Boating Safety
Essential safety information for recreational boaters — from pre-departure habits to emergency procedures. Know this before you leave the dock.
This page is a general reference for recreational boaters and does not constitute legal advice. Boating laws vary by state and jurisdiction. Always consult the U.S. Coast Guard, your state's boating authority, and current regulations for authoritative guidance. In an emergency, call the Coast Guard on VHF CH 16 or dial 911.
Pre-Departure Checklist
Check the marine weather forecast — NOAA VHF weather radio or the official NOAA website. Wind, wave height, and thunderstorm probability matter.
File a float plan with someone onshore: where you're going, who's aboard, vessel description, and expected return time.
Inspect life jackets — one properly fitting, USCG-approved PFD for every person aboard. Check for wear, missing buckles, or expired inflatable CO2 cartridges.
Verify your VHF radio is charged or connected to power and set to channel 16.
Check that required safety equipment is aboard: flares (unexpired), fire extinguisher (charged), horn or whistle, and anchor with adequate rode.
Know your fuel range. Account for current, wind, and return trip. The rule of thirds: one-third out, one-third back, one-third reserve.
Brief all passengers on the location of life jackets, fire extinguisher, and how to call for help on VHF.
Ensure navigation lights are working if there is any chance you'll be out at dusk or after dark.
Navigation Rules
The ColRegs govern how vessels interact. These are the rules every operator needs to know — not suggestions.
The Starboard Rule
When two power vessels meet head-on, both turn to starboard. When crossing, the vessel on the starboard side has the right of way — you must give way if the other vessel is to your right.
Sail and Human Power
Under normal circumstances, sailing vessels and human-powered craft (kayaks, canoes, paddleboards) have right of way over power vessels. This changes when the sailing vessel is overtaking.
Vessels Constrained by Draft
Large commercial vessels in a channel may be constrained by their draft. You are required to stay out of the channel if you can safely navigate outside it. Do not force a ship to alter course.
Lookout
Every vessel is required to maintain a proper lookout at all times using sight, hearing, and all available means. This means no one is driving and looking at a phone simultaneously.
No-Wake Zones
Reduce to the slowest speed that maintains steerage when posted. Fines for no-wake violations are substantial in many jurisdictions, and your wake can damage other vessels and shoreline property.
Sound Signals
One short blast means you intend to pass on your port side. Two short blasts means starboard. Five or more short blasts is a danger signal — someone is uncertain of your intentions.
Weather Awareness
More boating accidents are caused by weather than by mechanical failure. Know what to watch for and when to stay tied up.
Know Before You Go
NOAA weather radio broadcasts continuous marine forecasts on VHF channels WX1 (162.550 MHz), WX2 (162.400 MHz), and WX3 (162.475 MHz). Check before departure and periodically throughout the day.
Thunderstorms
Lightning on open water is extremely dangerous. If a thunderstorm is within 10 miles, get off the water. If you cannot reach shore, stay low, avoid tall metal objects, and keep everyone away from the sides of the vessel.
Wind and Wave Height
Small craft advisories are issued when winds reach 21–33 knots or wave heights exceed safe thresholds for small vessels. Gale warnings begin at 34 knots. Take these seriously — conditions can deteriorate quickly.
Fog
Operate at a safe speed in restricted visibility. Use your VHF and radar if equipped. Sound one prolonged blast every two minutes when underway in fog. Know the sound signals for vessels at anchor.
VHF Radio Usage
A VHF marine radio is required safety equipment on many vessels and strongly recommended on all recreational boats operating more than a mile from shore. Know which channels to use and when.
Monitor at all times. Use to call for help. Switch to working channel after initial contact.
Alternative hailing channel for recreational vessels. Many marinas and restaurants monitor this channel.
After initial contact on 16, the USCG will direct you to CH 22A for working communication.
Continuous weather broadcasts. WX1 (162.550 MHz) is the most widely available.
Used for vessel-to-vessel communication after hailing on CH 16 or 9.
FCC Licensing: A VHF radio on a vessel operated on U.S. inland waters does not require an FCC license. However, if you travel to foreign ports or operate on international waters, a Ship Station License and Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit are required. Contact the FCC for current requirements.
Life Jacket Requirements
One USCG-approved PFD is required aboard for every person on the vessel.
Children under 13 in New York and Connecticut must wear a PFD while underway on vessels under 65 feet.
Inflatable PFDs must be worn to count — they cannot be stored in a cabinet and used as a backup.
Throwable devices (Type IV) are required on vessels 16 feet and longer in addition to wearable PFDs.
PFDs must be accessible — not buried under gear, locked in a storage compartment, or blocked by equipment.
Inspect inflatable PFD CO2 cartridges annually. An expired or previously discharged cartridge may not inflate.
Alcohol & Boating Laws
Boating Under the Influence is a federal offense and enforced throughout U.S. waters. The facts every boater should know.
Federal BAC Limit: 0.08%
Federal law sets the blood alcohol concentration limit for operating a vessel at 0.08% — the same as driving a car. Many states have additional penalties for BAC levels between 0.06% and 0.08%.
It's Not Just the Driver
Boating Under the Influence (BUI) applies to any person operating a vessel. This includes sailboats, kayaks, and personal watercraft. There is no "passenger-only" exemption for the helm.
Sun, Heat, and Water Amplify Effects
Motion, sun, wind, noise, and vibration accelerate the effects of alcohol on the water. A person who might function adequately after two drinks on land may be significantly impaired on a boat.
Penalties
BUI penalties include fines, loss of boating privileges, and in some cases jail time. A BUI conviction can also affect your driver's license. Law enforcement can board your vessel and administer sobriety tests without a warrant.
Emergency Procedures
Know these steps before you need them. In an emergency, the time it takes to think is time you don't have.
Stay Calm and Assess
Panic wastes time. Identify the nature of the emergency — man overboard, fire, flooding, medical — and communicate clearly to everyone aboard.
Issue a Mayday on CH 16
Say "MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY" followed by your vessel name, position (GPS coordinates or landmarks), nature of distress, number of people aboard, and any other relevant information. Repeat as needed.
Deploy Emergency Equipment
Fire extinguisher for fire. Throw a PFD immediately for man overboard — keep eyes on the person in the water at all times. Bilge pump for flooding. Administer first aid for medical emergencies.
Signal Your Position
Fire flares if you have them (follow directions). Use your VHF to give continuous position updates. If anchored, deploy your anchor light.
Follow Coast Guard Instructions
Once you reach the Coast Guard or rescue services, follow their instructions exactly. Stay on the channel they assign you. Do not abandon your vessel unless instructed to do so.
Coast Guard Contact Information
VHF Channel 16
The primary and fastest way to reach the Coast Guard in an emergency. Monitored 24 hours a day. Say “MAYDAY MAYDAY MAYDAY” for life-threatening emergencies. Say “PAN-PAN” for urgent situations that are not immediately life-threatening.
USCG National Response Center
For non-emergency reporting or to report pollution and hazards:
Phone: 1-800-424-8802
Emergency: 911
Local Sector Contacts — East Coast
For non-emergency inquiries, float plan registration, or boater assistance:
USCG Sector New York
Governors Island, NY · (718) 354-4353
USCG Sector Long Island Sound
New Haven, CT · (203) 468-4400
USCG Sector North Carolina
Portsmouth, VA · (757) 398-6390
USCG Sector Key West
Key West, FL · (305) 292-8727
NOAA Marine Weather
Forecasts, buoy data, and marine zone alerts:
Website: weather.gov/marine
VHF Weather: WX1 (162.550 MHz)
Safe Travels
This reference is a starting point, not a substitute for proper boating education. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary and United States Power Squadrons offer free and low-cost boating safety courses throughout the country.
Now go find a great place for lunch.