Seamanship

Skills and boating manners need to be in top form for the Fourth of July holiday weekend in order to keep yourself and your passengers safe

You need to have a plan and then you must practice, again and again and again

Before casting off for the first fishing trip of the season, get these things in order

How to Stow or Tow Your Dinghy

Safe boating is about more than following a line on your GPS. It also requires situational awareness

A soft grounding may be embarrassing, but it’s not the end of the world if you respond correctly

Freighters, ferries and tugs, oh my! Recreational boating in a bustling port can be a challenging undertaking, but highly rewarding, too

They are not light reading, but an occasional review of the Rules of the Road will keep you proficient

Understanding currents can save time and money, and help keep you safe

September and October offer some of the year’s best boating, with fewer crowds and seasonable weather

To be a better mariner, it helps to know how wind is generated. Here’s a primer, plus tips on how to forecast wind conditions.

For safety’s sake, it’s critical to keep a lookout and stay keenly aware of the situation around your boat.

Any boater worth his salt should know how to make a distress call and what to do when he hears one

Time at the helm taught this pilot boat captain that if there’s weather at sea, careful planning builds confidence

This navigational tool has benefits, but never forget it’s the helmsman’s job to stay in the driver’s seat

A wild ride reminds this captain how critical it is to be prepared for changing sea conditions

Master the right knot-tying habits, not for your own pride, but to improve teamwork onboard and ensure the safety of the crew

Nav lights can ensure the safety of your crew. Know how to use and care for those on your boat

Even if your boat is equipped with a suite of electronics, know how to use ranges

Confused by all of the weather apps on the horizon? Here’s how to select and customize the app that‘s right for you.

To navigate a bridge safely, know the rules and proceed with caution.

Boat owners will always argue the value of paper charts versus electronic versions. Pat Mundus discusses the pros and cons of both.

It’s high-season for hurricanes and fall Nor’easters. Is your boat ready for heavy winds and storms?

No amount of horsepower or gadgetry can compensate for seamanship skills, so it pays to get yours in order.