Updated January 10, 2024

Your Dana Point Boaters Association has created this important and valuable web page dedicated to information on Boater Guides, Safety, Alerts, Reports, Manuals, Education, Marine Notices, and How-To-Reference Documents. We thank all the Federal and State Agencies and other organizations for allowing us to pass on this important information. If you know of any additional information that may be useful to boaters, please get in touch with our webmaster so we may add your information to our website, our thanks in advance!

ONGOING RECALLS: https://uscgboating.org/content/recalls.php

Kidde Recalls Fire Extinguishers with Plastic Handles Due to Failure to Discharge and Nozzle Detachment:  One Death Reported.  Please CLICK  HERE to read the recall notice and verify your vessels fire extinguishers are not on the recall list!

NOAA Navigation Updates

NOAA Custom Chart

Tide Charts - Dana Point, Ca.

USCG Department Of Homeland Security/United States Coast Guard And USCGA

• USCG Float Plan
• USCG Local Notice To Mariners ~ District 11 Notices
• USCG Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook
• U.S. Aid To Navigation System
• NASBLA - State Law Dashboard
• BoatUS ~ Online VHF/DSC Radio Tutorial
• BoatUS ~ Maritime Mobile Service Identity
• Color Aids to Navigation Insert
• USCG United States Coast Guard ~ U.S. Department Of Security
• USCG "HOMEPORT" ~ U.S. Department of Security
• USCG Navigation Center ~ U.S. Department of Homeland Security
• USCG Recreational Boating Accident Report

USCGA ~ DANA  POINT FLOTILLA 06-08

• Our flotilla's public education listings
• Register your MMSI number for your DSC-enabled radio at BoatUS MMSI Registration or Seatow MMSI Registration
• To  contact us for a Vessel Safety Check or review requirements
• Learn  more about the Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Animated Knots  ~ Boatingand  Knots
• DSC Distress Button Testing ~ Information about testing one's DSC distress button.
• Kid Life Jacket Loaner Info ~ California locations for loaner life jackets for kids. Several locations are set up in San Diego, and one is in Corona Del Mar.

California Department Of Boating And Waterways ~ Cal Boating

• Cal Boating ABC's Of California Boating Laws (Updated)!
• California Department of Boating and Waterways Website
• California Department of Boating and Waterways Float Plan (Updated)!
• California Department of Boating and Waterways FAQ's on Boating Law
• Cal Boating ~ California Boating Law 2012
• Cal Boating ~ A Course For Safe Boating ~ The home study boating safety course you are about to embark upon is provided by the California Department of Boating and  Waterways. This course will assist you              in understanding the  basics of Boating, from selecting a boat to knowing the "rules of the road."
• Cal Boating Accident Report (Updated)!
• Cal Boating Vessel Accident Report (VAR 1) 
  • Cal Boating Vessel Accident Report (VAR 1.1)
  • Cal Boating Vessel Accident Report (VAR 2)

GUIDES, MAGAZINE & NEWSLETTERS
 

The Bay Foundation

• The Bay Foundation ~ Pumpout NAV APP
• Boater's Guide Southern California (5th digital edition .pdf version)

United States Coast Guard "PROCEEDINGS MAGAZINE"

• USCG Proceedings Magazine  (Summer 2023)
• USCG Proceeding Archives Website

The Bay Foundation

A California Clean  Boating Network Publication presented by The Bay Foundation, Division of  Boating And Waterways, California Coastal Commission, and the Keep the  Delta Clean Program. "Changing Tides"

• Changing Tides Winter 2023
• Changing Tides Summer 2023 
• Changing Tides Spring 2023
   
• Dockwakers Facebook Posts Guide
• This California Clean Vessel Act Pumpout  and Dump Station Performance Report 

Other Boater Safety Website:

• Destin Florida Boat Rental - Boating Safety
• B.D. Outdoors ~ Motion Sickness – What You Need to Know

DPBA Public Information Handouts:

• DPBA VHF Marine Radio ~ VHF Marine Channels Handout  (NEW)!

Boating Safety Equipment & Updates:

DSC-equipped VHFs must meet new technical standards ~  On March 25, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC)  prohibited the manufacture, importation, sale, and installation of fixed-mount (non-portable) digital selective calling (DSC)–equipped marine radios that do not meet specific new requirements. It is important to note that the FCC action does not affect previously installed radios that meet the old RTCM Standard SC-101.

Final Report 2005 Crew Overboard Rescue Symposium ~ The accident known as "crew overboard," "man overboard," or "person-in-the-water" presents the most demanding and agonizing challenge that any sailor or powerboater will face. It is no wonder that rescue methods and gear are in constant development. Rarely, however,  are they tested side-by-side in a variety of boats. More information can also be found on the BoatUS Crew Overboard Rescues page.

The West Advisor (R) ~ Federal Equipment Requirements For Boats ~ You have to put very few items on the average pleasure boat to comply with Federal (Coast Guard)  Regulations for safety gear. Most of us do an excellent job regarding life jackets, horns, fire extinguishers, etc. Most boat builders supply boats with legal head installations, ventilation,  backfire arrestors, and navigation lights. Some Advice: Regardless of how you use your boat, the following items should be considered when outfitting your boat for safety.

The West Advisor (R) Outfitting For Cruising ~ Going cruising and leaving the dryland world behind for weeks,  months, or years is a lifetime opportunity. Outfitting your boat right s critical to passagemaking that is both safe and fun. We've written this guide to help you take care of all the little details and ensure that the checklists you prepare before you have all the necessary equipment.