This self-paced independent study guide is for those interested in safe, legal boating. It includes navigational and safe operating rules, boat equipment and safety devices, emergency equipment and procedures, personal limitations and responsibilities, boating laws, and regulations and licenses.

800 pages, 435 illustrations, 94 photographs, index. Handy, fact-filled new boating guide offers, how-to-do-it information and reference facts, figures, formulas, graphs, and tables about boating in a book small enough (about 3 x 5 x 1) to fit in your pocket. This book is for everyone who wants to enjoy being a better, safer, and more responsible boater. If you are new to boating this book is filled with information you need to know. If you are an experienced boater this book can act as a great reference and memory jogger.

This book and its text, charts, illustrations and photos are to be used for planning and reference purposes only. They are specifically not to be used for navigation. The text has been prepared, based upon personal inspections, official publications and other data deemed reliable, with the objective of making the boating visitor's voyage more enjoyable.

A fun, informative way to learn about boating safety and environmental awareness, the Boater101 course, which includes this book, is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators and recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as acceptable to the Recreational Boating Safety Program. Included are expert information from Marine University on boating safety and terminology, boat designs and classifications, boat motors, water activities, registration/numbering/documentation, boating required/recommended safety equipment, trailering, pre-departure preparation, U.S. aids to navigation, navigation tips, lines and knots, safety issues, weather, tides, rules of the "road," anchoring, docking/mooring, boating under the influence, aquatic nuisance species, disposal of toxic substances, proper garbage/waste disposal, state regulations, glossary, index, and boat operations checklist, float plan and pre-departure checklist.