Latest Coast Guard Safety Articles
Many people joke about rocking or swaying the morning after a weekend on the boat. This "land sickness" is not imagined. It's proof positive of the dramatic impact the marine environment can have on...
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Fire is an infrequent but terrifying occurrence on board a boat. Because of the marine environment and potential distances involved, firefighting assistance may take awhile to arrive on the scene....
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Before diving into the dos and don'ts of propeller safety, take a moment to test your knowledge:
1) If a passenger falls overboard from your boat, you should:a. Slowly reverse, keeping him in sight...
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Whether you're new to boating or an old salt, it's easy to make simple mistakes that have serious consequences on the water. Almost all boating errors are caused by being in a hurry or not paying...
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The Coast Guard recommends that boaters wear a life jacket at all times on the water, regardless of age. State PFD laws vary by the age of the child and the length of the boat, so you should check...
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If you’re caught high and dry, here’s what to do
Running aground happens even in perfect weather with the latest navigation equipment. Fortunately, most groundings are more inconvenient...
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Tips on fueling safely
Most fires and explosions on boats occur during or immediately after fueling, so be as careful as possible when you’re at the pump. Boaters sometimes forget that fueling...
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A successful cruise begins with careful trip planning, and today’s new technology and the Internet have simplified much of the work. These four steps are essential:
Research the location...
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A boat trailer is important equipment for many boat owners and operators, yet too often it doesn’t get nearly the attention lavished on the boat itself. Not all hitches, towing vehicles or...
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Recognizing an approaching storm
Unwary boaters are too often taken by surprise by fast storms that can present a danger. According to recent Coast Guard accident data, nearly 3 percent of all...
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