FAQs and Links

Frequently Asked Questions about the Houston Sail and Power Squadron are here, as are a large set of links to other websites with useful information for the boating community.

Q. Why should I take a class? I’ve been boating for years.
A. Imagine what our roadways would be like if no one had to learn the rules of the road before driving. If you’ve never had a class you may be a hazard to yourself and others on the water. 40% of Texas boating fatalities involved people who had no formal training.

Take the short, sample Texas boating regulations quiz to see some of the reasons why we say, “Take a class!”

Or test yourself with Are you Boat Smart? on basic boating safety.

If you’ve been boating for a while, try our selected Seamanship questions.

Q. Can I come to one of your events without being a member?
A. Yes. See the list on the Calendar and contact the Webmaster.

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Below are links to some useful websites for boaters and parents:

• Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
• Website for senior boaters and boating educators
• Download and print a Float Plan then give it to someone staying on shore
• Download and print a pre-departure checklist from BoatSafe.com
• PDF format Nautical chart booklets from NOAA to print
• Charting products such as raster and vector nautical charts for computers and chartplotters plus paper charts on demand, Coast Pilot, tides and currents info, and other products from NOAA
• Co-op Charting info and instructions
• CCWeb
• Boat/US
• Houston Safe Boating Council
• USCG Rescue 21
• Local Notices to Mariners
• NOAA Weather information
• WaveWatch Gulf of Mexico forecast model
• NOAA tide information
• NOAA current information for Galveston Bay area
• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary site
• Galveston Corps of Engineers
• Galveston Bay Sail and Power Squadron
• FCC licensing site
• General Safe Boating site
• Comprehensive tips on water safety
• Pool Safety Toolkit
• Lifeguard Skills for Pool Owners
• Swimming Safety Tips
• Parent’s Guide to First Aid
• Guidance for Pool & Spa Safety (Consumer Product Safety Commis.)
• Pool Safety Products
• National Water Safety Congress
• National Safe Boating Council
• Miscellaneous boating info and links from Commander Bob
• Kid water safety info and activities – links from around the world
• More on kids water safety
• On the water lifestyle site
• Harris County Citizens Corps
• Donate your boat
• Kayaks
• Drive on boat lifts to keep your boat out of the water