Boating in the Cape and Islands Area
SAFE BOATING RESOURCES
The waters of the Cape and Islands are legendary for their beauty and variety. Our location is home to picture-perfect harbors, miles of unspoiled shoreline and spectacular islands.
Whether your time on the water is a leisurely sail, a fishing trip or a pleasure cruise, the Auxiliary and the Coast Guard are your partners in boating safety. Safe boating starts well before your vessel is underway. By following good boating practices, you greatly increase the safety of those onboard.
Please use the links on this page to make your boating experience enjoyable…and safe!
- Request an annual Vessel Safety Check.
- File a Float Plan before you go out
- Boat Responsibly - Visit the US Coast Guard Recreational Boaters Resource Website
- Massachusetts Environmental Police - Boating Guide (scroll down their webpage page for free PDF version)
- Check out the National Safe Boating Council website
- You can find Coast Guard Boating Safety Videos here that cover topics such as navigation rules, anchoring, life jackets, using spring lines & docking techniques, dangers of boating under the influence and other safety topics.
The Office of Coast Survey, in the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration provide online electronic charts as well as paper charts and the Coast Pilot (available as a PDF). In addition they publish Notice to Mariners Chart Updates on a weekly basis.
NOAA Interactive Chart Catalog
NOAA Notice to Mariners Chart Updates