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1. Be Weather-wise
   Always check local weather conditions for boating safety before departure- TV and radio forecasts can be a good source of information. If you notice darkening clouds, volatile and rough changing winds, or sudden drops in temperature, play it safe by getting off the water.
2. Follow a Pre-Departure Checklist
   Proper boating safety means being prepared for any possibility on the water. From compliance with fire safety regulations to tips for fueling up, following a pre-departure checklist is the best way to make sure no boating safety rules or precautions have been forgotten.
3. Use Common Sense
   One of the most important parts of boating safety is to use your common sense. This means operating at a safe speed at all times, especially in crowded areas. Be alert at all times, and steer clear of large vessels and watercraft that can be restricted in their ability to stop or turn. Also be respectful of buoys and other navigational aids, all of which have been placed there for one reason only- to ensure your own boating safety.
4. Designate an Assistant Skipper
   Make sure more than only one person on board is familiar with all aspects of your boat’s handling, operations, and other boating safety tips. If the primary navigator is injured or incapacitated in any way, it’s important to make sure someone else can follow the proper boating safety rules to get everyone else back to shore.
5. Develop a Float Plan
   Whether you choose to inform a family member or staff at your local marina, always be sure let someone else know your float plan in terms of where you’re going and how long you’re going to be gone.A float plan can include the following information: name, address, and phone number of trip leader: name and number of all passengers; boat type and registration information; trip itinerary; types of communication and signal equipment onboard.
6. Make Proper Use of Lifejackets
   Did you know that the majority of drowning victims as the result of boating accidents were found not to be wearing a Lifejacket? Make sure that your family and friends aren’t part of this statistic by assigning and fitting each member of your onboard team with a Lifejacket-prior to departure.
7. Avoid Alcohol
   Practice boating safety at all times by saving the alcohol for later. The probability of being involved in a boating accident doubles when alcohol is involved, and studies have also shown that the affect of alcohol is exacerbated by external effects such as sun and wind.
8. Learn to Swim
   If you’re going to be in and around the water, proper boating safety means knowing how to swim. Local organizations such as the American Red Cross and others offer training for all ages and abilities- check to see what classes are offered in your area!
9. Take a Boating Course
   Beginning boaters and experienced experts alike need be familiar with boating safety rules of operation. Boater education requirements vary by state- some require validated completion of at least one boating safety course. Regardless of your individual state’s requirements, it’s always important to be educated, aware and prepared for every circumstance that might arise. You can learn boating safety rules by taking a local community course, or there are online tutorials to help educate novice boaters.
10. Consider a Free Vessel Safety Check
    Take advantage of a free Vessel Safety Check from the US Coast Guard (see links below). They offer complimentary boat examinations to verify the presence and condition of certain Safety Equipment required by State and the Federal regulations. Free of charge, they’ll provide a specialist to check out your boat and make helpful boating safety tips and recommendations. They also offer virtual online safety checks as well. Find a vessel Safety check examiner closest to you.

Courtesy of DiscoverBoating.com

1. Cleaning & Care
   One of the keys to boat maintenance is also one of the simplest- wash your boat regularly. Not only does routine cleaning facilitate a more pleasant and organized environment, but it also goes a long way towards counteracting the long-term effects of environmental wear and tear. Routine waxing and use of anti-fouling paint can also help protect your boat from the elements. You may also want to consider using environmentally-safe products for your boat maintenance needs!
2. Checklists
   There are a myriad of finer points to keep in mind when it comes to boat maintenance. The best way to ensure that you have all the bases covered is to follow a professional checklist. For in-depth checklists that include everything from boat motor maintenance and winterization to boat trailer maintenance, be sure to check out the other pages of this section.
3. Proper Mooring
   One of the most common ways a boat can start to show scratches and damage is not only from when it’s in use- but from when it’s being docked. Make sure lines are securely fastened in place, neatly coiled, and do not show signs of breakage or wear.
4. Battery Care
   Depending on the type of battery your boat uses, check to ensure that it is properly charged and that it has the correct fluid levels. Also be sure to keep your battery clean, as dampness and dirt can also drain your battery.
5. Routine Inspection
   Proper boat maintenance means being actively involved in, and attuned to, all aspects of your vessel. This means keeping an eye out for everything from loose fittings to fraying ropes to any other areas of your boat that may need special attention or replacement. Many times, damages incurred to a boat could easily have been prevented by following a preventative boat maintenance routine.
6. Boat Motor Maintenance
   Follow best practices for both inboard and outboard motor care. Be sure to flush your engine after every outing, and check everything from your fuel tanks to clamps on your fuel line for rust, damage or corrosion. Also be sure to check your oil both for correct levels as well as proper filtration and cleanliness. Last but not least, keep an eye on your engine’s cooling system to make sure it’s functioning correctly.
7. Winterization
   Boat maintenance doesn’t only mean paying attention to your boat when you’re actively using it during the warm weather months- you also need to be sure to protect your boat through an effective winterization routine. Whether you’re able to store your boat in a climate controlled environment, or if you have to go with an in-water storage option, please visit our winterization page below for more in-depth guidelines.
8. Bilge Pumps
   Another crucial aspect of boat maintenance is ensuring that your bilge pump is functioning properly. There’s much that can cause more irreparable damage to a boat that having it sink. In the event that you need to use your pump, you’ll also want to make sure that your battery system contains enough power to support running the pump for a prolonged period of time.
9. Electrical Components
   Many boating failures occur as a result of corroded electrical systems, so keeping electrical components dry should be a regular part of your boat maintenance routine. Electrical fittings can be protected with a water-repellant, non-conductive grease or corrosion inhibitor.
10. Consider a Boat Cover
    Making an investment in a boat cover can help keep your boat clean and free of a variety of contaminants that aren’t just related to dirt or water- falling leaves and bird droppings can also cause a lot of damage if left unchecked. A boat cover can also prevent UV rays from breaking down hoses or fading carpets and upholstery.
11. Stay in the Know
    Last but not least, responsible boat maintenance means taking the time to familiarize yourself with all aspects of boat care. Consult your owner’s manual for in-depth guidelines. If you’re new to boating, your boat dealer may know of helpful boating instruction classes that deal specifically with your type of boat. Become comfortable with boating terms and definitions. And while it’s always important to take the time to learn how to do things yourself, also don’t be afraid to seek the help of a professional when needed.

Courtesy of DiscoverBoating.com

Boating Glossary by DiscoverBoating.com

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration(NOAA) is an agency created by the federal government whose sole focuses are the oceans and atmosphere. This agency monitors everything from climate and weather to coastal conditions. If you are in need of a nautical chart for a particular area, try their chart viewer online. You can find it here:

NOAA Nautical Chart Viewer

The U.S. Aids to Navigation System from BoatUs.com.

While that is a good general rule there are many other things that you should know before operating a boat or any other water vessel. The United States Coast Guard has laid out all the navigational rules that you need to know. Take a look at the rules and guidelines below for all the information you need to know.

United States Coast Guard Navigation Center