Useful boating sites

Websites of interest for boaters and marine professionals.

Below is a list of useful sites for boaters and marine professionals:

Education & training

• Chapman School of Seamanship trains students in navigation, seamanship, boat handling in both power and sail, and the nautical information needed for licensing in pursuit of a career as captain or crew.
• US Powerboating - offers comprehensive on-the-water training and education courses for recreational boaters
• US Sailing - the national governing body for the sport of sailing, providing various training and educational course specifically for sailing. 
• Discover Boating offer boating information and online courses, maintenance and equipment tips, as well as books and reviews to increase your "nautical know-how."
• NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) provides information regarding approved boater education and training courses.  
• NFPA (National Fire Protection Association) is an international non-profit authority that advocates consensus codes and standards, research, training, and education to reduce fire and other hazards.
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary – provides information on taking a boating safety class, where to get a free vessel safety check, and additional boating safety information.
• U.S. Coast Guard - The Office of Boating Safety offers information geared to recreational boaters on laws,
• The U.S. Coast Guard provides information on programs and services, history, area and district information – and more.

Trip planning & marina locators

• Float Planning from small boats to luxury yachts, the U.S. Coast Guard provides owners of the ability to prepare a float plan which is extremely helpful to rescue personnel in emergency situations.
• Marinas Directory provides an online directory of marinas throughout the United States and abroad with services for boaters and marina owners.
• MarinaLife offer boaters a complete suite of travel services, including centralized online reservations services, national and international discounts, as well as travel planning for groups and individuals.
• NOAA National Weather Service provides local and offshore marine forecasts and up-to-date storm information from the National Hurricane Center.

Statistics, surveying & valuation

• BUCValu provides statistically authenticated current market values for boats and motors with adjustment scales for area, condition and equipment.
• NAMS (National Association of Marine Surveyors) is a non-profit organization that certifies marine surveyors and provides continuing education opportunities.
• SAMS (Society of Accredited Marine Surveyors) is an international society dedicated to the advancement of the profession of marine surveying.
• ABYC (American Boat and Yacht Council) is a not-for-profit member organization that develops and updates safety standards for boat building and repair.