Documented vs Undocumented

The Benefits of US Coast Guard Documentation While registration with the state you reside in is required, documenting your vessel with the USCG is not, but it is highly recommended. Should you document your yacht with the federal government, or is simply registering the vessel with the state good for your needs? Read on to learn more about the benefits of US Coast Guard documentation.Documenting your boat provides proof of nationality as well as ownership. The vessel paperwork from the US Coast Guard is accepted worldwide, alleviating both issues.In the US, all registered vessels are given the same protections as those not, but an American citizen must own the boat for such recognition.Without much exception, vessels longer than 26 feet must have some form of documentation. In addition, an officially registered vessel will have a number assigned that will be affixed to the hull.Under federal law, every undocumented vessel with propulsion equipment must be assigned a number in the state where...
Read More
Manatee Season

Manatee Season

Manatee Season It’s that time of year when the manatee population in the area increases. Between December and February is the peak season when manatees move further inland seeking warmer waters.When the air and water temperature drop, the manatees move to Southwest Florida for refuge in warmer temperatures. Thus, this is also the time of year when accidental boat contact with manatees is common. The manatees are docile yet curious to a fault. They are easily lured by running water and the promise of a food source. As they are affectionately referred to, the sea cows aren’t creatures that travel in packs but will move in large informal groups as they seek food and balmy temps.While it’s exciting to encounter these creatures in nature, there are some things to keep in mind this time of year to ensure their safety and yours.Many have seen Manatees in marinas along the Manatee River. While this is a unique chance to see the creatures...
Read More
New Years Resolution to Boating Safety

New Years Resolution to Boating Safety

Ring in the New Year and Update Your GearMake a resolution to check your safety essentials.The new year isn't just a time for resolutions; it is also a good time to get organized. Making goals for the year should include taking inventory of your boat contents and checking the safety essentials. It's time to either purchase missing items, check to see if they are in working order, or replenish them.According to discoverboating.com, there are five essential safety items for your boat. There are many more to add to the list, but these are the top five. Life jackets and wearable personal flotation devices (PFDs)The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims. Life vests must be worn, especially when underway but are also recommended when not below deck. Though it's not law to wear a vest for those over 13, it is lifesaving. Take an inventory of what life...
Read More
A Season of Lights

A Season of Lights

An illuminating guide to the lights of the holiday season.No holiday season would be complete without the magic of twinkling lights and the boisterous laughter of Santa on the scene. The Bradenton area boasts an impressive selection of activities to participate in. Below is our list of top picks to kick off the holiday season. Main Street LiveNovember 23, 2022 - Pre-ThanksgivingThough this event isn’t about the lighting, for a little pre-holiday cheer and holiday shopping, check out this event. There will be products from local artisans, crafts for the kiddos, and even Santa will be available for photos. The Main Street Live runs from 6-9 p.m.Notable lighted holiday boat parades:Jiggs Landing Outpost will host an “Old Florida” holiday boat parade on the Evers Reservoir and Braden River on December 10, 2022. For those boaters who want to participate, you may arrive early to decorate your boat. Spectators can bring their own chairs and set them up by the waterside. The parade...
Read More
A Quick Getaway at Egmont Key

A Quick Getaway at Egmont Key

A Quick Getaway at Egmont Key Just over an hour's boat ride from Riviera Dunes Marina, Egmont Key is a secluded wildlife refuge located at the mouth of Tampa Bay and on the edge of the Gulf of Mexico. Accessible only by boat, this wildlife refuge offers visitors a plentitude of activities, including fishing, shelling, swimming, birdwatching, and exploring the island. If you are there to snorkel, you will enjoy checking out the sunken gun batteries that are now home to an abundance of sea life.  A lush green canopy covers the island's interior, while white sand beaches are surrounded by stunning crystal blue and turquoise waters.  As a preservation site, Egmont Key National Wildlife Refuge is partly run by the state and offers a full exploration of the ruins of Fort Dade, a relic from the Spanish-American war. Three decommissioned batteries were used to house disappearing guns that were meant to be disguised under enemy attack. Only the remains are there as...
Read More
World’s Luckiest Fishing Village

World’s Luckiest Fishing Village

Destin, also referred to as the "World's Luckiest Fishing Village," has the largest commercial fishing fleet in the country, the most types of fish in the local area, and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. Any nautical map will demonstrate that Destin stands out from neighboring ports due to its rapid and simple access to the deepest parts of the Gulf. Since different fish species inhabit different depths, fishermen may easily access all fishable water depths, which contain 20 different species of edible game fish. Snapper fish, such as gray snapper, lane snapper, mutton snapper, and red snapper, are among the most often discovered species. The red snapper is widely sought-after by fishermen because of its vivid scarlet color and greater size. Off the coast of Destin, a massive 46 pounds and 8 ounce red snapper that was the biggest ever taken in Florida was landed. Grouper is yet another fish that is regularly caught with a reel. Similar to snapper, there...
Read More
How To Respond in Emergency Situations

How To Respond in Emergency Situations

A ship's emergency must be handled with assurance and composure because rash judgments and "jumping to conclusions" can worsen the situation.  Accidents involving ship grounding are mostly brought on by human error, occasionally by insufficient port-related information, or by unidentified coral reefs and rocks. Major ship grounding accidents frequently have faulty navigating procedures and inattentive maneuvering as their main causes. Inadvertent groundings or strandings can also be caused by defective navigational tools, poor weather, or engine failure. The worst-case scenario involves the loss of human lives, but such incidents also have an impact on the environment and the ship. Continuous training and realistic drills on board ships can help crews handle emergencies more effectively. Nevertheless, it has been seen that even with proper preparation, people still experience panic episodes and ultimately fail to act appropriately in emergency situations. The seafarer must, first and foremost, be knowledgeable about the various kinds of emergencies that might occur on board a ship. This would aid in...
Read More
Busiest days to go boating

Busiest days to go boating

While most boaters want to spend as much time on the water as they can, obstacles like hectic work schedules and bad weather frequently stand in the way. People who are fortunate enough to reside in an area with pleasant weather all year round, such as South Florida, can spend more days on the water boating. The busiest boating days of the year still tend to be in the spring and summer. 72 The majority of individuals launch their boat from their docks and into the water on three specific days out of the 365 in a year. These days are all holidays, which typically last over extended weekends. Here are the busiest boating days of the year, so you can decide whether you want to celebrate with other boaters or stay away from the crowded waterways. 64 Memorial Day. Americans enjoy this federal holiday, which falls on the final Monday of May, as a three-day weekend. Memorial Day recognizes and commemorates...
Read More
3 most popular type of boats

3 most popular type of boats

Boats have been used to transport people and things across water for thousands of years. The term "boat" now refers to a small boat that is used for recreation or to transport lightweight items. Ships are larger boats that can transport loads of cargo or numerous passengers over great distances. Below are the 5 most popular type of boats that are used these days. A fishing boat. The mere fact that you can use some hand-held fishing equipment aboard a boat does not imply that it is a fishing boat. A fishing boat has traditionally had a wooden hull constructed with basic equipment. Since ancient times, they have been caught with nets, hooks, and extremely basic instruments like spears in both fresh and saltwater. On the other hand, a commercial fishing boat or trawler is a sizable metal structure that does the task using advanced gear like trawling engines, trawlers, live wells, and electric power sources. These enormous vessels typically have a...
Read More
Tips for Boating on Labor Day Weekend

Tips for Boating on Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day weekend, which occurs just a few weeks before the official end of summer, oftenserves as a "last hoorah" for many boaters. The three-day weekend is ideal for relaxing,unwinding, and enjoying The Great Outdoors!Labor Day weekend, like any other major holiday weekend in the summer, is a busy time forboaters on lakes and coastal waterways. As avid boaters, we are thrilled to see people get out onthe water to relax and share memories with loved ones and friends! It is important to rememberthat times of heavy boater traffic typically coincide with a rise in boating accidents.The good news is that there are several things you can do this Labor Day weekend to stay safeon the water. Let's look into them now! Tip #1: Take a Boater Safety course before you get in the waterFind a course recognized through the National Association of State Boating Law Administratorsor NASBLA. NASBLA is a federal non-profit, 501(c)3 organization that works to formulate publicpolicy to...
Read More