Captain's Corner

The United States Coast Guard reported almost 4,300  recreational boat accidents in 2017 . Surprisingly, most recreational boaters aren’t familiar with the boating rules of the road, which causes confusion and makes their boating experience less safe and more stressful. If you master even the basic principles of boat-passing rules, you’ll know how to behave in any situation and keep your cool. As the captain of your vessel, it’s your responsibility to maintain the safety of your boat and everyone onboard. The more knowledgeable you are about how to do that — such as by knowing and understanding boating right-of-way-rules and collision regulations — the less you have to worry about something going wrong. First things first — a few general tips for maintaining navigational safety: – Don’t go too fast.  If you can increase the overall safety of your vessel or a vessel nearby by slowing down, you should. Sometimes the conditions are right to go fast, and sometimes they aren’t. It’...

Buoys  -Are aids to  Navigation  floating objects that are anchored to the bottom. Their distinctive shapes and colors indicate their purpose and how to navigate around them. Buoys , Beacons and Marks. The IALA Buoyage System is a worldwide standard sea mark system used in  navigation  to mark the edge channels. ... These  buoys  and marks indicate where safe water lies and where you should  navigate  safely within a channel. Always refer to a local chart to identify where potential hazards may be. There are several types of Buoys,  Control area buoy, Danger Buoys, Exclusion Zone Buoy, Information Buoy, Channel Marker Buoy, Mooring Buoy  Controlled Area A white buoy or sign with an orange circle and black lettering indicates a controlled or restricted area on the water. The most common controlled area within Voyageurs National park is 'Slow-No Wake' speeds. ' Slow-No Wake' means operating your boat at the slowest possible speed nece...

The  Navigation Rules  are much like the  rules  of the road on the highway. They establish a consistent way to navigate safely and avoid collisions when two boats are crossing paths, are on course to meet head-on, or when one boat wishes to overtake another. There are only three ways boats can collide — meeting head-on,   overtaking, and crossing. As long as you know what to do in each scenario — as well as what to do when the other boater doesn't follow the Rules — you can be reasonably assured of avoiding collisions throughout all your time on the water. There's a beautiful quirk in the International Navigation Rules: They avoid the phrase "right of way." Instead, they refer to a "give-way" vessel and to a "stand-on" vessel. The give-way vessel yields to the other vessel.  The stand-on vessel continues its course and speed.    The  International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea 1972  ( COLREGs ) are published by the...

Ready to join the fun on the water?  Buying a boat , whether  new or pre-owned , is the first step. But there are a few details to consider before you turn the key. For all you first time boat owners out there, follow these simple steps to help ease into boat owner ship  This series will discuss the following subjects, hopefully this will answer most of your questions. First-Time Boat Owner Checklist. Take a boating class class room  on the water Learn Navigation rules of the road  Learn how to trailer your boat. Learn how to launch and retrieve your boat. Determine where you will store your boat. Understand basic maintenance requirements. Stock your boat with the proper equipment. Follow a pre-departure checklist. Master basic on-the-water operating skills. Always practice safe and responsibly boating. Secure boat insurance Enjoy your new boat! 1. Take a Boating Class Boating  Many states, require a boating certificate.  As example  Mis...

This Blog is developed by The  Captains Association of Missouri.   Captains Association of Missouri is a professional not for profit 501c (3) organization for Coast Guard-licensed captains who operate primarily on  Waters of the state of Missouri, and serve the maritime public. Captains Association of Missouri is a group of dedicated US Coast Guard licensed captains that are here to make your boating experience easy, safe and fun! Captains Association of Missouri seeks to promote safety, education and good fellowship between operators and, National Safe Boating Council,   The Lake of the Ozarks Water Safety Counsel, the United States Coast Guard, Missouri State Highway Patrol Water Patrol Division, Marine Dealers Association and the Coast Guard Auxiliary.  This Blog  and Pod Cast have discussions regarding boating education, safety, equipment, current laws, regulations, links, what is new and up coming in the boating industry, and much more. Join ...