement lists seaplane bases (identifiers with an anchor symbol on sectionals); the Water Aerodrome/seaplane base entries give operating restrictions, docking, and fuel. Local NOTAMs and the base operator fill in hazards charts can't — cables, sandbars, seasonal debris (FAA-H-8083-23; Chart Supplement).
On the water a seaplane is among the least privileged vessels — you give way to nearly everyone. Under the Inland/COLREGS navigation rules, give way to vessels you're overtaking, vessels constrained by draft, and generally anything less maneuverable; cross behind, not ahead. Stay clear of everything you can (14 CFR 91.115: on water, keep clear of all vessels and avoid impeding navigation).
Lateral buoys: red-right-returning — red nun buoys mark the right side of a channel returning from sea; green cans mark the left. Junction, danger/isolated-hazard, and regulatory/informational buoys (white with orange bands) mark exclusion zones, speed limits, and hazards. Treat marked swim and mooring areas as no-go (USCG Navigation Rules; FAA-H-8083-23).
- Boat traffic and wakes
- Swimmers near shore
- Submerged obstacles (rocks, pilings, cables — often uncharted)
- Debris after storms
- Current setting you into obstructions while taxiing or sailing
- Noise-sensitive shorelines
A recon pass over an unfamiliar water area before committing is standard practice.
Official ACS elementsreference
Knowledge18 elements
The applicant demonstrates understanding of:
PA.I.I.K1The characteristics of a water surface as affected by features, such as:PA.I.I.K1aa. Size and locationPA.I.I.K1bb. Protected and unprotected areasPA.I.I.K1cc. Surface windPA.I.I.K1dd. Direction and strength of water currentPA.I.I.K1ee. Floating and partially submerged debrisPA.I.I.K1ff. Sandbars, islands, and shoalsPA.I.I.K1gg. Vessel traffic and wakesPA.I.I.K1hh. Other characteristics specific to the areaPA.I.I.K1ii. Direction and height of wavesPA.I.I.K2Float and hull construction, and its effect on seaplane performance.PA.I.I.K3Causes of porpoising and skipping, and the pilot action needed to prevent or correct these occurrences.PA.I.I.K4How to locate and identify seaplane bases on charts or in directories.PA.I.I.K5Operating restrictions at various bases.PA.I.I.K6Right-of-way, steering, and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operation.PA.I.I.K7Marine navigation aids, such as buoys, beacons, lights, sound signals, and range markers.PA.I.I.K8Naval vessel protection zones.PA.I.I.K9No wake zones.
Risk Management4 elements
The applicant is able to identify, assess, and mitigate risk associated with:
PA.I.I.R1Local conditions.PA.I.I.R2Impact of marine traffic.PA.I.I.R3Right-of-way and sailing rules pertinent to seaplane operations.PA.I.I.R4Limited services and assistance available at seaplane bases.
Skills6 elements
The applicant exhibits the skill to:
PA.I.I.S1Assess the water surface characteristics for the proposed flight.PA.I.I.S2Identify restrictions at local seaplane bases.PA.I.I.S3Identify marine navigation aids.PA.I.I.S4Describe correct right-of-way, steering, and sailing operations.PA.I.I.S5Explain how float and hull construction can affect seaplane performance.PA.I.I.S6Describe how to correct for porpoising and skipping.