Buoys, beacons and markers are types of navigation aids, also called Aids to Navigation or ATONs. They are the boating equivalent of road signs: human-made objects that can be used to determine safe course and follow the rules while driving a vessel. Here we’ll break down the difference between lateral and non-lateral markers, and … Read more ›
Are you considering taking your dog with you while boating? As of 2024, nearly 40% of U.S. households own a dog. This translates to about 65 million households with dogs in the United States. If only half of these dogs go boating at some point during their lifetime, that’s a lot of dogs out on … Read more ›
The Vessel Safety Check program was first offered in 1947 to verify the safety of motor boats, but today it is available for boats of all types, including small watercraft like canoes and paddle boats. The Coast Guard Auxiliary selects examiners to give the VSC completely free of charge, and you won’t be punished … Read more ›
Boat fires pose a real and serious threat. It’s important to respond quickly if a fire ignites, but it’s just as important to do everything you can to prevent a boat fire in the first place. Keep reading to learn the common causes of boat fires, and what you can do to prevent them … Read more ›
Docking a boat can be tricky, and it feels like there is a lot at stake when there are people watching. Drive A Boat USA is here to explain how to dock your boat without injuring yourself or damaging any property. These tips and tricks will help, but remember that the best way to … Read more ›
Federal law stipulates that scuba divers and snorkelers in the United States use a specific type of flag to warn boaters of their presence in the water. Purpose of a diver-down flag Diver down flags are an important type of safety equipment that can prevent collisions between boats and divers and minimize the risk … Read more ›
A sailboat consists of several key components that work together to harness wind power and navigate through water. Anyone learning to sail or interested in the mechanics of sailboats should know what these parts are called and what they do. Main parts of a sailboat While not all sailboats have exactly the same structure, … Read more ›
If you love boating, you may be wondering how soon you can take your infant or child out on the water with you. Here are tips for boating with kids, and especially for deciding if, when and how to take your infant, toddler or child on a boat with you. Safe boating with infants … Read more ›
Safe boating involves knowing the rules of navigation by heart. When you’re approaching another boat, or another boat is approaching you, there’s no time to check your rulebook! Keep reading to learn the rules of right-of-way for power-driven pleasure craft. Important terms for understanding right-of-way First, get to know the difference between port and starboard. … Read more ›
Steering a PWC takes some practice! The more you know about how your PWC works, the better you will be able to adjust to different situations and avoid problems. Let’s take a look at how PWC steering works and what it takes to maintain control of your watercraft. How a PWC works Personal Watercraft (PWC) … Read more ›
