| 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 |
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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 |
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
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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.
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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.
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| 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!
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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) |
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
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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”.
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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.”
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| 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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| 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!
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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.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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” |
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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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.
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| 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.
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| 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.
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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).
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| 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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| 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 |
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