Valuable Boating Resources, Carefully Selected for You
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Welcome to our Resources Page, your one-stop source for carefully selected and reviewed websites. Get valuable information on nautical charts, navigation, safety, sailing and boating courses, events, and more. Visit us often - we're always adding more helpful information!
| ARTICLES | Articles by NOAA Relating to charting, navigation |
Articles by OceanGrafix Relating to safety, education, “Editions” and NOAAupdates, print-on-demand nautical charts and more |
| Youtube Channel "The Boaters TV" TheBoaters.TV covers the hobby and sport of boating in weekly updates. |
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| BOATING COURSES / EDUCATION | Take a boating course Plus links to other educational resources as provided by U.S. Power Squadrons |
Find a boating course Find local educational course or seminars presented by U.S. Power Squadrons |
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Educational tool, new from NOAA, for youngsters NOAA announces a multimedia tool for young students, teaching them about nautical charts, symbols, charting, navigation, safe boating and more |
Small Boat Seamanship Manual A great resource to absorb the basics of good Seamanship. From author Richard Aarons and the United States Coast Guard. |
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| BOAT SHOWS: U.S. AND WORLD-WIDE |
U.S. shows: no-nonsense list of large and small shows A practical site with dozens of land and in-water shows across the U.S., large and small, plus other resources for boaters, from insurance and brokers to used boats. |
World-wide shows, with a “luxury” twist A nice site with some of the best (some categorized as “luxury”) boat shows, worldwide, plus links to other luxury and leisure events onshore. But you do have to put up with some ads on the site. |
| BROADCASTS / VHF | Marine Safety Broadcasts Explanation of NOAA Weather Radio, VHF Marine, Medium Frequency, High Seas, Coastal broadcasts and other broadcasts |
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| CRITICAL CHART UPDATES / INFO |
Do you know about NOAA “Notice to Mariners” and “Editions”? Troubling fact: recreational mariners have a low awareness of NOAA’s “updates”! If you sail, you should read this! |
NOAA chart “Editions” What Editions are, how often they’re issued |
| Get NOAA Notice to Mariners Updates (NTMs) Search your chart(s) for NOAA NTM chart update info |
NOAA chart Editions – all, listed by chart number See and search all NOAA charts; dates of latest editions (updated daily by NOAA) |
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| NOAA chart Editions – see very latest See Editions posted by NOAA for the current month |
NOAA Coast Pilots – explanation | |
| NOAA Coast Pilots – Edition info See dates of latest and upcoming Coast Pilot Editions NOAA “Notice to Mariners” What NTMs are, why they’re critical to safety |
USPS Cooperative Charting Program How USPS works with NOAA to provide important“update” info for charts and navigation |
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| CRUISING / OCEAN SAILING |
OCC, The Ocean Cruising Club A UK-based club with an international flavor. Seems to be a true educational / information-sharing club, not a promotional venture. Has around 100 Port Officers who welcome members in harbors all over the world. “One-stop sailing resource” / forum / message board Site with a menu of three forums and many discussion topics dealing with “cruising”, “crewfinding” and “message board to and from cruisers”. |
The dream: get a boat and sail! The subtitle of this book says it all: “How to set sail within five years, live well and adventurously, even if you don’t have a boat yet.” |
| DINGHY CHOICES |
USCG-approved dingy Inflatable vs. rigid? When it comes to fiberglass-molded tenders, you might consider the USCG-approved, fiberglass boats built by Rigid Boats. They stand apart from a traditional dinghy: Part of the Federal Boat Safety Act, 1971, authorized the USCG to establish construction and performance standards for recreational boats. These standards apply to monohulls less than 20 feet and do not apply to inflatables. This dinghy did get USCG approval. Learn why and how. |
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| EQUIPMENT, GEAR, CLOTHING |
Knowing your tank levels A new "tank level indicator" will measure (from the outside) the contents of all of your tanks cleanly and easily, no matter what your tanks are made of. New Mooring Pendant Introduced at Newport, fall of 2010: the Cyclone Mooring Pendant. High tensile, low stretch, light, splice-able, floatable, up to 1" diameter. Sleep Tight! If Your Anchor Drifts, You Get a Call Blackberry users can sleep better thanks to My Anchor Watch, which alerts you if your boat moves outside of the radius set when you anchor. |
Exceptional Clothing for Sailing Pusser's says their clothing is "exceptional for sailing and other outdoor activities where weight, comfort (even when humid) and secure storage are desired." Shoes That Match Your Boat! Timberland lets you select your own colors for the tongue, sides, back and collar of your boat shoes - even details like stitching. Highly-Recommended Nautical Jewelry Thanks to Cruising Compass for recommending this line of exceptional, customizable nautical flag charm bracelets, necklaces and more. |
| FISH RESPONSIBLY |
"Do your part" This site, brought to you by Tread Lightly, offers tips on boating responsibly in fishing areas, respecting others, avoiding sensitive areas, and “doing your part”. |
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| FISH THAT'S SAFE TO EAT |
Especially relevant to pregnant women The Environmental Working Group’s mission is to educate consumers on issues relating to the environment. Its team of scientists and journalists expose information designed to inform people of environmental dangers. This part of their site deals with fish: which species are safe to eat, and which are not. You’ll also find links to other relevant sites, plus state-by-state fish advisories … even which power plants pose dangers if you fish near them. |
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| FOR WOMEN |
Women on the water For women: sailing and power boating school,info, articles courses, seminars, events Forum / blog for women in sport fishing! Event and seminar information, photos of catches and lots more, just for the ladies! |
The lady cruises alone! All you need to know to prepare for the solo cruise of your life: The Cruising Woman's Advisor: How to Prepare for the Voyaging Life By Women and For Women Boating School Has 20 Year Anniversary Twenty years ago, Sea Sense launched their sailing and power boating school by entering the first women-only sailing team in the St. Petersburg Yacht Club's Florida-to-Mexico regatta. That event earned them second place in their cruising class, and since they have taught all over the globe. |
| FOUL WEATHER GEAR |
Gear choices can be intimidating With so much “latest hi-tech” sailing gear appearing on the market these days, choosing foul weather gear can be exhausting. This site steps back and focuses on the basics: matching your gear to your needs. Articles focus on simple categories such as rain gear, coastal gear, offshore gear, breathable vs. non-breathable, and what to look for in terms of quality. The site’s “back to basics” approach takes out the intimidation factor. |
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| "GREEN" BOATING |
For environmentally-conscious mariners If you want to pay more attention to your marine environment, read articles here on protecting ecosystems, spill control, participating in cleanups, reducing fuel waste, NOAA’s “green” initiatives, battery recycling, green-powered vessels and more. Links and info, how to get involved This site offers many links to, and discussions about, the many aspects of green boating including foundations, groups, conservancy organizations, shows and events, governmental acts – even oil recycling. Nice, clean (of course!) site that’s easy to navigate. The Green Regatta SOLAR SPLASH is the World Championship of intercollegiate Solar/Electric boating. Officially called the "international intercollegiate solar/electric boat regatta," the event takes place over five days. The 2009 SOLAR SPLASH will be held in Fayetteville, Arkansas from June 27-31. |
First-ever U.S.-made all-electric motors for boats SolidNav has launched its "green" product line-up that includes the marine industry’s first American-made electric motor for sailboats and small watercraft. The company states that its products “are more reliable, cost effective and cleaner than traditional diesel or gas-powered engines." Alaska Clean Harbors Guidebook and Harbor GRS Organizations interested in keeping Alaska's harbors clean and protecting the environment have crafted a guide for harbormasters and boaters to help keep things green. EPA's Boating Pollution Prevention Tips Even with the new technology, the cooperation of individual boaters is essential in the effort to improve air quality and prevent pollution. Boaters can make a difference that will help protect the environment now by adopting a few changes. |
| LORAN |
Loran navigation / Loran lines on charts LORAN (Long Range Aid to Navigation) is a terrestrial radio navigation system using low frequency radio transmitters. Thanks, “Wikipedia”! Here’s a comprehensive summary of how the Loran radio navigation system was developed, how it works, its advantages and limitations, and discussion about its future. |
End of LORAN Media Coverage and Helpful Links Concerning Loran News. |
| MARINAS |
Find a marina anywhere Search for a marina in cities and ports worldwide, and get information, aerial views, and more. Hint: use the “advanced search” at upper right for quicker searching. |
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| NAUTICAL CHARTS |
NOAA print-on-demand or “POD” charts As explained by NOAA |
NOAA ENCs™ NOAA’s Electronic Navigational Charts |
| “Chart reading 101” A basic but thorough intro to reading nautical charts, and why every boater should have charts on hand |
Federal requirements and safety tips For recreational boaters “Only up-to-date nautical charts should be used for navigation” |
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| Cooperative Charting Program by USPS (Unites States Power Squadron) In cooperation with NOAA How to read a nautical chart This could be the best handbook on chart usage. From renowned author Nigel Calder, one of the most trusted names in boating. |
Educational tool, new from NOAA, for youngsters NOAA announces a multimedia tool for young students, teaching them about nautical charts, symbols, charting, navigation, safe boating and more Staying safe in small boats Five steps to keep full size nautical charts on board small boats. |
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| NAVIGATION NAV RULES |
U.S. Aids to Navigation Identifying, understanding buoys, markers directional guides, dual-purpose marks and more |
U.S. Coast Guard comments on aids to navigation Aids are placed as guides, to assist mariners in determining position in relation to land and hidden dangers. Several aids can be used together to form a “system”. |
| Coastal Navigation Course Self-study course; all of the basics of navigation; great for all levels of boaters |
SAIL BOAT navigation rules; right of way Official rules from the Navigation Center, U.S. Coast Guard / U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security |
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| ONSHORE EVENTS |
Classy onshore events wherever you sail A nice site with info on luxury and leisure events onshore such as dining, arts & culture, city guides, leisure, hotels, plus boat shows and other shows in categories such as air, auto and more. But you do have to put up with some ads on the site. |
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| POWER BOATING |
Wide variety of general info and links re power boating “About.com” is a general search service site but here it does put you in touch with lots of information and links dealing with power boat seamanship, repairs, maintenance, filing a float plan, ports, marinas, and lots more. |
Power boat navigation and safety Skillfully navigating waterways is rewarding, but also essential to safety. Here you can boost your confidence by knowing nav rules, and learn about nautical charts and navigation equipment. |
| REGATTAS |
Ragattas dates worldwide Get quick list of regattas during the current month, worldwide, plus search for events by country, class of boat and more. |
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| SAILING |
For sail boat owners in the U.S. Events, news, education, training, and more Learn to sail, from ASA Straightforward, informational site by the American Sailing Association, giving you information on sailing schools, instructors, certification and other resources. Search for instruction in your state. “Offshore sailing” school Learn to sail from experts Steve and Doris Colgate, on “the best offshore sail boats”. This informational site is to-the-point and well organized. Current sailing articles and info We like this site because it has very current, well-written articles on green boating, maintenance, spring prep, safety, choosing a vessel, swapping your boat and lots more. Instant online gear and hardware solutions The right hardware makes cruising safer and more fun. This site from Harken’s online Compu-Spec uses a database of over 5,000 boats, cross referenced, that allows you to design specific systems for your boat based on real loads, sailing style, and gear preferences: cockpit-controlled genoa lead systems, mastbase blocks and lots more. |
Links to dozens of sailing sites Learn to sail, plus links to dozens of sailing-related sites for sails, rope, gear and more Videos on how to sail Yes, we are sending you to youtube here! We checked out out several videos and frankly, most of them are quite good. Choose from very basic learning and beginner terminology, then graduate on your own to more advanced sailing techniques. Anarchy as a diversion? A sailing site with an edge! Their motto is “Where the Status Quo Blows”. And the founders’ goal was a site that “is not part of a dot-com strategy, but for the love of the game”. Articles, chat space, forum, classifieds, and a most interesting page, “Rumors and Lies”. Sound, practical, well-written sailing basics for all levels An easy-to-read, no-nonsense site with a wealth of basic information on sailing, from theory and history to tides, terms and safety. Structured according to fields of interest and levels of expertise, the site’s purpose is “anything between a beginner’s guide – your virtual first lesson – to a reference for more experienced sailors.” Ocean cruising knowledge, hands-on, from the pros If you want to learn how to handle a cruising boat in all weather conditions, how to navigate, provision for passages and use of advanced high-seas communications, the best way is to get hands on experience on an ocean passage, according to teachers who have more than 200,000 ocean miles under their keels. John Neal and Amanda Swan-Neal run Mahina Expeditions and have taught cruising skills to hundreds of sailors. |
| SAFETY | File a “float plan” Compelling Coast Guard rescue example, and why every boater should file a float plan, even for day trips Dangerous wakes from ships Yes, it can happen to you, and it may not be far out at sea. All it takes to sink a recreational vessel is the unfortunate timing of a commercial ship’s wake, combined with just the right (wrong?) waves – and the waves don’t have to be all that big. A must article for all mariners. Avoiding Boat Collisions Knowledge of the navigation rules and these tips can reduce the chance of having a collision with another boat. Post-accident drowning caused 70% of fatalities and 87% of the victims were not wearing a personal floatation device. How to keep America's waters safe America's Waterway Watch organization, much like the Coast Watch program during WWII, lists ways you can help keep our miles of coast safe from terrorist activity. |
National Distress System, U.S. Coast Guard VHF Distress Coverage Charts, explanation of transceivers, education on this primary means of broadcast information to mariners Mid-size and smaller outboard boat safety, especially far off shore Lots of accidents happen in the ocean and large lakes, and many involve smaller boats. This article makes you really think about going out to sea in a smaller vessel, unless you are knowledgeable, 100% prepared, and your boat is mechanically sea-worthy. Alliance for Safe Navigation NOAA's Press Release on the Alliance for Safe Navigation. Remember Your Sound Signals According to the Rules of the Road, here's what basic horn signals tell you, and allow you to tell others, when you have little or no visibility. |
| SPORT FISHING / SAFETY |
Safety awakening: sport fishermen and others This is a sobering article on safety at sea. It focuses on the category with the most at-sea accidents: sport fishing vessels. In depth and well written, with great advice on sailing safe, especially in the ocean, with focus on common “founderings”. Great article for all recreational boaters. Dangerous wakes from ships Yes, it can happen to you, and it may not be far out at sea. All it takes to sink a recreational vessel is the unfortunate timing of a commercial ship’s wake, combined with just the right (wrong?) waves – and the waves don’t have to be all that big. A must article for all mariners. Safety and products and info – a nice site Many websites are crammed with promotional info and are not well laid out – but this section (“Tips and Tales”) of Florida Sport Fishing Magazine’s site has nice, brief write-ups on products and safety equipment of interest to sport fishing enthusiasts as well as other recreational mariners. |
Mid-size and smaller outboard boat safety, especially far off shore Lots of accidents happen in the ocean and large lakes, and many involve smaller boats. This article makes you really think about going out to sea in a smaller vessel, unless you are knowledgeable, 100% prepared, and your boat is mechanically sea-worthy. Broad-based information, resources This is a good information-and-resources-based site where you can get info and links on listing your charter boat, finding sport fishing associations and regulations, learning about expeditions and licensed guides, and more. |
| STORM RULES |
10 Rules for Enjoying a Storm! From Sail World, with thanks to Cruising Compass e-newsletter. A great article that states “storms happen to all of us”, and provides practical advice for planning and for riding out that storm. For everyone, and a good article to have on board to remind you to plan, prepare, and sail safe during heavy weather. |
Hurricane Updates Updates on Hurricane activity for boaters |
| TRAWLERS |
TrawlerFest events nationwide For trawler owners and enthusiasts: regional events with products and info customized to locales around the U.S. Hands-on learning on a trawler before you buy This Ft. Lauderdale firm operates a “live and learn” trawler business where you can experience the trawler life to see if it’s right for you. They stress the fundamentals of trawlers in a relaxed atmosphere, on board, as you cruise. You take charge of the helm and get practical experience ranging from seamanship, navigation and docking, to the basics of electronics, weather challenges, night cruising, etc. |
Wide-ranging trawler Internet resource Self-proclaimed as the Internet’s best resource for those who cruise, voyage or live aboard, under power (or want to). |
| USED BOAT VALUES | What’s the value of my vessel? NADA, the people who value used cars, also have a comprehensive used boat valuation service. Choose from dozens of brands, enter the year of your vessel, its options, etc., and get a “low retail” or “average” sell price. |
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| USPS (UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS) | USPS, its role, methods, member benefits Safety education, where to find a local USPS chapter, regional and national events and more |
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| VIDEO | Measuring distance on a nautical chart This video breaks down the process of measuring distance on a nautical chart to gauge time and fuel. |
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| WEATHER, TIDES, CURRENTS, MORE | Up-to-date weather from NOAA NOAA’s national weather marine forecasts and much more |
Tides, water levels, currents Oceanographic and meteorological data (historical and real-time), predictions, nowcasts, forecasts |
