Seamanship

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.

The Automatic Information System, also known as AIS, is a great navigation tool for boaters on the lookout for traffic on the water. But knowing its limitations is key to a safe voyage.

So, you’ve set the hook and are enjoying a quiet evening on deck when the anchor starts to drag. What’s next?

Running in fog can be challenging. Here’s how to safely handle it the next time the thick stuff rolls in.

There’s nothing like hearing, “Nice job, skipper,” after skillfully docking your boat. Pat Mundus has some tips to make your next docking maneuver a success.

My unusual adventures aboard a beautiful 1930s-era power yacht

Knowing the individual components of your ground tackle system and how they each work is an essential first step in a peaceful night’s rest while at anchor.

Port and starboard may as well be up and down if you don’t know nautical lingo. Pat Mundus explains the importance of understanding the language of the sea.

Good communication is important in all walks of life, but it’s particularly  important on recreational boats, where the safety of passengers will depend on it.

Knowing how to properly deploy and set an anchor is the key to a good night’s sleep on the hook.

Test your knowledge with these Coast Guard license exam prep questions from the National Captain’s Institute captains.com

Test your knowledge with these Coast Guard license exam prep questions from the National Captain’s Institute captains.com

March 2006, British Columbia: The ferry Queen of the North was making a routine transit.