US Coast Guard

To go directly to the USCG Boating Safety Division use the second link. This website is oriented toward the recreational boater, and related equipment. Here, you'll be able to access information related to safety, regulations, product defects and recalls, and more.

On a side note, I'd like to suggest as recreational boaters we need to support the men and women of this service. They've been given a ton of responsibility, and limited monetary resources to fulfill those responsibilities. They help provide port security as a part of the Department of Homeland Security, conduct search and rescue missions, perform vessel safety inspections, service "aids to navigation", perform ice breaking missions on the Great Lakes when necessary, and much more.

As others before me, I've read occasional stories about overzealous crew members performing questionable boardings, and so-called chases or shadowing where their intent was not clearly visible or transmitted, but when we look at the missions they're required to perform, and the limited manpower and resources available to fulfill those missions, I for one am willing to give these folks the benefit of the doubt, and still show them the respect and support they deserve.

I hope you will too.

United States Coast Guard

USCG Boating Safety Division