Recreational Boating Resources

Recreational Boating from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
Using NOAA tools for safe navigation, including
Also includes links to related sites.
Navigational Charts from NOAA's Office of Coast Survey
Offers basic information about reading nautical charts, corrections to charts, chart ordering information, and links to other important navigation related topics.
Index to Navigation Charts by Corps District from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Provides links to Corps District pages via clickable map or, if you know the name of the District, an index page.
Tides Online from NOAA
Current information on tides and storm surges measured at stations around the country.
Tide Predictions from the National Ocean Service
This system will allow you to calculate tidal predictions for more than 3000 tide stations predicted by the Center for Operational Oceanographic Products and Services (CO-OPS). These stations have been listed geographically; thus stations which are near each other along the shoreline will be near each other in the listing.

The U.S. Coast Guard -- Office of Boating Safety Home Page
This searchable site offers links to boating courses, federal requirements, Boating Safety News, and the latest boating related items in the Federal Register.
Federal Requirements and Safety Tips for Recreational Boaters from the U.S. Coast Guard
Provides detailed information on Registration, Numbering and Documentation, Law Enforcement, Equipment Requirements, Vessels Operating Offshore, Operating Procedures, and Safety and Survival Tips.
National Transportation Library -- Maritime Safety
Links to reports from various organizations and agencies. Some of the information is more technical in nature, but you can find useful documents like the Coast Guard's "Marine Safety Manual."
Boating Accident Report Database from the U.S. Coast Guard
A searchable database which contains information on Recalls, Accidents and useful information on boating registration.
Boating Safety Measures Can Prevent Hypothermia from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

National Weather Service
Check the weather before you launch, with direct access to U.S. official weather forecast products and observations.
Weather
Links to great weather-related sites from the South Carolina State home page.
Safe Boating Weather Tips from the National Weather Service
This useful site gives advice on what to do before you go boating, radio equipment and frequencies to listen to while boating, as well as a short glossary of weather advisory terms.
A Boater's Guide to Hurricane Readiness from Chatham [County, GA] Emergency Management Agency
Detailed information on what to do with your boat before, during, and after a hurricane.
Boating-Lightning Protection from The National Ag Safety Database and the University of Florida
Explains how lightning works and when it is likely to occur as well as how you can be injured. It explains lightning protection systems for boats and how to minimize damage.

Clean Boating Information from the Oregon State Marine Board and the National Clean Boating Campaign
Links to Fact Sheets on Boating Litter & Fish Waste, Boat Sewage Control & Pumpout, Fuelage & Bilge Care, Boat Maintenance, and Best Management Practices.
Source Protection - Boating and Recreation from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
Though it focuses on protecting the Puget Sound, this site offers lots of good advice and information that applies to any boater: waste disposal, spills, safe maintenance, and swimmer's itch.
Boating Maintenance and Smart Environmental Purchases from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources
Decisions you can make, and actions you can take to minimize your impact on the environment. What materials to use and how to recycle, reuse, and dispose of maintenance materials.
Boating Pollution Prevention Tips from the Environmental Protection Agency
EPA Consumer Information on preventing marine engine pollution.
Zebra Mussel Boating Tips from Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation
How boaters can help to prevent the spread of this invasive non-native species.

Fish & Wildlife Reference Service Boating Access Textbase
Searchable database of citations to boating-related reports and articles. A great resource for finding all kinds of information, from "boat trailering basics" to "environmental impact of marinas and their boats."

Created by Linda Seguin
Email: linseg1@aol.com
Last Update: November 28, 1999