Boating and Sailing Section Index

Key Topics Discussed at Boating & Sailing

Aug 16, 2006 Alan Sorum

This is an index of key topics discussed in Boating & Sailing at Suite101 with links to related articles and blog entries. Refer back to this page from time to time. It will grow with the Boating and Sailing site at Suite101.com.

B

Boater Education

Basics of Buying Boat Insurance - Having adequate and appropriate marine insurance can provide boat owners with a better outcome in the event of an accident and improve their peace of mind.

Books for Boaters - Most boaters appreciate receiving a good marine related book. Here are some suggested titles for the boater in your family.

America's Boating Course (ABC) - Take America's Boating Course or consider giving it as a gift to a boater you love. Learn more about boating safety today.

What Ship Is That? - Is a great guide to identifying the vessels found at your local harbor or seen from the dock. Pick up a copy for your next trip to the waterfront.

Boating Safety

2007 Safe Boating Campaign - The 2007 North American Safe Boating Campaign is underway and offers many new programs aimed at improving boating safety.

Kids Don't Float (KDF) Program - Kids Don't Float is a water safety program that can make a major impact on reducing child & youth drowning incidents. Consider setting up a KDF program in your community

Select the Best PFD or Life Jacket - Pick the right PFD or lifejacket for your next outdoor boating activity. A comfortable PFD is more likely to be worn.

Boats and Carbon Monoxide CO Carbon monoxide (CO) is a silent killer that can strike any vessel. Learn to recognize and prevent CO poisoning

AMSEA's Steps for Outdoor Survival Mariners and outdoor enthusiasts should be prepared and AMSEA has some good suggestions on how you can do this

Boat Engine Kill-Switches - Consider installing an engine kill-switch on your boat. New technology is making this an important option for enhanced boating safety.

The NTSB Most Wanted - Discover what the National Transportation Safety Board has identified as critical needs for improving boating safety in the United States

Stupid Boater Tricks - Mistakes happen and boaters make some of the best ones. While these stories are funny, they should also sound a note of caution.

Power Boats and Kayaks - As boaters, we share the water with other types of operators. Powerboats and kayaks share the same areas and need to know more about each other.

Eliminate the Search in Search and Rescue - Learn more about emergency radio locator beacons. This affordable technology can save your life.

Personal Floatation Devices - Be smart and wear your lifejacket! PFDs come in many styles and built for different purposes. Learn more about PFDs at Suite101.

Damage Control for Boaters - Take time to assemble a damage control kit for your vessel. Be prepared for unforeseen events on the water!

Cold Water Boating Safety - Accidental immersion in cold water can be the beginning of a very bad day. Boaters need to understand what can happen with an unplanned fall into cold water.

Reduce Propeller Injuries - Spinning propellers can cause serious injury and death. Learn more about preventing these injuries and the new technology available to help in the effort.

5 Star Safety Program - Learn more about charter boat safety and efforts made to improve it for crew and passengers on uninspected passenger vessels.

Alcohol Use and Boating - Boaters need to understand the risk involved with alcohol use and operating boats. Boat operators need to evaluate alcohol use like any other stress they experience.

Boat Safely Today ans Get a VSC - Vessel Safety Checks assure boaters that they are ready for operating on the water safely. Schedule a VSC soon.

C

Clean Boating

Marine Debris Threats to the Ocean - Greenpeace International has released a report detailing the risk plastic pollution and marine debris poses to the environment called Plastic Debris in the World's Oceans

Environmental Leadership Award - Nominate a group or individual that has made a difference in promoting clean boating for the BoatU.S. Environmental Leadership Award

Ecologically Friendly Boat Travel - Recreational boating provides access to less traveled areas. Clean boating practices will ensure our favorite areas remain pristine and unspoiled for future trips.

Oil Pollution Response and Reporting Requirements - If you encounter an oil or fuel spill, take action to resolve it. Oil spills must be controlled, contained, cleaned up, and reported.

Marine Plastic Pollution - Plastic debris pollutes our marine environment and harms wildlife that depend on clean surroundings to prosper. Boaters can do something about it.

Safe Boat Fueling - Safe boat fueling procedures should begin as part of your marina's fire safety plan. Spilled fuel can cause fires and is a concern for marine oil pollution.

Human Factors in Oil Spills - New research points to a need to focus on the human factors that can contribute to oil spill incidents.

Clean Marina Siting and Design - Boaters and marina operators can make a difference in protecting our natural resources. Learn more about clean marina programs.

Marina Operation and Maintenance - Boaters and marina operators can make a difference in protecting our natural resources. Learn about operation and maintenance practices that contribute to clean marinas.

Choosing a Clean Marina - The choice you make in selecting a marina for your boat makes a difference to the health of our marine environment.

E

Emergency Procedures

Medical Kits for Mariners - Every boater should carry a good first aid kit onboard. Adventure Medical has released some good kits designed especially for mariners.

Boat Fire Safety - Boats stored for long periods in the water are at risk for fire. There are several things you can do to reduce the risk of fire while your boat is stored for the winter.

Boater Communications and Procedures - Boaters of all types share the same waters and effective communications are a key to safe boating. Boaters can communicate with each other in a number of different ways.

Boating Communication Redux - As boaters, we need to know what is happening in the water around us. Good communications will increase our safety and fun on the water. Learn to communicate effectively.

Boating Visual Distress Signals - Carriage and knowledge of visual distress signals can prevent an boating incident from becoming a tragedy. Boaters have a number of distress signals available to them.

Response Strategies for Boating Incidents - Here at Boating and Sailing, we have covered a lot of territory in the discussion of boating emergencies. I have described some different response strategies you can use for incidents occurring on the water. This blog entry summarizes a number of the articles to date.

Outdoor Wilderness Survival Kits - Be prepared for an outdoor emergency. Putting together a personal survival is one good way to be prepared for your next outdoor or boating adventure.

Thru-hull Fitting Emergencies - Thru-hull fittings can pose a huge problem if they fail. Learn how to reduce the chance of this occurring and how to handle a failure while underway.

Man Overboard Basics - Develop a plan to successfully retrieve your crew from the water and get them back on your boat. Practice MOB procedures.

Using an Emergency Dewatering Pump - Learning to use a dewatering pump can greatly improve your ability to deal effectively with on-board flooding emergencies.

USCG Helicopter Assistance at Sea - Helicopter evacuation is very effective in assisting with medical emergencies on a boat. Knowledge of helicopter procedures will prepare you for an event like this.

Electrolysis, Corrosion and Electrical Systems

Mitigate Electic Shock Drowning - Shore power leaking into a marina can harm and even kill swimmers in the water near boats. Learn what you can do to mitigate electric shock drowning.

Electrical Shock Drowning - Drowning caused by leakage of shore power into the water is preventable. Learn more about problems with stray power and its potential for causing electric shock drowning.

Corrosion and Electrolysis in Boat Harbors - here are two broad types of corrosion in vessels, galvanic corrosion and electrolysis. Boat owners can do a number of things to protect their floating investments.

Etiquette

Marina Etiquette 101 - Mooring your vessel properly will save headaches for you, management, and your marina neighbors. Be proactive and avoid aggravating the other tenants!

F

Fishing

Waterfall Resort, Alaska - There are many high quality fishing lodges to be found in Alaska. One of the industry leaders is Waterfall Resort located near Ketchikan, Alaska.

G

Gear

Roof Racks For Outdoor Gear Use - Purchase a roof rack system and safety carry your outdoor equipment and gear to where you can enjoy it. There is a roof rack system available to suit your needs.

General Boating Information

Dockwise Yacht Transport - Dockwise Yacht Transport joins forces with the International SeaKeepers Society to better monitor the health of our oceans.

America's Waterway Watch - America's Waterway Watch is a program in which all boaters can participate. Increase your awareness of unusual activities and report them to the Coast Guard.

Basics of Buying Boat Insurance - Having adequate and appropriate marine insurance can provide boat owners with a better outcome in the event of an accident and improve their peace of mind.

Almost Hassle Free Boating - The practice of owning a share of a professionally managed boat is a growing and attractive option for both new and experienced boaters alike.

Gifts

Last Minute Boating Gift Ideas - Last minute Christmas gift ideas for boaters and nautical enthusiasts in your family and for friends.

Gifts for Kayakers and Canoeists - A few gift ideas for the kayak or canoe paddler in your life. These are kayak and canoe gifts suitable for many occasions.

Finding Gifts for Boaters - Suggestions for gifts that any boater will love to receive. The boater in your life will welcome a gift that is both practical and well suited to their avocation.

Christmas Boater's Gifts - Christmas is still a few months away, but it never hurts to daydream about toys for the boat or the nautical lifestyle.

Unique Nautical Chart Artwork - Three-dimensional nautical chart artwork from Latitude Kinsale can make a special gift, corporate bonus, or event award for the marine enthusiast in your life.

Global Positioning System (GPS) and Navigation

NOAA On-Line Marine Charts - Paper charts are not your only navigation option. Try viewing an on-line version of the marine chart used in your area of operation to compliment your GPS chart plotter.

GPS and the Principles of Navigation - Boaters should understand the basic navigation principles that underlie the basis of modern GPS receivers. This knowledge will improve your results and ease of use.

Navigation and GPS Technology - Marine navigation has been an important driver in advancing our modern technology. Navigational improvements spin-off benefits to many other areas.

L

Launch Ramps

Successfully Launching Your Boat - Launch Ramps are a common fixture in marinas. Operation of launch ramps depends on education of users and encouraging adequate preparation prior to nearing the ramp.

Take the Plunge at the Launch Ramp - You are prepared and it is time to get your boat wet. With these hints and a little practice, you'll look like a professional out there.

Getting Your Boat Ready to Launch - Preparation is the key to successfully launching your boat. Time taken to prepare your boat before reaching the ramp will benefit everyone and your boat.

Retrieving Your Boat at the Launch Ramp - Removing your boat from the water is the final phase of the boat launching cycle. With a little reverse thinking and care, you will successfully end your boating trip.

Safely Trailering Your Boat - Towing your boat to and from the marina requires a little preparation to ensure a safe trip. We will look at legal, safety and maintenance concerns in this article.

Launch Ramp Roundup - In Boating and Sailing, we have been discussing life at the launch ramp. Take some time to read about the process, and then get out with your boat!

Boat Trailers - drive, launch, retrieve and enjoy your watercraft - Much of boating involves land driving. Learn to trailer, launch and retrieve your boat with these articles.

M

Maintenance

Preseason Boat Preparation - Proper preparation of the different systems found on your boat will ensure a successful boating season. We explore care of head, galley, and water systems in this article

Further Spring Boat Preparation - Spring commissioning involves many different systems found on your boat. We explore maintenance of inboard engines and boat trailers in this article

More Spring Boat Preparation - Spring boat preparation depends on the proper maintenance of many vessel systems. This article addresses emergency equipment, electronics, and outboard engines

Spring Boat Preparation - Proper spring boat maintenance and preparation will make a major difference in the safe performance of your boat in this upcoming season

Winter Boat Care Recent events in Valdez Harbor remind boaters to take precautions in winter moorage and storage

The Mariner's Friend – Duct Tape Boaters and outdoor enthusiasts can never get enough duct tape. A review of the more humorous and serious aspects of the sticky stuff.

Boat Hull Preparation for Painting -Good hull preparation can reduce bottom painting costs and impacts to the environment.

In Water Boat Storage - Many boaters prefer to leave their vessels in the water for the off-season. Here are a few pointers to make the process more successful.

Boat Winterizing and Dry Storage - Taking a few extra steps now in winterizing your boat will make it easier to prepare and return to the water next season.

Ethanol Fuel Problems for Boaters - Continued problems have been reported by boaters using ethanol blended gasoline. Mitigate many of these issues with a little proactive work on your boat.

Blocking, Shoring and Jack Stands - Hints on how to block and shore your boat correctly for off-season storage and boat winterizing activities

Using Antifouling Bottom Paints - Tips on how to use antifouling paints in an ecologically friendly manner.

Preseason Sailboat Preparation - Get your sailboat ready for the new boating season with a little care and maintenance. Here are a few things that you should look at on your vessel.

Marlinspike Seamanship

Knots, Bends, and Hitches for Boaters" - Practice making your knots and putting in those splices! Learn more about marlinspike seamanship and ropework at Suite101.

P

Paddling

Captain John Smith Historic Trail - Retrace Capt John Smith's voyages of Chesapeake Bay. Celebrate the 400th anniversary of Jamestown by paddling the new Captain John Smith National Historic Trail.

Paddle Sports in South Carolina - Take time to visit South Carolina and enjoy what many think is the best place on earth for paddle sports like canoeing and kayaking.

Boating Promotion

New Year Boating Resolutions Here are a few things to do while waiting to get back out on the water. Boating resolutions for the New Year.

AK Fishing Industry Relief Mission - Alaska commercial fishermen have joined forces to help fishing industry families impacted by Hurricane Katrina.

Boating Blogs - Consider starting you own modern ship's log, a blog! Boating blogs are varied and make interesting reading.

Discover Boating Today - Take advantage of the Discover Boating program and learn more about becoming a boater yourself.

National Marina Day - National Marina Day is on August 12, 2006. Take this chance to visit your local marina or harbor and learn more about recreational boating!

Discover Sailing - Getting started in sailing is easier than you think. Sail America, a sailing industry group shows the way.

S

Sailing

Vic-Maui Yacht Race - The Vic-Maui yacht race sails every two years. Participants can race in two distinct classes and enjoy world-class water

The Rolex Miami OCR Yacht Races Join us for coverage of the Rolex Miami OCR to be held in Miami, Florida beginning on January 21, 2007 with Boating & Sailing at Suite101.

Take a 505 Sailboat for a Spin - Check out the 505 sailing dinghy. A one-design sail racing class that is within the means of most sailors.

2007 World of Rolex Yacht Racing A listing of Rolex sponsored yacht races for the 2007 season. The list will be updated through the year and includes links to supporting websites.

Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race Participate in the Sydney Hobart ocean yacht race even if your thousands of nautical miles away from Tasmania.

Sail in the Clipper 07-08 Race - The Clipper 07-08 yacht race is a unique chance for amateur sailors to circle the globe in a 68-foot Dubois design sailboat.

Live Sail Die - A website for those that live, sail and die for their sport. Sailing enthusiasts, this is your place.

Olympic Sailing Basics - Learn about the sailboat designs and classes used in Olympic sailing competition.

SkipperGuide for Sailing Locations - Explore sailing destinations throughout the world and submit information your favorite locations.

l’Hydroptère Begins to Takeoff - Alain Thébault and his crew sailing the l'Hydroptère are reaching for the ultimate goal of flying the fastest sailboat on earth.

Rolex Baltic Week - Exciting racing events are planned for Farr 40 and Melges 24 sailors in Hamburg, Germany on the Baltic Sea this August.

World Sailing League is Launched - A new yacht racing series is set to begin in 2009. Called the World Sailing League, events will be held world wide for a winner's purse of $2 million.

Sea Grant College Program

Alaska Sea Grant College Program - Take some time to browse through the Alaska Sea Grant Bookstore. There are many titles of interest for boaters and maritime enthusiasts.

Seamanship

Mooring to Floats and Piers - Tying up your vessel with sufficient mooring lines and fenders will protect your investment in boating and provide peace of mind.

Surfing

Cold Water Surfing Cold water surfing can mean fewer crowds and better waves for properly equipped surfers

An Introduction to Tow-in Surfing Learn more about extreme tow-in surfing that uses a personal watercraft to reach the great waves

T

Technology

Phase-Out of 121.5/243 MHz EPIRBs Cospas-Sarsat has announced that they will cease satellite processing of the older radio locator beacons in 2009

From Sea to Shining Sea - A group of research organizations have joined forces to produce an overview for marine areas of special interest. Information is presented on Google Earth and the web.

Alaska Ocean Observing System AOOS - Boaters can look forward to having valuable oceanographic data available to them from multiple sources, in real-time on a single website. It is called AOOS.

Tides and Currents

Time, Tide and Boaters - Tides are important to coastal boaters. Tidal height influences navigational decisions, establishes shoreline boundaries, and drives ocean currents.

Travel

Explore Southern Southeast Alaska - Take time to visit Southeast Alaska and explore the many recreational opportunities available especially for independent travelers

Marine Travel in Alaska - Marine travel provides a ready way to explore the many wildlife viewing and recreational opportunities found in coastal Alaska

Remote Cabins in Southeast Alaska - Tongass NF cabins are a great way to explore the region and enjoy its outdoor activities. Access is by boat or plane making the cabins an easy way to visit the wilderness

Port of Call – King Salmon Alaska - Visit a true remote getaway, King Salmon, Alaska and nearby Katmai National Park, Becharof and Alaska Peninsula National Wildlife Refuges, and salmon rich Bristol Bay

The Alaska Marine Highway System Use the Alaska Marine Highway System (AMHS)to access the many boating and recreational opportunities found in Alaska

Alaska InterIsland Ferry Authority Travel on the Alaska Inter-Island Ferry Authority to access the recreational opportunities found on Prince of Wales Island and surrounding communities.

A Norwegian Christmas Cruise - Christmas is the ideal time to cruise the coastline of Norway and experience Christmas in Scandinavia on a Norwegian Coastal Steamer

A Spectacle of Lights in Steveston - Visit the waterfront of British Columbia to enjoy the Christmas holidays in the fishing Village of Steveston

Boating in Glacier Bay NP - Plan a boating trip to Glacier Bay, part of the UNESCO World Heritage system. Hundreds of boaters cruise Glacier Bay each year. You could be one of them!

Port of Call – Ketchikan, Alaska - Visit Alaska's "First City", starting point for boating through the Inside Passage to Glacier Bay.

Port of Call - Skagway Alaska - Skagway Alaska offers a unique glimpse of an era gone by and provides many outdoor recreational activities for its visitors.

U

US Coast Guard and Auxiliary

Coast Guard Vessel Boardings - The U.S. Coast Guard is responsible for safety on the water and you should expect to be boarded by them at some point in your boating career. Here is how to be prepared.

Join the US Coast Guard Auxiliary - Coast Guard Auxiliarists save lives and contribute to the maritime community. Consider joining this great group of boaters and learning from the best.

V

Very High Frequency (VHF)Radio

Boater Communications and Procedures - Boaters of all types share the same waters and effective communications are a key to safe boating. Boaters can communicate with each other in a number of different ways.

VHF Marine Radio Channels - Marine VHF radios are a valuable tool for safe boaters. Learn more about use and selection of the proper channels on your boat's radio.

Rescue 21 - Rescue 21 represents a major advance the Coast Guard's Command, Control and Communication system that will eventually benefit every mariner in the United States.

W

Weather

Marine Weather Services - Good information concerning marine weather and possible trouble is available at your fingertips. Find out more about the National Weather Service and their products at Suite101.

Wildlife

Marine Wildlife Viewing - We enjoy watching whales, sea otters, and shorebirds on the waterfront. Protecting these animals will preserve the opportunity to watch them again in the future.

NOAA Regional Wildlife Viewing Guidelines - Wildlife managers are developing more focused wildlife viewing guidelines based on regional differences in wildlife.