Boating Basics

December 8, 2025

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to safe boating, and it can be hard to know where to start. Here we introduce what you need to know for safe and legal boating in the United States.

Remember, this article is just a starting point. You can learn more by exploring topics further on our blog, or take a safe boating course to access 100% online NASBLA-approved instruction.

Key Takeaways

Safe boating in the United States means knowing your responsibilities as a boat operator
Boating basics include following the NASBLA rules for navigation and boating safety equipment.
U.S. boaters should also follow boating best practices, such as filing a float plan and doing regular boat maintenance.
Boating under the influence of alcohol, or without a USCG- approved life jacket on board for every adult and child, is illegal.

Operator Responsibility: Boating Safety Starts with You

Boating basics begin with operator responsibility. As the boat operator, you are the person who has to verify that your vessel is safe, that the right safety equipment is on board, and that you know all relevant safety procedures and the law.

Here’s how to become a responsible boater:

Take a Safety Course

While not required for all ages in all states, completing a NASBLA-approved boating safety course is highly recommended. Many states also require a state-specific Boater Education Card (often called a boating license) to prove you have completed this type of course. Laws in California, New York, Florida and elsewhere vary.

In your boater safety course, you’ll learn essential navigation, safety and legal procedures.

Know the Rules of the Road

Your boating safety course will teach basic navigation rules. You will need to review these until you have learned them from memory.

Safe navigation in the U.S. involves:

Maintaining a proper lookout
Operating at a safe speed
Understanding Aids to Navigation (buoys and markers)
Understanding and using navigation sound signals
Knowing basic right-of-way rules for meeting head-on and overtaking other vessels, which in turn means knowing the difference between upstream and downstream and between port and starboard
Knowing how to recognize and use specific flags, such as diving flags.
If you are planning on towing someone behind your vessel, knowing appropriate hand signals and safety rules for that specific watersport.
Knowing how to signal for help or render assistance other vessels in need (including how to use a VHF Marine Radio)
Knowing best practices for avoiding collisions
Never operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents and operating a vessel while intoxicated is illegal (with severe penalties).

Follow the U.S. Coast Guard Boating Safety Equipment Requirements

Federal law mandates minimum boating safety equipment based on boat length. All equipment must be USCG-approved, in good working order, and readily accessible.

Here’s a quick list of basic safety equipment. Be sure to download our Complete Boating Safety Equipment Checklist so you can easily verify whether you have what you need on board.

Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

You need one wearable, properly-sized PFD (life jacket) for every adult and child on board, and for every person being towed. You may also need throwable devices, and/or an onboarding device (a ladder or other means to get back aboard from the water).

Registration and Paperwork

Make sure you have your boat registration and boating license (Boating Education Card) on board at all times. You should also file a float plan before heading out and have access to an up-to-date weather report.

Emergency Communication Equipment

Depending on the specific requirements of your vessel (which will vary according to vessel size), you need USGC approved Marine Distress Signals, Visual Distress Signals, and sound producing equipment. You also need some form of communication such as a radio, cell phone, radiotelephone or EPIRB.

Fire Safety Equipment

Boats in different classes require different fire safety equipment. You will need one or more boat fire extinguishers, and possibly also a backfire flame arrestor (and other fire retardant or extinguishing equipment).

Tools and First Aid

When out on a boat, you will be far from easy access to basic first aid. It’s better to be prepared with a First Aid Kit, any medication you may require, boating-appropriate clothing and any other basic safety tools that might be necessary (such as rope).

Fuel

Make sure you don’t find yourself stranded because you’ve run out of fuel. You should also be ready to deal with swamping and possible leaks, which is why a manual pump or bilge pump is a required piece of boating safety equipment.

Navigation Lights

Navigation lights are highly important if you are out in conditions of low visibility, such as in fog or at night. To use and interpret them correctly, you’ll need to understand port and starboard.

Boat equipment

Propeller strikes pose a serious threat and should be prevented at all costs. A propeller guard can help. For some boats (with planning hulls) an engine cut-off switch (ECOS) is required.

Get Familiar with Boating Best Practices

A responsible boater makes good habits and diligently follows the rules. Here are a few examples of boating best practices:

Check the Weather and Local Hazards

Review the forecast, including wind and wave height, before leaving and throughout your trip. Head for shore immediately if weather conditions worsen. Always be prepared for the specific conditions where you will be boating: rivers, lakes and ocean areas present different hazards and risks.

Get a Vessel Safety Check (VSC)

Did you know you can get a free, voluntary VSC from the USCG Auxiliary or U.S. Power Squadrons? A qualified professional will verify your boat meets all legal requirements. There is no punishment if your vessel falls short; you just need to take action to acquire or fix the equipment that is not up to par.

Do Regular Fuel and Engine Checks

Check all fluid levels, battery charge, and engine compartment for leaks or fumes before starting, and do annual boat maintenance (including the engine) and take extra precautions when taking your boat in and out of storage. Practice the 4-step fueling process to prevent explosions (Prep, Fuel, Ventilate, Restart).

File a Float Plan

Before heading out, inform a trusted person onshore of your vessel details, passengers, route, and expected return time. And it’s a good idea never to go boating alone.

Boating jargon

Last, but not least, it’s a good idea to learn the language used by boaters. This can include:

Learning the NATO phonetic alphabet, so you can effectively communicate to other boaters and safety personnel
Learning the right terms for the parts of a boat
Getting familiar with acronyms like PFD (Personal Flotation Device), BUI (Boating Under the Influence), USCG (United States Coast Guard) and NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators)
Learning appropriate boating etiquette (say “hello”)

Go boating safely in all U.S. states

And that concludes our introduction to boating basics. You now know what to learn so you can safely operate a motorized vessel in the United States.

Remember, boating laws are a mix of Federal (USCG) and State regulations (especially for education and PFD wear for children), so you’ll need to check your local laws before heading out on the water.

There’s a lot to learn when it comes to safe boating, and Drive A Boat USA is here to help! Sign up to take a safe boating course and get your boating license in California, New York or Florida, and we’ll teach you the basics so you go boating safely.