This course was designed for new to intermediate boaters and covers all of the basic safety concepts that you need to know as suggested by similar Coast Guard Auxliary courses. It’s a great way to learn from scratch, or just to refresh your boating knowledge. In addition, we have attempted to design this book, initially as an E-book, available on line at Lulu.com, that can be utilized as a reference source that you will carry with you on your smart phone, so that you can quickly refer to it, whenever in doubt, or in need. The numerous Chapters were purposely constructed and titled to ease the burden of searching for information. The physical book version is identical in content but is better suited for classroom environment, or home reading.

Information herein was compiled from various sources, including but not limited to, Codes of Federal Regulations (CFR’s), Collision Avoidance Regulations (COLREG’s) and Florida specific laws. Personal experience and preferences are also expressed, when stated as such. Additional information on how and where to locate the source on Rules of the Road may also be viewed in the final chapter of this book.

Aside from the legal aspects, we’ve also included artwork and photographs to make all of the points more real and comprehensible. Students completing this course, or even just reading the book, are encouraged to follow through with additional courses, or readings, in Coastal Navigation, GPS and even hands on training and boat handling. The more you know, the more pleasure can be had with the knowledge that you have gained.

SKIPPING to "Chapter 1"

Terms for Boaters

The following terms are found throughout the Rules of the Road and you should have a thorough understanding of their meaning. Also, these terms will constantly arise in the world of boating, wherever you go. Though boaters don’t have a language all of their own, they definitely utilize terminology that you don’t hear in the everyday world off of the water. This method helps to give a more concise meaning and can actually improve understanding between persons on board.

Vessel = Every craft of every description used or capable of being used on the water

Power Driven Vessel = AKA motorboat – Any vessel propelled by machinery

Sailing Vessel = Any vessel under sail without utilizing mechanical propulsion

Underway = Not at anchor, not aground and not attached to the ground or shore

Danger Zone = An arc of 112.5 degrees measured from dead ahead to just aft of the starboard beam

Right of Way = The right and duty to maintain course and speed

Stand on Vessel = The vessel having the right of way

Give Way Vessel = The vessel that must keep clear of the Stand On Vessel

Visible (when applied to lights) = Visible on a dark clear night

Short Blast = A blast of one or two seconds duration

Prolonged Blast = A blast of four to six seconds duration

It is the skipper’s responsibility to take charge of and to ensure the safety of his crew and his passengers. This means reviewing emergency equipment and procedures. Additionally, try to ensure that at least one person on board is capable of operating the vessel in the event of an emergency. The life saved, could be your own.

Note: This is just a short sample. The book contains loads of pics that really help to clearly express what you're reading. The price is as low as I can make it. The print version is expensive to make, so it's not cheap but worth every penny. The ebook is something that anyone can afford, so if you're in need, please buy this and you won't regret it. I guarantee that the information is superior to what you would receive with the Coast Guard Auxiliary.