Brush Up on Safety and Boating Skills

A day on the water is much more relaxing when you and at least one other crew member are knowledgeable about boating and boat safety. Even if your boating companion doesn’t want to captain the boat, having a well-informed and prepared passenger is a huge help – especially during peak season when boat traffic is high. Here are links to courses, refresher articles, and more to get you and your favorite boating partner ready for the upcoming season.

Safety and Seamanship

• BoatUS Foundation online courses
• U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Courses
• United States Power Squadron – America’s Boating Course
• US Powerboating

Quick Boating Refreshers

• Navigational rules, lighting, sounds
• Safe boating in high traffic areas
• Buoys and markers

Electronics

• Get more out of your GPS-Chartplotter
• Brush up on best practices for using your VHF with this informative video
• Register your VHF radio

At the Dock

• The art of tossing a coiled line
• Fender tying
• Tying to a piling

Before You Leave the Dock

• Preparing a marine first aid kit
• Register your boat with the U.S. Coast Guard
• Check your flotation devices​