Car trouble is a common experience for most of us, and with more than 244 million cars on American roads, regular car maintenance has become part of the culture. Surprisingly, this same concept doesn’t necessarily translate when it comes to a different mode of transportation — the recreational boat.

Click here to learn how to receive a free safety inspection from the Coast Guard Auxiliary or the United States Power Squadrons.

To check out the online copy of Federal Requirements & Safety Tips for Recreational Boaters at the Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Web site, click here.