From the USCGA
Each year hundreds of lives are lost… thousands are injured… and millions of dollars of property damage occurs because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. Too often pleasure outings turn tragic. You — as a boat operator, passenger, or concerned individual — can make a difference. Practice boater safety.
A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats And Safety Tips
Owners and operators of recreational boats must make sure that their vessel carries the required safety equipment (carriage requirement) and is in compliance with federal and state regulations. This 84-page booklet contains detailed information on the minimum federal safety equipment requirements, along with a Quick Reference Chart, and Pre-Departure Checklist, safety tips and additional safety equipment recommendations. To ensure compliance with state boating laws, boaters should contact the appropriate boating agency in their area for additional information.
Accident Reporting
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary hopes that you’re never involved in a boating accident. But Federal Law requires you as the operator to file a boating accident report with your State reporting authority if you are.
Boating Safety Courses
Operator errors account for 70% of boating accidents. Courses are available for everyone from skippers to crew — take a course. Locate the flotilla nearest you.
U.S. 401MHz Beacon Registration Database System
If you are planning to sail or cruse off-shore or make a run up or down the coast, you need an EPIRB onboard and PLBs on your life jacket(s). This website will provide you with all the information you need to initially register beacon(s), periodically update your registration information, or dispose of your EPIRB and PLB. Additional information includes FAQ, information about the SARSAT system, and more.
U.S. Aids To Navigation System Guide
The U.S. Aids to Navigation System is a system maintained by the U.S. Coast Guard, consisting of visual, audible, and electronic signals which are designed to assist the prudent mariner in the process of navigation. The aids to navigation system is not intended to identify every shoal or obstruction to navigation which exists in the navigable waters of the United States, but rather provides for reasonable marking of marine features as resources permit.
Vessel Safety Check
Learn how a free annual vessel safety check can help you ensure your vessel is properly equipped and meets both federal and state boating safety requirements.