
EPIRBS Alone Do Not Save Lives
I love EPIRBs.
When asked what one thing I would take with me offshore, I always answer: an EPIRB.

I love EPIRBs.
When asked what one thing I would take with me offshore, I always answer: an EPIRB.

When I was in the U.S. Coast Guard, I couldn’t say this; but I believe the phrase “Always wear your life jacket” is terrible advice.

When people fall overboard, more often than not it’s at the marina when boarding or stepping off the boat.

Last week in Lifelines, Mario Vittone dispelled a massive myth in his post Drowning Doesn’t Look Like Drowning, which went viral and will save lives. This week, Vittone tackles the fallacy that untrained, but otherwise competent swimmers, can’t make an attempt to save someone who’s drowning and tells us how to (safely) do it.

Mention drowning and we all tend to envision a person in the water waving his hands, splashing and screaming for help. That’s not even remotely close to what a drowning person looks like, writes Mario Vittone in this week’s Lifelines: Safety And Rescue At Sea blog.

At a meeting with 250 boaters last year, I asked for a show of hands: “How many of you have registered your DSC radio and have an MMSI number?

You don’t have to be able to deadlift 400 pounds, but you do need to be able to keep your cool under pressure if you want to become a Coast Guard helicopter rescue swimmer, writes Mario Vittone in this week’s Lifelines: Safety And Rescue At Sea blog.

The Coast Guard uses a computer model — among other tools — to aid in the determination of whether it should continue searching for someone. Mario Vittone discusses the factors taken into account when calling off a search in this week’s Lifelines: Safety And Rescue At Sea.

No one likes to change when it comes to new rules or regulations that restrict free will. Professionals should decide for themselves what is right or wrong, based on their knowledge and experience, and apply it to operate their vessel safely and effectively. The only problem is just how often that model fails. Mario Vittone explains why experience is a rotten teacher in this week’s installment of Lifelines: Safety And Rescue at Sea.

Ocean racing is dangerous. That’s what everyone tells me, anyway, and I believe them. Racing around the world in sailboats that are purpose-built to be

These seamanship tips can help you enjoy the sandbar lifestyle.

Pirate radio stations broadcasting from ships forced the BBC to give music fans what they wanted.

A century-old Long Island Sound lighthouse offers local students unforgettable lessons on the water.

Marine Travelift has been changing how yards, boatbuilders and marinas get things done for almost 70 years

Jeff Northrop helped reshape inshore angling when he introduced flats boats to the region.

J Craft’s swift speedboat, the Torpedo RS, embarks on a maiden voyage from Sweden to France.

Repainting is not always a simple procedure. Boat owners need to be decisive to get the best finish.

Two rocket scientists bring a space-age approach to desalination and water filtration.

A double-ender produced for a client decades ago is now a designer’s electric joyride.

A Mag Bay 43 gives a couple the thoughtful design they need to keep their twin boys at ease on the water.