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.

Chapman is the foundation reference for all boaters and sailors with essential information on boat handing and seamanship skills on coast and inland waters. With three million copies sold, Chapman Piloting & Seamanship is the one comprehensive resource boaters at all levels of experience trust for everything they need to know to set out on the water. It addresses the best traditions of seamanship with cutting-edge practices, gear, and technology. Along with 1500 color photos, charts and drawings, this edition includes: Navigating by day or night in any weather Trailerboating Getting underway or returning to a marina or mooring under power or sail Anchoring and weighing anchor Operating a gas or diesel engine—inboard, outboard, or sterndrive Using radar and communicating by radio Sharing the water with other boats Handling lines and making them fast Reading the weather and keeping your crew safe with the latest advice on safety equipment The 4,200-entry index makes it easy to quickly access any topic, and the glossary and source information directs the reader to vital information on weather, tides, and aids to navigation. Used and recommended by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, the U.S. Power Squadrons, and other boating educators, Chapman is today—and has been for more than a century—the boating book of record.

Boaters new to the waters around Cape Coral, Ft. Myers, Pine Island, and the barrier islands in Pine Island Sound are surprised to learn how different these waters are to any they have experienced in other parts of the country. Four unique waterways converge, each bringing their own challenges as they lead out to the Gulf of Mexico. The last 35 miles of the Caloosahatchee River flow down from the north, where the river meets San Carlos Bay, Pine Island Sound, and Matlacha Pass. These waters in many parts are shallow, forcing boaters to carefully navigate narrow and sometimes shallow channels to get to where they want to go. This guide attempts to help boaters understand where the various main and side channels can take them. Along the way it points out which channels to take a pass on, and which might lead to an interesting adventure.