Collision Avoidance

The directional flow of water in a river or channel; strong currents can affect steering, docking...

Hidden hazards like rocks, logs, or reefs that can damage a hull or prop; charts, depth sounders,...

Floating debris (flotsam) or items thrown overboard (jetsam). Both can be navigation hazards, req...

When obstructions (bridge walls, large vessels) block your view of approaching traffic or hazards...

Operating flat-bottom boats propelled by a large fan or aircraft engine; used in shallow waters; ...

Electronic navigation aids combining GPS data with digital charts, increasing situational awarene...

Thermal or low-light scopes or goggles aiding nighttime navigation; boater ed covers proper usage...

A discipline requiring balance and use of a paddle; boater education in some states includes wear...

The boat required to alter course or slow down to avoid a collision with a stand-on vessel under ...

The “rules of the road” for waterways, dictating right-of-way, overtaking procedures, and collisi...

Horns, whistles, or bells used to communicate maneuvers (e.g., passing signals), signal distress,...

Techniques like sounding fog signals, reducing speed, and using radar or GPS to avoid collisions ...

Elevated fixtures providing deck illumination on sailboats or larger craft. Boater ed warns of gl...

Navigation lights (red and green sidelights, white sternlight, and masthead light) must be used f...

Movement of a boat off course due to wind or current when power is reduced or off; important for ...

Coastal currents running parallel to the shore, which can affect beach landings or nearshore navi...

Coverage protecting against losses (theft, damage, liability) while boating; some states require ...

Pre-set frequencies for maritime use, e.g., Channel 16 (distress/calling), Channel 9 (recreationa...

Entering the water to snorkel near reefs or sandbars; boater education covers safe anchoring, div...

The legal process of retrieving and repairing damaged or sunken vessels; salvage rights can be co...

Special events where fireworks are launched from barges or near water. Boater education recommend...

A solid yellow flag historically used to indicate a vessel must clear customs/health inspections;...

Basics of operating a sailboat, including tacking, jibing, and reading wind direction; often cove...

Techniques for operating in high waves, heavy chop, or strong winds (e.g., reducing speed, headin...

Personal watersports devices lifting above the water on a hydrofoil wing; operators must still fo...

Emergency procedures when a boat’s engine fails, including dropping anchor, signaling for help, a...

A transponder broadcasting a vessel’s position, speed, and course to other ships and coastal stat...

Specific speed restrictions in certain waterways, especially near marinas, wildlife areas, or con...

A red flag with a white diagonal stripe (in the U.S.) that indicates divers are below the surface...

Best practices for reducing wake near other boats, shorelines, or docks to prevent property damag...

Methods and best practices for approaching and securing a boat to a dock or slip, including line ...

Procedures for retrieving a person who has fallen off a boat (e.g., the “figure 8” method, throwi...

Operating under the influence (OUI/BUI) laws prohibit or limit alcohol use while boating; boater ...

Disputes when boat wakes disturb anchored anglers or shoreline fishing. Boater ed stresses slow s...

Techniques and equipment (e.g., wearing a PFD, using a whistle) for safe paddling in rivers, lake...

In a crossing or meeting situation, the boat that must maintain its course and speed while the ot...

Decorative or functional lights mounted below the waterline; some states regulate brightness or c...

A device, typically placed on smaller boats, that helps marine radar systems detect the vessel mo...

A velocity that allows adequate time to avoid collisions, considering visibility, traffic density...

When a boat overturns or rolls over, often due to overloading, poor weight distribution, or sudde...

An electronic device that detects objects or landmasses around a vessel by bouncing radio waves o...