Boating Safety Guide: Staying Safe on the Water
You learned the "rules of the road" before you sat behind the wheel of a car, and you should do the same before taking the helm. Just like studying to get your driver’s license, it is very important to have the boating information and certifications you need to be a safe boater before you hit the water.
In fact, a number of states require powerboat operators to take a boater’s education course and carry a license or certificate proving successful course completion any time they're on the water. By consulting our safe boating guide and obtaining the required certificates beforehand, you not only protect yourself and family but other boaters on the water.
To learn more about the boating rules, laws and regulations in your state regarding life jacket requirements, minimum age to operate a boat or personal watercraft, and so much more, visit our interactive map.
Boat Safety Checklist & Equipment List
No matter what type of boating you do, you'll need a few critical items onboard, including some required by the U.S. Coast Guard.
Using Your Boat's Engine Cut-Off Switch (ECOS)
Learning how to use your boat or personal watercraft's engine cut-off switch, or ECOS, is a must, especially for boats under 26 feet in length.
Safe Boating Guides - By Topic
Pre-Departure Checklist
Before you leave the dock, you'll need to ensure you have the right safety gear and equipment on your boat, as required by regulation. Our Boat Safety Checklist & Safety Equipment list can help.
- Follow our pre-departure checklist to double check that you have everything you need for a day on the water.
- You can have a safe vessel year round by utilizing our semi-annual maintenance guide.
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