Recreational Boaters

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RECREATIONAL BOATERS

Each year hundreds of lives are lost... thousands are injured... and millions of dollars of property damage occurs because of preventable recreational boating accidents on U.S. waterways. Too often pleasure outings turn tragic. You as a boat operator, passenger, or concerned individual can make a difference.

Have a question about boating safety? Your State's Recreational Boating Program (RBP) Specialist may be able to help.

Accident Reporting

The U.S. Coast Guard hopes that you're never involved in a boating accident. But if you are Federal Law requires that you file an accident report.

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Fire Extinguishers

A list of frequently asked questions about fire protection for recreational vessels.

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Boating Safety Courses

Human error remains the leading cause of boating accidents. Learn the rules, your responsibilities, and how to safely operate your power, sail, or human-propelled vessel.

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Personal Flotation Devices

The U.S. Coast Guard estimates that life jackets could have saved the lives of over 80 percent of boating fatality victims. Accidents can, and do happen with terrifying speed on the water. There's rarely time to reach stowed life jackets.

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Engine Cut-Off Switches

Information on Engine Cut-Off Switches and propeller safety for both the Recreational Boater and Manufacturers.

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Videos

Watch short safety videos covering common risks and best practices.

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Vessel Safety Check

Learn how a free vessel safety check can help you navigate through problem situations.

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FAQs

Quick answers to common boating safety questions and requirements.

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Filing a Float Plan

Why should you take the time to prepare a float plan? The answer is simple... there are just too many facts that need to be accurately remembered and ultimately conveyed in an emergency situation and it is a lot easier to find you if someone tells searchers when and where to look.

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Laws and Regulations

Understand federal and state rules for safe recreational boating.

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BUI Initiatives

Alcohol is the leading contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. The risk is high and the consequences severe know the dangers and avoid being a victim of Boating Under the Influence (BUI).

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District RBP Specialist Listing

USCG Northeast

VACANT

Commander (dpa-rbs)

408 Atlantic Avenue

Boston, MA 02110-3350

Phone: 571.607.5297

States served

Connecticut
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
Rhode Island
Vermont
Eastern New York
Northern New Jersey

USCG East

Ethan Coble

Commander (dpw)

431 Crawford Street

Portsmouth, VA 23704

Phone: 571.608.1399

States served

Delaware
Maryland
South New Jersey
North Carolina
Pennsylvania
Virginia
District of Columbia

USCG Southeast

Scott Szczepaniak

Commander (dpa)

909 SE 1st Avenue

Miami, FL 33131-3050

Phone: 206.815.0598

Scott.J.Szczepaniak@uscg.mil

States served

Florida (excluding panhandle)
Georgia
South Carolina
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

USCG Heartland

Vacant

Commander (dpi-2)

500 Poydras Street

New Orleans, LA 70130-3396

Phone: 504.671.2148

States served

Alabama
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida (panhandle)
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Mississippi
Missouri
Nebraska
New Mexico
North Dakota
Oklahoma
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
West Virginia
Wyoming

USCG Great Lakes

Mike Baron

Commander (dpa)

1240 East Ninth Street

Cleveland, OH 44199

Phone: 216.902.6094

States served

Michigan
Minnesota
Ohio
Wisconsin

USCG Southwest

Douglas Leavell

Commander (dpi)

Coast Guard Island

Alameda, CA 94501-5100

Phone: 510.437.5364

douglas.d.leavell2@uscg.mil

States served

Arizona
California
Nevada
Utah

USCG Northwest

Chris Robinson

Commander (dpa)

915 Second Ave Rm 3498

Seattle, WA 98174-1067

Phone: 206.820.4600

D13RBS@uscg.mil

States served

Idaho
Montana
Oregon
Washington

USCG Oceania

LCDR Mel Torres

Commander (dpa)

300 Ala Moana Blvd

Honolulu, HI 96850-4982

Phone: 808.535.3431

States served

Hawaii
Guam
American Samoa
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands

USCG Arctic

Mike Folkerts

Commander (dpi)

PO Box 25517

Juneau, AK 99802-5517

Phone: 907.463.2297

States served

Alaska

A Boater’s Guide to the Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats