Seamanship

Taking safety seriously includes the operation of all the boat’s safety equipment.

Planning and good seamanship will help you Cross a bar safely. gaining some local knowledge helps too

Cruising long distances aboard your own boat can be one of the most satisfying experiences on the water, but it also requires more responsibility on your part to ensure the boat and its systems are ready for the voyage.

With so many anchor options out there, how do we know which ground tackle is best?

Today’s higher gas and diesel prices might tempt a captain to depart with less fuel, but the one-third rule should always be adhered to for safety.

Docking is one of the most important seamanship skills and can be incredibly challenging in certain marinas and conditions; practice will help your crew prepare.

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