Did You Know?

Commercial ships have doubled in size, waterborne commerce has tripled, and the number of small boats and recreational water craft has increased during the last 50 years.

More than 95 percent of U.S. foreign trade (by weight) passes through U.S. ports and harbors.

Half of all materials shipped through U.S. waters are hazardous.

How It Affects You

There are approximately 12 million registered recreational water vessels, an estimated 50 percent increase in the last 20 years. Although recreational boating deaths have decreased during the last 30 years, the number of accidents and injuries have steadily climbed. Not knowing the "rules of the road" or how to read navigational charts can be just as dangerous as not using life jackets.

There are designated "traffic lanes" shown on nautical charts for some waterways and coastal ocean areas. Large ships use these lanes to avoid collisions. A large freighter or tanker traveling at full speed can take miles to stop. Even at slower speeds, large ships take a long time to stop or turn.

A boating or shipping accident doesn't hurt only the people directly involved. A seaside vacation, swimming, water sports -- even a walk on the beach -- could be ruined by oil or chemical spills. Harm to fish and wildlife could be immeasurable. Seafood could become more expensive or more difficult to find due to spills, collisions or ships running aground. As a result of costly accidents, the price of goods carried on large ships can increase, along with everyone's insurance rates.

What You Can Do

Get educated and share your knowledge!

Safe navigation is no accident. When boating, use up-to-date NOAA nautical charts and related products.

Subscribe to the U.S. Coast Guard Local Notices to mariners, and check for updated nautical charts weekly. Monitor weather conditions; use a NOAA Weather Radio, an inexpensive receiver that can provide instant access to weather forecasts and emergency weather information.

Recreational boaters should take courses in chart use, seamanship and navigation. Contact the United States Power Squadrons and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary to enroll.

Participate in the volunteer Cooperative Charting Program through the Power Squadron.

Whenever possible, smaller boats should avoid using deep-draft channels, which are the only place large ships can travel. Small recreational boats in front of a ship's bow are often not visible from the ship's bridge. Be aware and considerate of large commercial vessels.