Our Boating Blog

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Freshly Caught Industry Tips, Tricks and News For Boaters of All Levels


Are you ready to continue learning? Read our blog to discover the latest in boating safety, tips and tricks and more from our knowledgeable crew!

Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

Saturday 1-Day Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 26, 2024
Saturday May 4th, 2024, 9am-5pm 1-Day Virtual Online Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate Course You must register with Zoom in advance...
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Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

Saturday 1-Day Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 26, 2024
Saturday May 18th, 2024, 9am-5pm 1-Day Virtual Online Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate Course You must register with Zoom in advance...
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1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Thursday and Friday Morning Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 26, 2024
Thurs & Fri May 16th & 17th 9:00am-1:00 PM 2-Morning Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in advance...
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1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 26, 2024
Tues & Wed May 14th & 15th, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM 2-Night Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in...
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Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

Saturday 1-Day Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 26, 2024
Saturday May 11th, 2024, 9am-5pm 1-Day Virtual Online Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate Course You must register with Zoom in advance...
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1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Thursday and Friday Morning Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 26, 2024
Thurs & Fri May 9th & 10th 9:00am-1:00 PM 2-Morning Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in advance...
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1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 26, 2024
Tues & Wed May 7th & 8th, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM 2-Night Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in...
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1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 1, 2024
Tues & Wed April30th & May 1st, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM 2-Night Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in...
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Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

Saturday 1-Day Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 1, 2024
Saturday April 27th, 2024, 9am-5pm 1-Day Virtual Online Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate Course You must register with Zoom in advance...
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1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 1, 2024
Tues & Wed April 23rd & 24th, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM 2-Night Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in...
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Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

Saturday 1-Day Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 1, 2024
Saturday April 20th, 2024, 9am-5pm 1-Day Virtual Online Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate Course You must register with Zoom in advance...
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1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 1, 2024
Tues & Wed April 16th & 17th, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM 2-Night Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in...
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Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

Saturday 1-Day Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 1, 2024
Saturday April 13th, 2024, 9am-5pm 1-Day Virtual Online Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate Course You must register with Zoom in advance...
Read More
1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 1, 2024
Tues & Wed April 9th & 10th, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM 2-Night Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in...
Read More
Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

Saturday 1-Day Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 1, 2024
Saturday April 6th, 2024, 9am-5pm 1-Day Virtual Online Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate Course You must register with Zoom in advance...
Read More
1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

March 1, 2024
Tues & Wed April 2nd & 3rd, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM 2-Night Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in...
Read More
1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

February 1, 2024
Tues & Wed March 26th & 27th, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM 2-Night Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in...
Read More
Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

Saturday 1-Day Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

February 1, 2024
Saturday March 23rd, 2024, 9am-5pm 1-Day Virtual Online Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate Course You must register with Zoom in advance...
Read More
1-Day Boat Licensing Course

Tuesday and Wednesday Night Virtual Online Safe Boating Certificate Course LIVE

February 1, 2024
Tues & Wed March 19th & 20th, 2024, 5:00-9:00 PM 2-Night Virtual Boat Licensing Certificate Course You must register in...
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Connecticut Coastal Boater Endorsement Navigation Class

Connecticut Coastal Boater Endorsement

January 29, 2024
The Connecticut Coastal Boater Endorsement is a class offered by Connecticut Boating Certificates LLC covering basic navigation skills.  The materials...
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2022 NASBLA Accomplishments

NASBLA 2022 Accomplishments

December 22, 2022
NASBLA 2022 Accomplishments Top 8!   1.  RECORD DELIVERY OF BOAT PROGRAM COURSES The BOAT Program had a record setting...
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Aquatic Invasive Species

Clean Drain and Dry

October 26, 2022
Clean Drain and Dry The following is an article on the DEEP’s Website. What are Aquatic Invasive Species An increasing...
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Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

Flex Date Ticket for 2024

October 25, 2022
You have purchased a Flex Date Ticket which is good for any Course Date offered in 2024. This is the...
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Online Virtual Boat Licensing Course

1st Responders & Military Discount Ticket for 2024

October 25, 2022
Generic Ticket good for any Course Date offered in 2024. This is the all-inclusive Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate, Certificate of...
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United States Coast Guard is Awesome!

United States Coast Guard

October 18, 2022
The United States Coast Guard is our 5th branch of the military. This is a small excerpt from their site. ...
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Beginner Boating Tips

Boating Tips for Beginners

September 6, 2022
Boating Tips for Beginners This article from the Boating for Beginners site in my opinion is a fantastic start for...
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Keeping a Lookout

Keeping a Lookout

August 8, 2022
Keeping a Lookout.  The following article from The American Boating Association discusses holidays, inspections, and being aware. The holidays and...
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2021 Boating Accident Report Notables

2021 Boating Accident Report Notables

July 27, 2022
What is this report? The 2021 Recreational Boating Statistics Report or often times referred to the “2021 Boating Accident Report”...
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8 Safety Tips for Common Sense Boating

8 Safety Tips

July 11, 2022
8 Safety tips for you and your loved ones. The following article is an excerpt from National Oceanic and Atmospheric...
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Running Aground

Running Aground

June 13, 2022
Running Aground occurs when there is no longer deep enough water to float a vessel.  This likely occurs due to...
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Reporting Boating Accidents

Reporting Boating Accidents

June 6, 2022
Reporting Boating Accidents can be a little tricky.  Check out this blog to guide you through the process.  The key...
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CT Boating Education FAQ's

CT Boating Education FAQ’s

May 2, 2022
CT Boating Education FAQ’s is a hot topic.  So here we go.  Please visit the DEEP’s website to learn all...
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What is a No Discharge Zone

No Discharge Zones

April 26, 2022
No Discharge Zones:  The following excerpt is from Connecticut DEEP’s website.  Visit the page and read the full article here....
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Is Boating Fun

Is Boating Fun

April 19, 2022
Is Boating fun?  Well of course it is! You can check out the full article by Discover Boating by clicking ...
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OSHA and Boating

OSHA and Boating

April 12, 2022
OSHA and Boating are nothing new. What is Good Housekeeping on a boat? Good housekeeping implies that we always organize,...
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Personal Watercraft Regulations

Personal Watercraft Regulations

March 29, 2022
This article on Personal Watercraft Regulations is well worth your time.  Check the full article out at United Marine Underwriters....
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What makes Long Island Sound unique

Long Island Sound

March 21, 2022
What Makes Long Island Sound Unique? Long Island Sound is 1400 square miles of estuary, a place where saltwater from...
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Falling Overboad

Falling Overboard

March 15, 2022
Falling overboard is a serious concern. Who is at risk? Falling overboard is nearly a daily occurrence in the commercial...
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Documenting Your Vessel

Documenting your Vessel

March 8, 2022
Should you be documenting your vessel? When going into the purchase of a vessel, lots of owners ask whether or...
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The science of your boats wake

Your Boats Wake

March 1, 2022
Watch Your Boats Wake The following are excerpts from an excellent article by Randy Troutman on October 15, 2014 (link...
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Recreational Boating

Recreational Boating

February 21, 2022
The following article regarding Recreational Boating appears on the National Safety Councils site. With more than 11 million recreational vessels...
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Connecticut Harbor Masters

Connecticut Harbor Masters

February 14, 2022
Connecticut Harbor Masters have quite the responsibility.  The following excerpt is from the DEEP’s Boating Division.  Indeed, some content has...
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Sailing Vessel Under Power

Sailboat Lights

February 3, 2022
Sailboat Lights can be confusing and usually need some explanation. Common Questions: Is the tri-color light all I need when...
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Who is NASBLA

Who is NASBLA

January 31, 2022
Who is NASBLA you ask…well they play a major role in modern day boating! Lots of our students have asked...
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Virtual Boating Classes

Virtual Boating Classes

January 18, 2022
Are Virtual Boating Classes worth it? Lots of people asking if virtual boating classes are worth it and yes, they...
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Water Ski Jumps

Water Ski Jumps

January 12, 2022
What do you need to have Water Ski Jumps in Connecticut? The following excerpt is from the State of Connecticut...
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Connecticut Boaters Guide

Connecticut Boaters Guide

January 3, 2022
The Connecticut Boaters Guide is a free publication.  Its primary function is to enlighten boaters on what’s new in Connecticut. ...
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The USCG maintains the Aids to Navigation

Aids to Navigation

December 15, 2021
What are Aids to Navigation? Aids to Navigation can provide a boater with information similar to those which drivers get...
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Rendering Assistance to other Boaters

Rendering Assistance

November 17, 2021
Rendering Assistance:  What is your Obligation? Rendering assistance to a vessel in distress is requirement for all vessel operators.  That...
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Operation Dry Water

Operation Dry Water

November 2, 2021
OPERATION DRY WATER The following article is a direct excerpt from the NASBLA Operation Dry Water Home page.  Most people...
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The affects of winds The Beaufort Scale

The Beaufort Scale

October 18, 2021
What is the Beaufort Scale? The Beaufort scale, officially known as the Beaufort Wind Force Scale, is a descriptive table. ...
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Mayday Call Procedure Card

Mayday Call

September 29, 2021
Making a Mayday call will likely be stressful.  Your VHF radio may be your only lifeline.  The VHF may feature Digital...
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File a Float Plan

Filing a Float Plan

September 22, 2021
The following excerpt is from the United States Coast Guard. Why should you take the time to prepare a Float...
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Boating Under the Influence is not tolerated in any Way, Shape, or Form

Boating Under the Influence

September 13, 2021
BOATING UNDER THE INFLUENCE (BUI ) IS JUST AS DEADLY AS DRINKING AND DRIVING   The following is a re-post from...
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Winterize a boat in Connecticut

Winterizing a Boat

September 9, 2021
This article about winterizing a boat has been modified for our blog.  We thank our friends at Discover Boating for...
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The Boating Pecking Order

The Boating Pecking Order

September 3, 2021
Lots of people want to know how the Boating Pecking Order applies to everyday boating.  It is a great question. ...
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USCG Recreational Boating Accident Report

2020 Boating Accident Report Notables

August 3, 2021
FIRSTLY, What is this report? The 2020 Recreational Boating Statistics Report or often times referred to the “2020 Boating Accident...
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EPIRBS AND PLBS

EPIRBS AND PLBS

July 26, 2021
WHAT ARE EPIRBS AND PLBS First of all EPIRBS and PLBS are acronyms.  EPIRB stands for Emergency position indicating radio...
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Paddle Safety Tips

Paddling Safety Tips

July 15, 2021
Hello friends.  We don’t get to spend a lot of time during our licensing class on Paddling.  As a result...
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Fly Boarding

Fly Boarding

July 11, 2021
WHAT IS FLY BOARDING Fly Boarding is becoming a very popular sport.  It is done by connecting a fly board,...
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Nautical Charts and Boating

Nautical Charts and Boating

July 5, 2021
WHY USE A NAUTICAL CHART Nautical Charts and Boating go way back.  They say that many boaters are judged by...
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Areas of the Boat. A history of Port, Starboard, Stern, and Bow

Areas of the Boat

June 14, 2021
What are the areas of the boat called? The areas of the boat are:  Port (left side), Starboard (right side),...
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National Safe Boating Council Wear It Life jackets save lives

Life Jackets

June 7, 2021
HOW DO LIFE JACKETS SAVE LIVES? Life Jackets provide buoyancy.  That is to say, the ability to float in water. ...
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Abandoned Boat Sticker

Abandoned Boat

June 1, 2021
The Abandoned Boat Process:  The CT DEEP’s Marine HQ states the following. Abandoned Boat:  Under Section 15-140c of the CGS,...
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Connecticut Clean Marina

Clean Marina Program

May 24, 2021
It’s everyone’s job to keep our waterways clean.  You can join the Clean Marina Program and be proud to do your...
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Anchoring a Boat

Anchoring a Boat

May 18, 2021
Anchoring equipment Let’s familiarize ourselves with the equipment when anchoring a boat.  The Anchor Rode consists of all the pieces...
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Checking out the Navigational Rules for Boating

Navigational Rules for Boating

May 10, 2021
LETS GO OVER SOME BASICS When we discuss Navigational Rules for Boating keep in mind that above all, it is...
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Safe Water Skiing Endorsement

Safe Water Skiing Endorsement

May 3, 2021
WHAT IS THE SAFE WATER SKIING ENDORSEMENT The Safe Water Skiing Endorsement has been a part of Connecticut boating education...
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Engine Cut Off Device

Engine Cut Off Switch

April 27, 2021
THE NEW LAW ON ENGINE CUT OF SWITCHES The United States Coast Guard announced on April 1, 2021 that the...
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What is a Preferred Channel Buoy

The Preferred Channel Buoys

April 16, 2021
PREFERRED CHANNEL BUOYS Ah the dreaded Preferred Channel Buoys, what are these beasts?  This buoy sinks vessels in the blink...
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NOAA NWS MAP

Boating and the Weather

April 5, 2021
DRESS FOR THE WEATHER WHILE BOATING Whether you are out on the lakes or on Long Island Sound weather plays...
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High and Low Tides

High and Low Tides…what should you know

March 30, 2021
WHAT IS HIGH AND LOW TIDE Tides are the vertical movement of water caused by the gravitational pull of the...
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Capacity Plate Blog

The Information on a Capacity Plate is Vital

March 23, 2021
WHAT IS THE CAPACITY PLATE The Maximum Capacities Label or Plate is required on powerboats less than 20 feet with...
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Online Boating Courses

Online Boating Courses are now being Taught

March 16, 2021
THANK YOU DEEP! The Connecticut DEEP approves online boating courses in 2021.  When the pandemic hit, the DEEP acted quickly...
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3-Phases-of-Hypothermia

Hypothermia in Connecticut

March 21, 2019
Hypothermia is very real in CT We do cover this in class but this is the time of year people...
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Age Restrictions for Boating

Age Restrictions for Boating

March 7, 2019
AGE RESTRICTIONS So everyone always asks what are the age restrictions for a boating, using a Personal Watercraft, and to...
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Trimming a Boat

Trimming a Boat

July 23, 2018
What actually is Trim on a Boat? If you ask a bunch of boaters the question what is trimming a...
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No Discharge Areas

No Discharge Areas

March 20, 2018
WHAT IS A NO DISCHARGE AREA No Discharge Areas or NDA is a federally designated body of water where the...
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Bow Riding

Bow Riding

May 17, 2016
IS CLOSED BOW RIDING ILLEGAL YES OR NO So you can’t answer this without a little tap dancing.   For this...
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Prevent Boating Accidents

Boating Accidents

May 2, 2016
STRAIGHT UP Boating accidents are nearly one hundred percent avoidable.  Together we can improve the Accident Statistics this year by...
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Pollution in Connecticut Waters

Pollution in Connecticut Waters

April 18, 2016
TRUTH BE TOLD Pollution in Connecticut waters is an issue.  It can be eliminated if everyone chips in.  In short,...
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Boat Ramp Etiquette

Boat Ramp Etiquette

April 12, 2016
WHAT IS BOAT RAMP ETIQUETTE? Boat ramp etiquette is important and is oftentimes overlooked.  Actually what we need to do...
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Aquatic Invasive Species and Plants

Aquatic Invasive Species and Plants

March 23, 2016
What is this about? Preventing the spread of aquatic aquatic invasive species and plants is a nationwide issue.   Although...
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What is the difference between hulls

What is the Difference Between Hulls

March 17, 2016
What is the difference between hulls you ask? There is a huge difference between hulls and to clarify, there are...
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Powerboat requirements and length classifications

Powerboat Requirements and Length Classifications

March 8, 2016
WHY IS THE LENGTH OF THE BOAT RELEVANT? It is important for the authorities to distinguish powerboat requirements and length...
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boating safety equipment

Can Safety be taken Overboard?

February 26, 2016
SAFETY OVERVIEW I’m often asked can safety be taken overboard.  Not always in those exact terms but you get the...
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Reciprocity 2021

Is the Connecticut Boaters License reciprocal in other states?

February 26, 2016
CONNECTICUTS RECIPROCITY Connecticut is required by law to teach the Boaters License threefold.  This means we teach the NASBLA Core,...
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Personal Watercrafts Defined

Personal Watercrafts Defined

February 23, 2016
HOW ARE PERSONAL WATERCRAFTS DEFINED Personal Watercraft are defined as a Jet driven vessel that the rider sits, kneels, stands,...
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