FAQs-Links2

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 .
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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 and other products from NOAA
- Co-op Charting info and instructions
- CCWeb
- 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
- On the water lifestyle site
- Donate your boat
- Kayaks
- Drive on boat lifts to keep your boat out of the water