Running aground occurs when a vessel touches the bottom in a shallow area of a pond, river, lake, or sea, and becomes trapped. You can run your boat aground intentionally if you need to do maintenance or unload cargo, but most cases of running aground are accidental. Operator error, inaccurate information about water depths or … Read more ›
As a boat operator, it’s your responsibility to keep everybody safe on board, to the best of your ability, at all times. This involves knowing what to do in case of a boat fire. Common causes of boat fires The most common types of boat fires are: Engine fires, where overheating due to poor ventilation … Read more ›
Every year, boaters in the US drown after falling overboard. The risk of death is even higher when a person falls into cold water. What to do if someone falls into cold water First, don’t panic. This goes for both the people on board and the person who has fallen into the water. What to … Read more ›
Capsizing and falling overboard both result in boaters ending up in the water. US Coast Guard statistics indicate that 75 percent of fatal boating incident victims drowned, so it’s important not to underestimate the risks associated with falling overboard. Knowing what to do if your boat capsizes or a passenger unexpectedly falls overboard can save … Read more ›
The number of lawsuits related to boating accidents continues to grow. A lawsuit is an expensive, emotionally tolling procedure. Do what you can to avoid problems by taking simple precautions and clearly understanding your responsibilities as a skipper. In short, follow the rules, inform your guests and help other boaters as needed. Operator Responsibilities No … Read more ›
Cold water immersion is a real risk when boating on both inland and coastal waters of the US. While repeated immersion and exceptional physical fitness is proven to make you less susceptible to the effects of cold water immersion, even fit individuals and strong swimmers are at risk of drowning and in many cases, hypothermia. … Read more ›
Most boats are not left tied to the dock. Instead, they are towed, or trailered, from storage to the location where they will be used. Towing a boat is not difficult, but there are several important factors you need to take into consideration to do it correctly. The last thing you want is to damage … Read more ›
Are you ready to leave the dock? Check once, check twice, and check again. You can’t be too careful about boating safety. If you want to be certain you haven’t missed anything, refer to the complete boating safety equipment checklist from Drive A Boat USA. Keep reading for more details, or you can download our … Read more ›
Launching a boat can be nerve-wracking, especially if you don’t have much (or any) experience. However, it’s possible to follow some easy steps to greatly increase your chances of success. Get ready to learn how to get your boat into the water smoothly and safely, every time! Part One: Boat launch prep Before you … Read more ›
Boat maintenance is crucial for optimal, safe performance. Whether you have a small boat or a larger vessel, regular checks can prevent mechanical issues and guarantee a smooth boating experience with minimal risk of surprise breakdowns and other problems. Keep reading for tips on keeping your boat in working condition with this simple boat maintenance … Read more ›
