How to Prevent Boating Accidents|8 Best Tips to Prevent Boating Accidents

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• Do not consume alcohol when boarding
• Make it a habit to check you have sufficient safety equipment onboard
• Properly Maintain the boat and keep all safety equipment in top shape
• Constantly monitor weather conditions
• Do not overload the boat
• Always pay attention to your surroundings
• Maintain safe speed and always follow navigational rules

When sailing in the open seas, boat operators and passengers have their part to prevent accidents and injuries. But accidents can strike anytime and anywhere, it is always best to prepare ahead of time. Here are some of the things you can do in preventing boating accidents. 

Do not consume alcohol when boarding

Alcohol is the main leading cause of fatalities in boating accidents, according to the US Coast Guard. In the year 2011, alcohol causes 16% of boating-related accidents deaths. In the same study of the agency, drinking while boating has a 34% chance of boating fatalities. Just like operating any types of machinery, drinking and boating increase the chance of accidents on seas. 

However, with all the fun happening under the sun and activities in the water, you can get distracted. One glass of wine or a can of beer may easily turn into one bottle or quite a number of beers. It is not that hard to get drunk while operating a boat. Make it a commitment not to consume alcohol while on board and think about safety. Also, operating a boat while under the influence can get you prison time.

Make it a habit to check you have sufficient safety equipment onboard

Your boats should always have adequate safety equipment like boat lights, and fire extinguisher. There should be enough life jackets and flotation devices for everyone as well as first aid kits and emergency provisions. Before leaving port make sure the anchor is onboard and don’t ever leave without one. 

About 70% of boat accidents fatalities happen because of drowning and 84% of people who drowned did not wear any life jackets. 

Properly Maintain the boat and keep all safety equipment in top shape

Neglecting routine check-ups, proper maintenance of the boat and its safety equipment can land you in jail. Under the rule of court, this is an act of negligence. In 2011, boat malfunction and poor safety equipment resulted in 424 boating accidents, 151 injuries, and 28 fatalities, according to the US Coast Guard. Check your boat and its main components prior to your plans of sailing away, that you give you enough time to replace or repair necessary equipment.

Constantly monitor weather conditions

Weather conditions can change drastically in the open seas. If the weather looks to get worse, follow your instinct and return to shore as soon as possible. The Coast Guard reported bad weather conditions resulted in 771 accidents with 466 injuries and 155 fatalities for the year 2011. These include environmental issues like congested waterways and treacherous water conditions. Always heed weather forecasts and warnings before heading out. 

Do not overload the boat

Letting too many passengers and gear on your boat increases the risk of swamping or capsizing. Be mindful of the weight capacity of your boat, not just for the passengers but also with their gears. The weight capacity of each boat should be posted in the operator’s area. Overloading caused 193 accidents, 109 injuries and 79 deaths back in 2011.

Operators either overload the boat or improperly load the boat because of unmindful loading. You should be aware how to equally distribute passengers or gears to avoid capsizing and other accidents.

Always pay attention to your surroundings

As operating any vehicles or machinery, you need to watch other passing boats. Stay vigilant for people doing some activities in the water. Operator negligence resulted in 581 boating accidents, 363 injuries, and 58 deaths in 2011. Keep your focus on how to stay clear from other distractions in the water.  Another helpful tip from expert boaters – do not turn off your emergency radio. You can receive crash warnings and incoming weather conditions on your radio. You may not have any cell phone signals in the open seas but you can always rely on your radio. 

Maintain safe speed and always follow navigational rules

Even though there are no posted speed limits sign on the water, you should know the imposed limit in your area. Always follow speed limits and navigational rules when out in the water. 

Over speeding is the leading cause of boating accidents which resulted in 349 accidents, 321 injuries, and 28 deaths in 2011. There are many rules for boating but following these two significant rules can prevent accidents.

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Exciting Places to See in Houston|Topographic Art for the Enthusiast!

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• Space Center Houston
• Buffalo Bayou Park
• Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park
• Museum District
• Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Houston is the most populated city in Texas and is the largest city in the southern US, it is understandably the fourth most populated in the country. According to the 2016 US Census, Houston houses 2.3 million residents in its land area of 667 square miles.

Founded on August 28, 1836, the city was named after General Sam Houston who commanded at the Battle of San Jacinto.  The growing industry of railroad and oil influenced the constant surges in its population. Houston was the home of the largest concentration of research and healthcare organization in the world, the Texas Medical Center. The Johnson Space Center of NASA and the world famous Mission Control Center based its operation in the city.

The city thrives on its prosperous industry of manufacturing, energy, transportation, and aeronautics. Some of the tourist spots in the city revolve in its main industry. 

Space Center Houston

Location: 1601 Nasa Pkwy,

A trip to Houston will not be complete without visiting Space Center Houston that inspired many successful Hollywood movies. The huge complex is a must see attraction in the city, where you can walk its grounds to see a life-size replica of Independence, a shuttle carrier aircraft, Skylab and even touch a real moon rock. Their main exhibit shows their upcoming missions of traveling to the planet Mars. Try to visit on Fridays, where kids can meet an astronaut when they do their presentations. A tram inside the grounds makes a round trip tour to Johnson Space Center, where you can observe how astronauts train for space missions. If you want a complete tour, Space Center Houston offers trips and because of the popularity of the center, you might want to book or get tickets in advance. 

Buffalo Bayou Park

Buffalo Bayou Park has a biking and walking trails as well as a dog park. The park has sculptures and great shady picnic areas littered across the park with the slow moving flow of Buffalo Bayou as its main attraction. There are a lot of recreational activities in the park like kayaking, stand up paddle boarding or paddling a canoe. You don’t need to bring all your bulky gears as rentals are available at the park.  Try to stay just before sunset, to see some 250,000 Mexican free-tailed bats fly from Waugh Drive Bridge. 

Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park

Located in Uptown Houston, Gerald D. Hines Waterwall Park is a 2.77 acre-park forested with century old oaks. It is nature showing her best for everyone to appreciate in a condensed city. The park has a massive multi-story sculptural fountain that is mesmerizing to watch its cascading water over large concrete walls.  The massive sculpture measures 64 feet and has a large arch with 46,500 square feet of water. 

Museum District

Location: 1001 Bissonnet Street

Houston boasts of 19 museums which 11 of them are free to the public. The city’s Museum District is one of the greatest cultural destinations in the country. Another great thing about it is they are located almost next to each other. With an exception of Menil and Rothko Chapel that are a little off the beaten path. Must see museums in the district include:

•    Menil Collection

•    Holocaust Museum

•    Contemporary Arts Museum

•    Museum of Fine Arts

•    Children's Museum

•    Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Take note of these museums as they are free of charge:

•    Rice Gallery

•    Houston Center for photography

•    Czech Center Museum Houston

•    The Menil Collection

•    Rothko Chapel

•    Houston Center for Contemporary Craft

•    Lawndale Art Center

•    Houston Museum of American Culture

•    Contemporary Arts Museum

Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo

Depending which month you will visit Houston, one of the not-to-be missed event is the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. The 19 day fair occurs every February or March of each year, with activities for the whole family and much more. There are food stands, good old carnival rides, games, rodeo and livestock show.  They also held shows like cowboys showing off their skills and music performance from local artists. But the real fun begins in their Downtown Rodeo Parade.


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Reasons Why You Need to Visit the Gulf of Mexico| 3-D Nautical Wood Chart for that Special Someone

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• The Gulf of Mexico early beginnings
• The most interesting facts about the Gulf of Mexico

The Gulf of Mexico is an ocean basin in North America and the bordering sea of the Atlantic Ocean. Three countries share its mineral rich waters; the Gulf Coast of the United States, Cuba in the southeast and Mexico in the southwest.

It serves a very important part of North and South America trading system. The Gulf links the port of five US states and six Mexican states.  It also serves as the passageway for these ports going to the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.

The Gulf of Mexico early beginnings

About 300 million years ago tectonic plates shifted which created the Mexican basin known as the Gulf of Mexico. When the mega-continent called Pangea started to spread about 180 million years ago it formed the Gulf's basin. Experts considered the Gulf of Mexico as a true ocean basin because of sea-floor spreading theory.

Million years ago, a 6,000 km long cracked the two supercontinents, Laurentia and Gondwana. Laurentia became the North America we know today while Gondwana created South America and Africa. The separation created a roughly oval basin measuring 1,500 km wide in rich sedimentary rocks.

The most interesting facts about the Gulf of Mexico

·        The Gulf of Mexico is considered as the 9th largest body of water in the world. 

·        The US state of  Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Texas, and Louisiana borders the Gulf.  As well as Vera Cruz, Tabasco, Campeche, Tamaulipas, Quintana Roo, and Yucatán in Mexico. These places had interconnected ports along the gulf.

·        33 major rivers and 207 estuaries which compose 60% of the inland bodies of water in the US drains into the Gulf of Mexico. Other freshwater sources of the Gulf came from the Yucatan Peninsula and Cuba. 

·        The Gulf's shorelines measures about 5 million acres of coastal wetlands. It serves as a significant habitat for 75% migratory waterfowl crossing the US. It houses hundreds of fish and wildlife species on the continent.

·        Due to a narrow passageway to the Atlantic Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico experiences very little tidal ranges. The 615,000 square miles basin composes of nearly half shallow continental shelf waters. 

·        The Gulf only holds 2,500 quadrillion liters of water or 600,000 cubics mi. 

·        Traversing to the Gulf is relatively easy with only 1,000 miles distance from east to west.

·        The shortest distance between the US and Mexico is about 500 miles from Mississippi Delta to the tip of the Yucatan Peninsula. 

·        The “Grand Canyon under the Sea”, the deepest part of the Gulf lies 200 miles southeast of  Brownsville Texas. It has a depth measuring 12,000 feet underwater.

·        Resembling the Mediterranean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico is also partially land-locked, semi-enclosed and intercontinental marginal sea. 

·        The neighboring towns of Mexico and the US form the Gulf’s mainland shore. From the Florida Keys to Cabo Catoche, the northwestern area of the Yucatan Peninsula, it stretches about 4,000 miles of land. 

·        The Flower Garden Banks National Marine Sanctuary houses the tropical coral reef in the northern part of the US.

·        At least 49 shark species dwell in the Gulf of Mexico. Other marine mammals and turtles also inhabit the waters of the Gulf. Some 24 species are already considered as threatened, endangered or species of concern.

·        The BP Deepwater disaster spilled oil for three months discharging at least 4.9 million barrels of oil into the gulf. To date, the disaster remains as the largest accidental marine oil spill. 

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Best Places To See in Fort Lauderdale| 3-D Nautical Wood Chart Ideal Gifts for the Boater in Your Life

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• Fort Lauderdale Beach
• Bonnet House
• Hugh Taylor Birch State Park
• Antique Car Museum
• Museum of Art

Located 23 miles of Miami, Fort Lauderdale sits on the Atlantic Coast. It features waterways and canals similar that of Venice City. For the most part of the area, residential resorts littered in this marvelous city, so choosing a place to stay will not be a problem. Named after a Major William Lauderdale, the city has grown its own reputation of being a well-known tourist destination.

Situated on the southeastern coast of Florida city, Fort Lauderdale features beautiful scenic beaches and boating canals. The main boardwalk stretches along highway A1A. The oceanfront lined with prestigious outdoor bars, boutiques, restaurants and world-class hotels. People who come here often visited these places in Fort Lauderdale.

Fort Lauderdale Beach

Once a famous spring break destination, Fort Lauderdale sits at the very center of the tourist area in the place. Several years ago, hundreds of college students literally flock the beach and party day and night during spring breaks. Today, the area has a more relax and cozy vibe but still offers some entertainment on its sandy beach. Pedestrian walks and a number of restaurants, hotels, and shops line the beachfront. Visitors can also find cheaper and smaller hotels in the area. Still a popular destination, the real action begins during spring break, where the beach literally sprang to life. 

Bonnet House

Location: Address: 900 North Birch Road

The estate has 36 acres of land and once serves as a winter vacation house for the Birch and Bartlett family. Frederic Clay Bartlett designed and built the house in the 1920s. The local government listed the place as a National Register of Historic Places and considered it as a Lauderdale important landmark. The Bonnet House Museum & Gardens is a mixture of history, architecture, and art. Various collections of art and personal trinkets are displayed for public viewing. All these years, the Bonnet House was preserved to have the Old South Florida architecture. It reflects the creative lifestyle of early settlers and preserved its uniqueness. 

Hugh Taylor Birch State Park

Location: Address: 3109 East Sunrise Boulevard

The park offers a great escape from the bustling noise of the beachfront crowd. With fresh lagoons, cycling paths, canoe rental shops and trails it hard not to love the place. Hugh Taylor gave the park to the residents of Florida to encourage nature lovers.

Antique Car Museum

Location: Address: 1527 Packard Avenue

Antique Car Museum began collecting some unique pieces in the 1940s. Arthur Stone, the founder of Antique Car Museum and a one-time CEO of Buning the Florist Inc has a strong passion for Packard automobiles. Stone and his wife, Shirley embarked on a mission to make the car museum as authentic as it can be. It focuses on the history and progression of Packard Motor Company. Some of the collection made to look like a Packard showroom back in the days, which include pre-war Packard vehicles. The museum also has other memorabilia and gallery devoted to the late US President Franklin D. Roosevelt.

Museum of Art

Location: One East Los Olas Boulevard

The museum features exhibits of famous artists around the world and provides educational programming. Spotting the museum is easy, as the façade has a peculiar look, three-story building. It has some of the wide-ranging collection in the area.

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5 Interesting Places You Need To Explore in the Florida Keys| Beautiful Gift Ideas for the Boater in Your Life

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• John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park
• Bahia Honda State Park
• Dry Tortugas National Park
• Hemingway House
• Dolphin Research Center

The Florida Keys sits on the southern coast of Florida, forming the southernmost part of the United States. The island stared at the southeast coast of Florida about 24 km south of Miami. It spreads out in a subtle curve near Key West stretching to the westernmost part of Dry Tortugas.

The islands extend along the Florida Straits, separating the Atlantic Ocean to the east and Gulf of Mexico to the northwest. At least 95% of Florida Keys sits in Monroe County but spans into Totten Key in Miami-Dade County. As of 2014 US Census, about 77, 136 residents call the area their home. Much of the population is concentrated within a few areas which 32% of the residents dwell in Key West City.

The Florida Keys holds a dark history. Back in the days, pirates use to hide in some islands in the Florida Keys during their plundering heists. But it all stopped when the US Navy started to patrol the area sometime in 1822 and built their base in Key West. As the only chain of corals in the US, it contributed to the early economic growth in the area. Usually, ships will run aground in shallow reef and locals would salvage the cargo then resell it. This tradition called as “wrecking” was one of the reasons why the area prospered. 

Today, Florida Keys are known for its beaches and for its historical places. Some of the top rated destinations in the area are:

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park

John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park along with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary remains as the only living coral reef in the US. Hundreds of tourists flock the area to experience diving and snorkeling in its waters. Here, tourists can discover firsthand the beauty of the underwater life.  The park has a beautiful covered beach with a small swimming area for the kids. But people go here just to snorkel and dive; some say it is one of the best spots in the world. There are picnic areas, wide parking lot and an information center which also display about marine life and habitats.

Bahia Honda State Park

One of the most beautiful beach in the area, quite possibly in the state of Florida is Bahia Honda State Park. There are nice picnic areas littered in the beach as well as a campground.  The park has two separate beach areas; both have magnificent views of the water.  If you really love the water, one beach facing the open ocean while the other face the old railroad bridge.

Dry Tortugas National Park

For the more adventurous mind, the Dry Tortugas National Park can be your playground. Located 70 miles from Key West the national park is accessible only by seaplane or boat. But the trip is all worth it, the Dry Tortugas National Park has some of the clearest waters in the Gulf of Mexico, and boasts seven pristine beaches. Fort Jefferson, a massive fortress completely envelops one island, a sight you do not want to miss.

Hemingway House

Another popular destination in Keys is the Hemingway House, an important part of Florida’s rich cultural history. Tourists come here to pay their respect to one of the world’s most famous writer. The Hemingway House is the home of Ernest Hemingway. Visitors can also get a chance to see wandering cats around the house; many are the direct descendants of Hemingway’s well-known pet cats. 

Dolphin Research Center

Home to the popular TV Series “Flipper” is would be a shame not to visit the Dolphin Research Center. The center educates visitors about California sea lions and Atlantic bottlenose dolphins. Visitors can also watch how trainers interact with dolphins.


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The Devastating Effect of Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico|Custom Topographical Wood Charts

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• Oil Spill Effects in Marine Animals
• Clean-up Operation and its Benefits

The worst environmental disaster in the United States happened on 2010 when Deepwater Horizon exploded. Releasing an estimated 4.9 million barrels of crude oil in the Gulf of Mexico, it was the largest marine oil spill. Even the clean-up efforts set a new high record in history. 

The former White House energy adviser, Carol Browner described the disaster as “the worst environmental disaster the US has faced.” 

Harry Roberts, a professor at Louisiana State University for Coastal Studies claimed that 4 million barrels of oil would greatly impact the environment. He said that the oil release into the Gulf was enough to “"wipe out marine life deep at sea near the leak and elsewhere in the Gulf, along hundreds of miles of coastline." 

Deepwater Horizon disaster was 20 times greater than the Exxon Valdez oil spill. Environmentalist claimed that petroleum toxicity and oxygen depletion as the main cause of damage to the environment.

With the already polluted Gulf of Mexico, the disaster brought another environmental concern in the country. 

How exactly devastating the Deepwater Horizon oil spill? The film Deepwater Horizon was based on the real life events of the oil spill, showing the world how gruesome the disaster is. But here are the facts about the largest oil spill in history. 

Still, in its cleaning-up operations authorities collected oil residue from June 2011 to March 2013 as follows: 

· Louisiana - 9,810,133 pounds.

· Alabama - 941,427 pounds.

· Mississippi - 112,449 pounds.

· Florida - 73,341 pounds.

Oil Spill Effects in Marine Animals

Marine animals suffered the most because of the oil spill as more than 400 animal species inhabited the Gulf of Mexico. The damages in the Gulf’s natural resources resulted in an estimated amount of $17.5 billion. 

In 2011, the nature journal, BioScience, researchers from the University of New Hampshire released a publication about the aftermath of the spill. According to them, the oil spill threatened 39 marine species which include 14 federally protected animals.

In the publication, it stated that threatened species ranged from ‘whale sharks to seagrass’. The report highlighted the impact of the oil spill in the animal food chain. Researchers claimed that a break in the food chain can affect the rest of the animals. 

· The oil spill affected eight US National Park and more than 400 animal species including the endangered turtle species. Affected species of turtles include green turtle, loggerhead turtle, hawksbill turtle, leatherback turtle and Kemp’s Ridley turtle.

· At least 34,000 birds are at risk to perish which include pelicans, gulls, roseate spoonbills, egrets, terns and blue herons. 

·  The spill affected 8,332 species, including 1,500 crustaceans, 1,400 mollusks, 1,200 fish, 200 birds, 29 marine mammals and 4 sea turtles.

· At least 900 bottlenose dolphins died or found stranded in the oil spill. 

· Loons, Birds exposed on Louisiana coast during the oil spill has a higher concentration of toxic oil in their blood. 

· Sperm whales that swam near the oil spill develop more DNA-damaging metals in their bodies compare in the past. Metals like chromium and nickel are present in their blood that can kill them. 

· The oyster and shrimp fisheries along the Louisiana coastline suffered the most after the oil spill disaster. Sadly, those fisheries have not yet recovered from the oil spill.

These are some of the devastating effects of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Since the disaster happened during mating and nesting season, it disrupts the usual pattern of migratory birds. Even with modern day technology, it still impossible to access it long term effects in the environment. 

Clean-up Operation and its Benefits

With all the environmental, economic, and political chaos BP Company did not leave unscathed. The federal judged approved a very hefty fine for the negligence of the company. 

· A settlement amounting to $20 billion remains as the largest environmental settlement in US history. This includes a $5.5 billion fine for violating the Clean Water Act and $ 8.8 billion for damaging the natural resource. 

· BP’s total of environmental damage reaches a staggering amount of $17.2 billion because of the Deepwater Horizon disaster.

· On top of the heavy fine, the federal government required BP to pay $500 million to fund independent research spreading to 10 years. The money will be put to use for research in the environment in the Gulf of Mexico.

· The independent research made in the Gulf already resulted in the discovery of more than 60 species of fish. 

· The money from the fine also helps fund the research of pioneering methods for managing the fish population in the Gulf of Mexico.

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Common Reasons for Boating Accidents | Choosing the Perfect Gift for the Boater in your Life

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• Inattentive Operator
• Malfunctioning Equipment
• Inexperienced Operators
• Excessive speed
• Using alcohol while operating
• Ignoring navigational rules
• Bad Weather Conditions

Contrary to popular beliefs, boating fatalities do not come from bad weather conditions or treacherous open waters. They, in fact, came from smaller open boats sailing through inland waters. Most of these accidents happen in broad daylight in calm waters, light winds, under good visibility.

In these relatively perfect conditions, passengers do fall overboard. Some activities often resulting in physical injuries and boats can capsize causing fatalities. Here are some of the statistics about boating accidents:

•    According to the US Coast Guard report in 2015, there were 4,158 boating accidents that resulted in 626 fatalities and 2,613 injuries. 

•    Recreational boating accidents cost about $42 million dollars of total damage to property. These accidents have a fatality rate of 5.3 deaths for each 100,000 registered recreational boats. 

•    76% of fatal accidents on seas drowned, where 85% of those numbers did not use any life jackets.

•    Out of 158 accidents reported, at least one person was hit by a boat’s propeller. 

•    8 out of 10 boaters who drowned at seas were passengers of vessels with less than 21 feet in length.

Owning a boat and operating a boat is a big responsibility not everyone can master.  A more cautious operator will get a proper education, check every detail, and follow navigational rules as much as possible. Responsible operators will ensure everyone’s safety during the trip and make sure they behave accordingly while onboard. Sadly, not everyone can do it, as some of the most common accidents on boating occurred in these situations:

Inattentive Operator

Boat operators need constant vigilance at all times when sailing. They constantly need to monitor their boat, weather conditions, and any hazardous situations nearby. Weather conditions at sea change continuously which may require operators to look for early signs of a bad weather. 

Operators should also be sensitive to hazardous conditions nearby. Usually, accidents happen because boats lack a proper lookout. Even in good conditions, there should be a designated person to watch for hazards or threats in the water. 

Malfunctioning Equipment

Proper boat maintenance is an all important factor for its safe and reliable operations. Like cars, operators are responsible for making sure that their boats will run in good condition. They need to perform necessary inspections like checking for cracks and motor parts that may need repair or replacement. 

Inexperienced Operators

According to the yearly report of the US Coast Guard, 71% of deaths occurred on vessels where operators lack proper boating instructions. Another 15% of deaths happened on boats where operators had an approved national boating safety certificate. Inexperienced operators remain as the third leading common cause of boating accidents.

Having a proper education can only lessen the possibility of boating accidents. Operators also need to know how to handle life-threatening situations.

Excessive speed

Like motorized vehicles on the road, operating boats excessive speed is a dangerous thing to do. It can cause several accidents like crashing into another vessel and causing passengers to fall overboard. At top speed, operators will not have any time to react to dangers. 

Using alcohol while operating

Intoxication, drug use and any kind of machinery do not mix well, as it can cause serious injury even death. Alcohol tops the list as the leading contributing factor for fatal accidents on seas. 

Unfortunately, boating communities do not take the matter seriously. Many people still think that it alright to drink alcohol while on board or while operating a boat. This habit can lead to serious accidents like colliding with other vessels and falling overboard because of intoxication. In some states, the legal limit of blood alcohol for operating a boat is about 0.08%, the same limit for car drivers. 

Ignoring navigational rules

Similar to other types of vehicles on land, boats follow special navigational rules. Any violation of these rules, even the slightest misconception can immediately lead to dangerous situations. It can lead to collisions, crashes with other boats or people. Miscalculating the boat’s course can cause the boat to run aground which may lead to serious injuries and drowning. 

Bad Weather Conditions

Weather conditions at seas can literally change within a matter of minutes. Even when forecasted, there are situations that will come up unexpected. Operators need to monitor any changes in the current weather before heading out. They also need to be mindful of any shift in the wind pattern and never ignore any weather alerts.


Boating accidents can be prevented. If you are an avid boater or if you know one these can be an excellent guide on how to avoid any mishaps.  And if you are looking for an excellent gift to give a loved one who is an avid boater, Carved Lake Art has a wide array of nautical gifts for you! Check out these Great Lakes 3-D Nautical Wood Chart of Lake Michigan.