Limit carbon monoxide exposure
Avoid these common mistakes and take simple precautions to limit carbon monoxide exposure.
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Fall boating preparation
Follow this essential fall boating preparation to avoid surprises in the spring.
Brief your crew
Brief your crew before setting out for a day on the water. Tell them where to find safety equipment and how to operate emergency equipment.
Handling your boat on the open sea
Learning to read the waves will make you better able at handling your boat on the open sea.
Propeller safety
Follow basic propeller safety to avoid causing injuring to anyone in the water.
Give your boat a Maritime Mobile Service Identity
Having a Maritime Mobile Service Identity, a nine-digit code unique to each vessel, is crucial in the event of an emergency.
Use a portable GFCI to stay grounded
Use a portable GFCI when you’re out on the water or working in wet areas to keep yourself safe.
Choosing dock lines
Take care when choosing dock lines to tie up your boat both at home and away.
How to tow a boat safely
Whether you’re at the helm of the towing boat or the boat being towed, learn how to tow a boat safely.
Anchor your boat
Whether under sail or power, these tips to anchor your boat will help keep you safe on the water.
Onboard checklist
Keep an onboard checklist of all the tools and supplies you might need before any trip on the water.
Personal watercraft safety tips
Maximize your fun on the water this summer by following these personal watercraft safety tips.
Sun protection on the water
Keep yourself safe this boating season: Don’t forget sun protection on the water.
How to trim your boat
Improve your boat’s performance by learning how to trim your boat. Check out these helpful tips to get you started.
Get ready for hurricane season
Ready for hurricane season? Learn what to do and how to keep your boat safe when a hurricane threatens.
Boating with pets
Follow these practical tips when boating with pets to keep your best friends safe on board.
Eco-friendly boating tips
Do your part to protect our waterways by following these eco-friendly boating tips.
Line handling
Master boat line handling like a pro. Learn these three simple techniques: tying up, heaving, and coiling.
Make your boat trailer-ready
Whether you’re planning to take your boat to the lake or a distant destination, consider these tips to make your boat trailer-ready.
Safely navigating an inlet
Navigating an inlet can be tricky and dangerous. Know how to run an inlet before you encounter one.
Spring pre-launch checklist
Before hitting the water, use this spring pre-launch checklist to make sure your boat is ready for boating season.
How to predict the weather onboard
Learn how to predict the weather on your boat. Master the fundamentals of onboard forecasting to refine the official forecast.
Safety tips for DIY boat repair
DIY boat projects come with their own risks. You can minimize these risks by following a few safety tips for DIY boat repair.
Cardiac arrest: What to do
During a cardiac arrest, knowing CPR and how to use an AED can save a life.
Navigating bridges by boat
Don’t get stuck: Learn the basics of navigating bridges by boat.
Winter boat maintenance
Don’t neglect your boat in the off-season. Regular winter boat maintenance ensures your boat is ready for spring.
Mind your docking lines
Tangled docking lines on your boat can be a serious hazard, so keep them in order with these organizing tips.
Check your navigation lights
Check your boat’s navigation lights to ensure that they meet regulations and will work when you need them.
Cold-weather clothing
Wearing the proper cold-weather clothing is your best defense against hypothermia when boating in cold water.
Pump out safety
Learning proper pump out safety can spare the environment, your boat and your wallet.
Winterize your boat
With cooler temperatures upon us, follow these tips to winterize your boat for winter.
River boating
Inland waters change constantly, so river boating requires skill, practice, and knowledge.
Inflatable life jackets
Check your inflatable life jacket for problems before your life depends on it.
Fuel dock safety
Fueling your boat can be a dangerous task, so follow these seven fuel dock safety tips to avoid potential disaster.
How to recover your boat after a hurricane
To recover your boat after a hurricane, follow these tips and get back on the water sooner.
Boating safety drills
You can never be too prepared on the water: Practice these boating safety drills to stay safe.
Preventing electric shock drowning
Electric shock drowning can be prevented by taking the appropriate precautions at docks, marinas and in the water.
Safe fall boating
You don’t have to put away the boat just yet; follow these tips to enjoy safe fall boating.
Crew at the helm
Want to be a valued crew member? Learn to crew at the helm so you can safely operate the boat in an emergency.
How to stop boat from flooding
Keep your boat afloat. Beef up your onboard emergency kit and follow these tips to stop a boat from flooding.
Navigate bridges safely
To navigate bridges safely, boaters should be aware of bridge safety and protocol.
Watch your wake
Your wake can have a serious impact, causing property damage or bodily harm, so pay attention.
Flood safety tips
Rising rivers and flood waters can endanger you and your boat, so follow these flood safety tips to stay safe.
Maintenance tips for cruising
Follow these five maintenance tips for cruising to ensure a safe and trouble-free voyage this boating season.
Man overboard rescue kit
Keeping a man overboard rescue kit on your boat increases your chances of rescuing someone in the water.
Beat hyperthermia this summer
Don’t let overexposure to the sun and humidity ruin your day on the water. Take these steps to avoid hyperthermia.
Hurricane preparation for boaters
NOAA predicts an above-normal hurricane season for 2022. Hurricane preparation for boaters can keep your boat safe.
Boat engine maintenance
Learn how to perform routine boat engine maintenance to keep your boat cruising through boating season and beyond.
Make your own first-aid kit
Build your own first-aid kit for your boat by stocking it with basic supplies to treat any ailment.
Stay safe this National Safe Boating Week
This National Safe Boating Week, America’s Boating Club reminds boaters to practice safe boating behaviors.
How to maintain your bilge pump
Maintain your bilge pump to keep water where it belongs: outside your boat.
How to launch a boat
Learn how to launch a boat safely so you can be prepared for anything before you cast off.
Keep your marine fuel tank full
Condensation in your marine fuel tank can damage your engine, so make sure you top it off.
New fire extinguisher regulations
Coast Guard issues new fire extinguisher regulations for recreational boats, which go into effect April 20, 2022.
How to use an AED
In the event of cardiac arrest, knowing how to use an AED could save a life. Keep one on your boat in case of an emergency.
5 navigation lights for your boat
When operating your boat at night, make sure you know what the various navigation lights mean and when to use them.
Determining a safe operating speed
Learn what top three factors to consider when determining a safe operating speed for your boat to avoid collisions.
Tips for safe trailer boating
Follow these tips for safe trailer boating to get your boat over the road and onto the water without incident.
Picking your personal boating gear
Choose with care what personal boating gear to wear onboard to keep you safe while having fun.
Run aground? Try kedging off
Going aground on a soft bottom doesn’t have to leave you stranded. Try kedging off to pull your boat into deeper water.
Watersports towing safety tips
Pulling friends and family on the water can be fun, but be sure to follow these watersports towing safety tips to keep riders safe.
Winter boat checks to get your boat ready for spring
With regular winter boat checks, you can ensure that your boat is safe, sound and well-equipped to hit the water this spring.
Holiday boat parades
By following a few simple tips, you can safely enjoy holiday boat parades this year.
How civil twilight and nautical twilight differ
Understanding the difference between civil twilight and nautical twilight can help you better plan boating activities.
The boatyard in winter
Follow these tips to safely navigate the elements while visiting the boatyard in winter to check on your boat.
Boat battery care
Proper boat battery care can extend the life of your marine batteries. Find out how to care for them properly.
Distress signaling devices for your boat
Do you know what distress signaling devices you need for your boat? Don’t wait for an emergency to find out.
Why you need AIS
An Automatic Identification System can help you avoid collisions and make better decisions in crowded waterways.
How to lock through
Traversing a lock may seem complicated, but it’s not difficult when you know what to do and how to lock through.
How to handle your boat in wind
Wind can be hard to predict and harder to handle. Learning how to handle your boat in wind takes practice, preparation and local knowledge.
How to choose anchor line
Maintaining your boat’s safety and stability depends on knowing how to choose an anchor line and anchoring system that’s right for your boat.
Winterize your outboard
Get a head start on spring commissioning by winterizing your outboard engine this fall so you’ll be ready to launch for boating season.
Boat registration
U.S. boaters must follow local, state and federal requirements for boat registration and documentation.
Medical emergencies at sea
Make sure you’re prepared to deal with medical emergencies at sea by learning how to treat injuries and illness onboard.
Prepare your boat for rough weather
Don’t have time to get to port? Know how to prepare your boat for rough weather in harbor and at sea before storm clouds threaten.
What to do if your boat capsizes
When prevention fails, know what to do if your boat capsizes. Always stay with the boat to help with rescue efforts.
Leave the dock like a pro
Learn how to leave the dock safely in any situation, no matter what type of boat you have or where you boat.
Paddle sports safety
Paddle sports like kayaking and canoeing are fast-growing water activities. Follow these tips for paddle sports safety.
The dangers of boater’s fatigue
Boater’s fatigue results from exposure to environmental stressors on the water that impair a boater’s mental and physical performance.
A float plan could save your life
If your trip on the water goes awry, a float plan could literally save your life. Make sure someone on dry land has a copy.
Protect against lightning strikes on the water
Protect yourself and your boat from lightning strikes on the water by recognizing dangerous conditions and taking immediate action.
All about marine fire extinguishers
Learn everything about marine fire extinguishers: what size, type, and number to carry, where to mount them, and how to maintain them.
Handling a fire on board your boat
When it comes to handling a fire on board, the captain should take immediate action to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
Boating in restricted visibility
You should make every effort to detect other boats and make your presence known to them.
Securing your boat for a hurricane
While storing your boat on land may be the best way to protect your boat, you do have alternatives.
Prepare for boating season
Get yourself, your passengers and your boat ready for boating season.
How to make a mayday call
Learn how to call mayday on your VHF radio in case of a life-threatening emergency.
New engine switch cutoff requirements
Does your boat meet the latest requirements for engine cutoff switch use?
Dealing with seasickness
Seasickness affects many boaters, but don’t let it keep you off the water.
Get a vessel safety check
Make sure your boat is ready for boating season by getting a free vessel safety check.
Running out of fuel on your boat
Running out of fuel on the water can be inconvenient and sometimes even dangerous.
Propane safety for boats
If you use propane on your boat more often in the colder months, learn to use it safely.
EPIRBs and PLBs: Essential safety equipment
In case of an emergency on the water, carry an emergency beacon on your boat so you can alert authorities to your position.
Knots to Know: Figure eight knot
Use the figure eight knot as a stopper knot to prevent a line from sliding through a retaining device.
Knots to Know: Round turn with two half hitches
Use the round turn with two half hitches when you need to attach a line under load to a fixed object.
Help! My boat is taking on water
Do you know what to do if your boat starts to take on water?
Making your ditch bag list
A well-equipped ditch bag could mean the difference in a life-or-death situation.
How to prevent a boat fire
Many boat fires are preventable. Follow these tips to keep your boat safe.
Tips for boating in cold weather
When boating in cold weather, make sure you’re prepared for the worst-case scenario.
Knots to Know: Sheet bend
The sheet bend is superior in its ability to hold under load and not jam or pinch, making it easy to untie after use.
Knots to Know: Bowline
Use a bowline to create a fixed sized loop, such as to go around a piling, that won’t slip under load.
Choosing an anchor for your boat
Choose the right anchor to keep your boat safe in both calm seas and hazardous conditions.
Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning
Keep yourself and your passengers safe by learning how to prevent CO poisoning on your boat.
How to dock a boat safely
Docking your boat safely includes planning ahead and briefing your crew.
Winter lay-up tips for your boat
Prepare your boat for winter storage to start next season off right.
Knots to Know: Square knot
Use a square knot for light-duty tasks, such as reefing or furling sails.
How to trailer a boat
Like driving a vehicle without a tow, learning to tow a boat trailer becomes intuitive with practice.
How to navigate a boat
Good navigators rely on GPS as well as charts to get to where they want to go.
Man overboard: prevention and rescue
Learn how to prevent a man overboard and how to retrieve a person in the water.
How to avoid running aground
You can prevent a grounding by studying charts and using a depth sounder.
Knots to Know: Cleat hitch
The cleat hitch can be used to tie your boat to a dock or a mooring ball.
Boater’s guide to rough weather
Recognize and prepare for whatever rough weather comes your way on the water.
Crash course on Navigation Rules
You can prevent collisions and accidents on the water by following the boating rules of the road.
Operating your personal watercraft
Learn to operate your personal watercraft safely so you can head out on the water with confidence.
Dealing with anchoring failures
Anchoring failures, such as a fouled anchor or dragging anchor, can ruin a day on the water.
Boating under the influence can cost you
Boating under the influence can be even more dangerous than drinking while driving. Don’t drink and boat.
Avoid lightning strikes on the water
Lightning strikes kill more people in the U.S. than tornadoes, and boaters are particularly vulnerable. Follow these tips to stay safe on and off the water.
Make a hurricane plan before season starts
Make a hurricane plan to protect your boat before hurricane season begins. Take Hurricane Preparation for Boaters to prepare for the rough season ahead.
What you should know about marine radio
Every boater should carry a marine radio onboard to call the Coast Guard, shore facilities and other boaters. Learn about marine radio and how to use it.
Find the best life jacket for you
The best life jacket is the one you will wear. Discover how to find the best fit and style for the type of boating you do. Learn about fit, testing and care.
Stay at home, learn at home
America’s Boating Club has courses, videos and seminars to educate and entertain you in these trying times.
Boat green to protect the waterways
Help keep the waters healthy for all to enjoy with these environmentally friendly tips.
Learn all about visual distress signals
Know what emergency signaling devices you need for your boat
Dealing with boat emergencies onboard
You can prevent most accidents and troubles afloat with a little knowledge and preparation.
Planning your next cruise
Planning a cruise can be daunting. Read on for ways to simplify the process.
Building your boat toolkit
Carrying a basic boat toolkit and spare parts can keep you afloat in an emergency.
What you need to know about marine radar
Learn how marine radar systems work and what features are important to look for.
Spring commissioning checklist
Follow this spring commissioning checklist to get your started for boating season.
How to treat hypothermia
Stay safe on the water during the cold months. Here’s how to fight the effects of hypothermia.
How to prevent propeller strikes
A propeller strike can kill a person in an instant, but it can also be prevented.
Make cold weather safety a priority
Cold weather can be as dangerous on land as it is on water. Take precautions.