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Boating Safety and Education

Find out the U.S. Coast Guard boating safety requirements, safe boating best practices, where to take a boating safety course, and know what to do in an emergency.
Drinking While Boating - Don't Do It!
Drinking while boating is a bad idea for operators and passengers. Avoid hefty fines, losing your operator's license, or jail time by not drinking and boating.
Optional Safety Equipment for Your Boat
A list of the top five optional – but highly recommended – safety equipment you should consider for your boat.
Coast Guard Boating Safety Requirements by Boat Size
The U.S. Coast Guard has different safety equipment requirements for recreational boats depending upon boat size. Find out the required equipment for your vessel.
Boating Safety Rules for Boats Under 16 feet
Use this handy reference to comply with the USCG boating safety rules if your boat is under 16 feet.
Boating Safety Rules for Boats 16 to Under 26 feet
Use this handy reference to comply with the USCG boating safety rules if your boat is at least 16 feet to under 26 feet.
Boating Safety Rules for Boats 26 to under 40 feet
Use this handy reference to comply with the USCG boating safety rules if your boat is at least 26 feet but under 40 feet.
Boating Safety Rules for Boats 40 to under 65 feet
Use this handy reference to comply with the USCG boating safety rules if your boat is at least 40 feet but under 65 feet.
Boating Safety Best Practices
Embrace these boating safety best practices to help prevent boating accidents. If the worst does happen in spite of your best efforts - you will have at least increased your chances of survival.
Life Jackets Basic Training
Before choosing a life jacket, learn about the kinds and types of U.S. Coast Guard approved personal floatation devices, and the minimum requirements under federal regulations.
Reasons to Wear a Life Jacket While Boating
Having life jackets aboard your boat is good, but since accidents can happen too fast to put it on, wearing a life jacket is best.
Choosing and Using a Life Jacket While Boating
New life jacket designs remove common excuses boaters give for not wearing a life jacket while boating. Choose the right style for your activity and be comfortable - and safe - while you boat.
Boating Safety - Take a Boating Safety Course
Statistic show that taking a boating safety course reduces the amount of boat accidents and fatalities. Take a boating safety course with one of these organizations that offer boater education classes.
File a Float Plan
Filing a float plan with friends or family before you leave the dock is an important aspect of boating safety. If things take a turn for the worse, they can relay important information to rescuers.
U.S. Coast Guard Safety Equipment Regulations
The U.S. Coast Guard safe boating site details safety equipment requirements for all boats.
Safe Boating Education Requirements
Most states have boating education laws - find out if yours requires you to take a safe boating course before operating a boat.
National Safe Boating Council
The National Safe Boating Council promotes safe boating through education. Find venues to take an online or traditional boating safety course.
Boat Safe Kids
Kids submit safe boating questions, and receive easy to understand answers.

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