How does a navigational expert plan his routes on the water? Watch Bob Sweet, author of The Weekend Navigator & GPS for Mariners, demonstrate how to plan a path using a combination of simple tools. 

Sweet advises to lay a course plotter ----think hybrid protractor/compass from Geometry class ----on a paper chart to establish a path to the destination, adjusting for obstructions. Once a safe path is determined, the waypoint can be activated in the electronic chart plotter and the journey can begin. 

View more educational videos about safe navigation here.

The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) in partnership with the United State Coast Guard established Operation Dry Water (ODW), an initiative to raise awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence. Launched in 2009, ODW aims to "change the cultural acceptance of drinking and boating and help boaters have safe and fun recreational boating experiences." 

To read more about Operation Dry Water and statistics about boating under the influence, continue reading here.

Safety at Sea

Discover Boating says that regardless of experience, it's a good idea for everyone to review boating safety rules. Here are just a few:

• Weather
  Check the weather before departure, and be aware of changes in clouds, wind, water and temperature while on the water.
  
  
• Checklist
  Develop and follow a pre-departure checklist to ensure that no safety rule or precaution has been overlooked or left behind.
  
  
• Assistant Skipper
  Make sure more than one person is familiar with the boat and the waterway in order to get back to shore safely.
  
  
• Swim Lessons
  It is important to know how to swim if you are going to be on the water. Check local organizations for lessons.
  
  
• Safety Course
  Rules vary by state, but regardless of the requirement it is a good idea to take a boat safety course in order to be educated and prepared.

Click here for more safe boating ideas and links.

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