News

Learn Boating Navigational Rules for FREE with Boat On Course

By the National Safe Boating Council

Boat On Course, FREE educational boating safety videos from the National Safe Boating Council in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, teach the basic navigation rules of boating. Boaters may watch at their own pace and test their knowledge at the end of each video with a short quiz.

“There are no white lines, street signs, or stop lights while boating,” said Peg Phillips, executive director of the National Safe Boating Council. “Boat On Course takes a practical approach to boating by relating it to something boaters are already familiar with – the rules of the road when driving a car.”

According to the U.S. Coast Guard, there were 4,168 recreational boating reported accidents in 2019, and 70% of deaths occurred on boats where the operator had no boating safety instruction.

“The National Safe Boating Council recommends all boaters participate in instruction and education prior to launching,” said Phillips. “Not only can you play a critical role in preventing a boating accident, your time on the water will be more enjoyable.

Most states require that boaters complete an official certified boater education course. Boat On Course is not a certification program, however, it is a valuable resource for boaters to learn and brush up on navigation rules.

Five additional safety videos were added Boat On Course in 2020. Watch this video, BoatOnCourse.com: Basic Navigation Rules 2020 Update, to learn more about the new topics:

  • America’s Waterway Watch
  • Boating Offshore
  • Marine Safety Information
  • Uniform Waterway Marking Systems
  • Understanding Aids to Navigation

Other boating safety topics covered include: Responsible Operation, Overtaking, Crossing, Meeting Head-On, Sound Signals, Navigation Lights, Maritime Exclusion Zones, Narrow Channels, Commercial Vessels, Sailing Vessels, and Courtesy on the Water.

Boat On Course program was produced by the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC), through a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, administered by the U.S. Coast Guard. Reference to any specific commercial product, process, or service, or the use of any trade, firm or corporation name is for the information and convenience of the public, and does not constitute endorsement, recommendation, or favoring by the U.S. Coast Guard.