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SAFE BOATING
Critical Shoaling on the AICW
For vessels transiting some areas of the AICW the threat of running aground or bumping the bottom is an ongoing...
Weather Planning with the Crew Comfort Decision Wheel
Understanding your crew's comfort limits can be just as important as understanding the forecast. In the excerpt below from Coastal...
Janthina's Journey: Tides in the Pamlico and Albemarle Sounds
Unlike coastal regions where lunar tides dominate, water levels in North Carolina's Albemarle and Pamlico Sounds are primarily wind-driven. Traditional...
Cruising with Kids: Tips, Stories & Resources for Families Afloat
Whether you're considering the cruising lifestyle or you've already taken the plunge, boating with kids is a bold, rewarding adventure...
BoatUS Has All the Hurricane Preparation Info Boaters Need
Recreational boaters whose vessels have been impacted by a hurricane and came out relatively unscathed know it all starts with...
Must-Have Safety Gear from Scho & Jo
When going out on the water, whether on your boat or a friend's boat, safety is the most important consideration....
Top 5 ICW Navigation Hazards for Spring 2025 Migration—And How to Avoid Them
The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (AICW) is constantly changing like no other waterway in the world. If you're headed north on...
A Historic Win: NOAA Speed Rule Formally Withdrawn
Following the formal withdrawal of the proposed expansion of the 2008 North Atlantic Right Whale Vessel Strike Reduction Rule, the...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 12/20/2024
The southern migration on the ICW is coming to a close as are the Bob423 AICW Bulletins. For those still...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 12/13/2024
1 – MM 238.2 Browns Inlet ATON R60 is off station due to dredging which is underwayDo not automatically honor...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 12/6/2024
1 – MM 240.7 - Onslow Bridge closed during weekdays from 8:00 am to noon and 1:00 pm to 5:00...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/29/2024
1 – MM 84 Alligator River Marina to close December 1stWith construction starting in earnest on the new bridge, the...
The Christmas Winds
Cold fronts are a fact of life in the Bahamas. In the winter you can expect at least one cold...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/22/2024
1 - MM 84 Alligator River Marina to close Dec 1stIt's the only marina between Coinjock and Dowry Creek Marinas,...
Hurricane Holes on the ICW
The best way to prepare for a hurricane is to be where the hurricane is not! Find an area far...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/15/2024
MM 45.6 "Eric's Shoal" in middle of the channelGroundings have been reported this week north of Coinjock in the middle...
Cruising Conditions of Bogue Sound
For the southbound traveler, below Morehead City the ICW follows Bogue Sound almost 25 miles to Swansboro (Mile 229), the...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/6/2024
MM 240.7 Onslow Bridge ConstructionFrom 11/4 at 7:00 a.m. to 11/7 at 9:00 p.m. the new bridge will be in...
Bob423 Atlantic ICW Bulletin for 11/1/2024
MM 84 Alligator River Marina: May be closed to transients. For many years, the marina has been a halfway stopover...
Waterway Guide ICW Bulletin by Bob423 (10/18/2024)
MM 238.2: Browns Inlet continues to shoal. Do not hug G61A, it is not where the chart shows it to...
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid When Crossing the Gulf Stream
Navigating the Gulf Stream can be a challenging venture, and understanding common pitfalls is crucial for a successful crossing. Here's...
Take the "Search" Out of Search and Rescue
"Do I know how to be found in an emergency?" That's a question every boater should ask. The answer, however,...
Chris Parker Weather Book Is Now Digital
Coastal and Offshore Weather, The Essential Handbook
is now a highly interactive and digitally delivered publication available in
the Waterway...
Safe Boating in Busy Waters: Navigating the 4th of July Celebrations
As Independence Day weekend approaches, waterways across the nation become bustling hubs of activity, filled with boaters eager to celebrate. While...
Are Boaters Doing Better When it Comes to Boating Safety?
The recently released U.S. Coast Guard 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics shows some good news on the boating safety front, with fatalities falling...
Navigating Boat Insurance: Why You Need It and How It Works
Boating offers unparalleled joys, but it's not without its risks. Whether you're navigating a quiet lake or the open seas,...
7 Practical Boating Tips for a Safe, Fun Summer on the Water From the BoatUS Foundation
How can you make your summer on the water a safe one? With National Safe Boating Week this week (May...
Shoaling at Isle of Palms, SC - Boaters Advised to Follow Alternative Route
Boats aground at low tide at Isle of Palms.
Shoaling in the Isle of Palms, SC area is posing potential...
How Long Do You Really Need an EPIRB?
The majority of the nation's nearly 12 million recreational boaters don't often travel far offshore, beyond cellular or VHF range....
Loads on Ground Tackle
Load tables are extremely useful; that's where you find the information on how strong to make your ground tackle−anchors, rope,...
Reference Materials for Boaters & Cruisers
A cruising adventure requires not just skill and experience but also a solid foundation of knowledge. From navigating the intricate...
Top Tips For First-Time Cruisers According to Cruisers
We recently polled our Waterway Guide Facebook Community of cruisers to share what they considered to be the best tips...
Waves Upon, and Within, Waves
There was a rogue wave incident involving the cruise ship Viking Polaris on November 29, 2022, at 22:40 local time, while...
Getting to Know Your Boat's Electrical System
The electrical system of a boat is the glue that holds the boat together. Nearly every other system on the...
What 222,000 Boaters Got Wrong
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water offers a range of online boating safety training courses — including 36 free state...
Basic Knowledge for Cruising the ICW: Part 2
Bob Sherer, known as Bob423, has devoted a chapter in his ICW Cruising Guide to essential insights and practical advice...
Frozen Waters, Real Risks: Essential Ice Safety for Boaters
Even the most experienced boaters and outdoorsmen (and women) can underestimate the changing conditions of winter weather, and what seems...
Rescue, Recovery, and Re-warm - The Maritime 3 R's
On the sea, especially in cold water environments, it is all about rescue, recovery and re-warming. I don't expect that...
Tips & Strategies for Crossing the Gulf Stream
The Gulf Stream is one of the most powerful natural forces on the planet. This massive river of warm water...
An Act of God – Just What Is That?
Any school child knows, or at least believes, a terrible storm or other natural phenomena that causes damage to your...
Boat Whisperers
Remember the first time you and your mate went boating together? Amazing that any of us make it past that...
The Rule of the Road – Set to Poetry
Nearly 150 years ago, Captain Eldridge created the renowned Eldridge Tide and Pilot Book, the marine industry's most respected tide...
Vessel Afire!
It would seem to me that one of the most frightening circumstances to be caught in is a boat afire. ...
If You See Something, Say Something…
On August 29, 2011, an American, WW-II USCG hero, largely forgotten by all but US Coast Guard Forces, passed away...
Illegal Charter Operations Awareness
MARINE SAFETY INFORMATION BULLETIN 424-23AUG 11, 2023 ILLEGAL CHARTER OPERATIONS AWARENESS Illegal passenger vessel operations, to include illegal bareboat charters, continue to...
Weather Guide: Reading the Skies
While weather forecasting is far more reliable than ever before, it pales in our esteem for the mariner that can...
A Special Force Endures: The US Coast Guard Auxiliary
Waterway Guide Media has forged a partnership intended to advance our company's dedication to, and the Coast Guard Auxiliary's mission...
Weighing the Anchor – Or is it Waying
Sometimes, the simplest thing can take on monumental proportions – if you get it wrong. And setting a proper anchor...
Beat The Heat While Aboard This Summer
With the recent heatwave across the U.S., boaters are taking to the waterways for relief and recreation. However, intense heat requires...
Steps to Take When You Run Aground
When I teach seamanship courses to private boaters on the south shore of Long Island, I note that, if you...
Rules of the "Road" when Boating
Anyone planning to cruise our waterways should make themselves familiar with the rules of the road. Chapman Piloting: Seamanship and...
Hurricanes May (or May Not) Miss Us – and They Leave Deadly Rip Tides
Former NFL quarterback Ryan Mallett died on June 25, 2023 in an apparent drowning off a Florida beach, authorities said,...
Best Practices for Navigating Port Security & Protections Zones
The U.S. Coast Guard and Customs and Border Patrol–both components of the Department of Homeland Security–handle port security in the...
Prepping Your Boat for a Hurricane
Let Me Say It Again…Never stay on the boat. I know. There are old timers that swear by it. "I've...
The Plight of M/V Royal Majesty
There is a lot that can be learned by other mariners' mistakes. One particular marine accident comes to mind could...
Bracing for the 2023 Atlantic Hurricane Season: NOAA Forecasts Near-Normal Activity
As of June 1, hurricane season is upon us. Almost without exception, we get the tail, shoulder or rump of...
Reporting Navigation Alerts
The submission of Navigation Alerts through Waterway Guide's Explorer plays a vital role in ensuring safe and efficient journeys for...
Stay Safe This 4th of July Weekend
Photo Credit: National Safe Boating CouncilThe 4th of July weekend is one of the busiest, and most exciting, times on...
Electric Shock Drowning and Electrocution Prevention
Water is a great conductor. Your body is mostly water, making it easy for electricity to travel through you. Because...
2023 National Safe Boating Week Offers Tips for All Boaters
CLEARWATER, FL – National Safe Boating Week will be held from May 20-26, 2023, reminding all boaters to brush up on boating...
Representatives Bill Posey and Mike Collins Raise Concerns with Vessel Speed Restrictions in House Hearing
Last week, Representatives Bill Posey (R-FL) and Mike Collins (R-GA) voiced concerns in a U.S. House of Representatives hearing over...
Vessel Safety Checks - Peace of Mind for the Boating Season
What is a Vessel Safety Check?A Vessel Safety Check is a no-cost, no-penalty exam of your vessel to verify the...
Wear Your Life Jacket at Work Day is May 17, 2024
This fun day is part of the Safe Boating Campaign, a global awareness effort that encourages boaters to make the...
Ditch Bag Checklist
When out at sea, there are many unforeseen circumstances that can arise, and one of the most daunting is the...
National Safe Boating Week is May 17-23, 2025
National Safe Boating Week takes place each May in the days leading up to Memorial Day Weekend, serving as an...
Waterway Guide Prepares to Promote Safe Boating Practices throughout May 2023
As National Safe Boating Week approaches (May 20-26, 2023), Waterway Guide is gearing up to spread awareness about safe boating...
Onboard Essential: Portable Fire Extinguishers
Credit: Steve D'AntonioThe rapidity with which a shipboard fire can spread is alarming to say the least. Some studies suggest...
Choosing The Right Life Jacket
Today's modern life jackets have taken far strides in comfortability, wearability - and even style - from the bulky orange...
Capt. Chris Day’s New Businesses Are Ready to Help Neely Henry Lake Boaters
SOUTHSIDE, Ala., April 25, 2023 – Capt. Chris Day has spent a lot of time on the water. The owner...
Chris Edmonston Named to the Boating Safety Hall of Fame
ANNAPOLIS, Md., April 19, 2023 – Making boating safety education more accessible by bringing courses online, growing the availability of...
Summer Isn’t Far Away – But Warm Water Is - Cold Water Boating
We've had a few warm days in here. And the traditional start o' summer- Memorial Day – is but a...
Avoiding Crab Pots & Trap Markers
In Virginia, March 17th marks the official opening to crabbing season on the Chesapeake Bay for commercial crabbers, and with...
Staying Up Past My Bedtime: Learning to Love Overnight Trips
For the past four years, my husband Matt and I have joined the legions of cruisers who travel I-95's watery...
Boats Sinking at the Dock is 4x More Than Underway
If I told you that statistics on boats sinking showed that the dock is four times more dangerous than the...
PLB Innovation For Boaters: Know They're Coming For You
According to ACR, ResQLink View RLS is the world's first PLB with the capability to provide the user with a...
Do Your Passengers Know What to Do if the Skipper Can't Function?
Many a skipper has blithely motored or sailed away from their mooring, with spouse and kids in tow, or some...
The Good Samaritan – Safety of Life at Sea
Any school child knows, or at least believes, that if you see a person or boat in distress on the...
5 TowBoatUS Captains Honored for Lifesaving Acts
Locations in Key Largo, FL; Provincetown, MA; Grand Stand, SC; Cleveland, OH; Old Saybrook, CTSPRINGFIELD, Va., Jan. 20, 2023 –...
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday! We Are Lost and Sinking!
Search & Rescue (SAR) is the most recognizable and time-honored task of any mariner, especially the United States Coast Guard....
Navigating the Aftermath of a Hurricane
Credit: BoatUSAfter a storm has passed and authorities are allowing travel, get to your boat quickly. It's your responsibility to...
What You Need to Know to Cope with Solar Flares: GPS & the Sun (UPDATED 9-15-2022)
Over the years, we've written quite a bit about GPS technology. Interestingly, other than the first column, the other 5...
3 Boating Safety Tips Just Right for Fall Boating
Having an emergency boarding ladder ready to go and easily reached from the water is important when water temperatures are...
ABYC & USCG Can Help You Handle Risk Mitigation, Defect Notification and Product Recalls
Photo courtesy of BoatTEST.com
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) and American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC) have announced a...
Labor Day Holiday: No End In Sight: For Boating Season
65% Planning to Boat Labor Day Weekend, 80% Will Extend Season
Labor Day gas prices drop. Photo courtesy of the US...
Drill, Baby, Drill – Reading Weather Reports
OK, so whether it is "global heating" (I refuse to call it 'warming' as that sounds too benign) or just...
New Social App From Scuttlebutt includes Waterway Guide Data
Editor's Note: Waterway Guide has teamed with Scuttlebutt to provide important data in their app that includes Navigation Alerts, Bridge...
Boating Safety Improves Nationally: Fatalities, Injuries & Incidents All Drop in 2021
U.S. Coast Guard reports boating safety figure improvements in 2021 despite historic growth in new boat ownership. WSF credits increased...
Capt. Mike New Owner of TowBoatUS Lake Conroe
North Houston native and 'right-hand man' moves upWILLIS, Texas, June 30, 2022 – Capt. Mike Montgomery, lead captain for TowBoatUS...
Hurricanes May (or May Not) Miss Us – and They Leave Deadly Rip Tides
We've often written about hurricanes, great and small. Of note, formerly, an average season produces 12 named storms of which...
Fuses & Circuit Beakers: What They Can & Can't Do
A few years ago, I received an email from a reader, to which a photo was attached. The subject of...
Try Boating Today: Affordable 3-Hour Courses for Beginner and Experienced Boaters Start Today in Fort Myers
FORT MYERS, Fla. – Edison Sailing Center and the national nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water make...
Boating Accidents Down in 2021, but Safety Education Remains Critical
ANNAPOLIS, Md.– With the pandemic putting more people than ever on the water and consequent rise in boating accidents and...
Scotch & (Sea)Water – A Deadly Cocktail
Drunk driving, whether that be in a car or in a boat, is one place where I feel the legal...
What happened after this viral smash-up at the mouth of the Columbia is just as scary as the crash itself
If you’ve been on the Internet in the last four years, you’ve probably seen the video. It starts with three...
Keep a Proper Lookout
As boat captain, it’s your responsibility to maintain an unobstructed view from the helm. Remember what Mom taught you, where the...
Vessel Afire! Steps to Save Yourself
One of the most frightening circumstances is to be caught in a boat afire. It's loaded with high-octane fuel creating...
Tied Down to Your Tie-Downs?
When you think about it, keeping the boat on the trailer is the whole ideaAt first glance it seems logical...
Anchoring Tips: Scope. Don't Skimp!
Excerpt from "ANCHORING–A Ground Tackler's Apprentice"
Scope: A ratio between the length of rode deployed and the vertical distance from...
5 Spring Boat Insurance Claims To Avoid
GEICO | BoatU.S. claim files highlight the most common springtime problems. Here’s how to avoid being one of our statistics.Last...
Local Business Grows: TowBoatUS Fort Gibson Lake Opens to Help Boaters Get Home
WAGONER, Okla. – Recreational boaters who unexpectedly need on-water help for the routine such as towing, ungrounding, battery jump-starts and...
Can You Hear Me Now? How to Set Up A VHF with an MMSI Number
DSC is one of the best deals in town. Setting up your VHF radio with digital selective calling is so...
Our Checklist to Prep for Tropical Weather & Hurricanes
While all coastal areas of the country are vulnerable to the effects of a hurricane (especially from June through November),...
Drunk Driving: Truth & Consequences
Boat sober - Drunk driving in a boat is just as illegal – and can be even more hazardous —...
Let's Talk About Bridge Basics
Bridges have to be factored in when planning a trip. Depending on where you cruise, you may be dependent on...
Cruising FUNdamentals!
We are all beginners….once. For some, our cruising started when we were children, learning the ABCs of safe boating with...
Resources for Staying Weather-Informed While Boating
Every day on the water can't have balmy breezes, abundant sunshine and consistently warm weather; however, staying out of bad...
Striking Tips from Our Experts: Lightning Protection
Photo Steve D'Antonio
Having lived and worked on the Chesapeake Bay for the past two decades, I've learned many things...
VHF Communications
Skippers traveling the U.S. inland waterways use their VHF radios almost every day to contact other vessels and bridgetenders, make...
Creating a Float Plan for Your Boating Trip
For boaters embarking on either short excursions or extended voyages, the implementation of a float plan is a critical safety...
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