Driving a boat is a delightful pastime, but it is one that comes with serious obligations. These include taking responsibility when involved in an accident and stopping to help other boaters in distress. Boating can be dangerous, and there are laws in place to ensure that help can be obtained in an emergency and that … Read more ›
The administrative aspect of getting a new boat can seem daunting, but it’s crucial to ensure that you are in compliance with state law before getting out on the water. To help demystify the process, Drive a Boat USA has created this handy guide to registering a boat in New York. New York boat registration … Read more ›
California’s jet ski and personal watercraft laws are intended to protect the safety of operators, passengers, and other waterway users. It’s important for PWC users to be familiar with these laws in order to avoid accidentally engaging in illegal and dangerous behavior. Personal watercraft registration Personal watercraft must be registered with the state, just like … Read more ›
Gasoline engines and generators on boats emit carbon monoxide, an odorless, colorless gas that is extremely hazardous and sometimes lethal. This gas can easily accumulate on and around boats, poisoning unwary boaters. Find out where carbon monoxide accumulates on boats, the signs of CO poisoning and how to keep yourself and others safe on the … Read more ›
As boating continues to increase in popularity, human activities and waste are putting more and more pressure on the environment, particularly in crowded recreational waters. To mitigate the damage, the government has implemented laws regulating boat sewage discharge in American waters. It’s very important for recreational boaters to follow the law in order to keep … Read more ›
Hundreds of aquatic invasive species are currently threatening California’s waters. Efforts to contain their spread are complex and costly, with millions of dollars already invested. It’s important for recreational boaters to be aware of the problem and take steps to avoid accidentally contributing to the spread of aquatic invasive species in California. What are aquatic … Read more ›
If you’re getting ready to drive a boat for the first time, there are some things you need to know! First of all, you’ll want to check the boater education requirements in your state, because you may need to take a course in order to legally operate a boat. Once you’ve made sure that you’re … Read more ›
Specific requirements vary from state to state, but over 70% of the U.S. requires boaters who meet certain criteria to take a safety education course. The resulting accreditation is called a certificate, not a license, because it is good for life and doesn’t expire. Proof of certification is issued in the form of a boater … Read more ›
A life jacket is a vital piece of boating safety equipment that could well save your life in the event of an emergency situation on the water. Wearing a life jacket is strongly recommended at all times while on board a vessel, since there may not be time to find one and put it on … Read more ›
The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways collects boating accident reports and analyzes them for the purpose of developing new strategies and making recommendations to improve boating safety and reduce accidents, injuries and deaths on the water. In the event of a boating accident, it’s important to file a report so that the … Read more ›
