Uncategorized
Common Causes of Boat Fires
August 23, 2024
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 ›
What to Do If Your Boat Runs Aground
May 7, 2024
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 ›
Boating Fire Safety Guidelines
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 ›
Four Stages of Cold Water Immersion and Hypothermia Chart
March 25, 2024
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 ›
Guide to Towing and Trailering a Boat
March 1, 2024
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 ›
Complete Boat Safety Equipment Checklist
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 ›
How to Launch a Boat: Complete Guide
February 5, 2024
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 ›
Marine Distress Signals: Types and Uses
December 11, 2023
Marine distress signals can take a number of forms. In general, they consist of visual or audio signs that show other boaters or rescue personnel that you need help. Recreational boating is all about getting out on the water and having a good time. Nevertheless, it’s important to be prepared for emergencies, so that your … Read more ›
Visual Distress Signals While Boating: Types and Regulations
A Visual Distress Signal (VDS) is a crucial piece of boating safety equipment that allows your boat to be located swiftly during emergencies. If used correctly, visual distress signals make it possible to respond quickly to situations that could otherwise lead to tragic results. VDS signals include: Day signals that are visible in sunlight Night … Read more ›