Precision marine navigation is the ability of a vessel to navigate safely and efficiently within U.S. waterways. It relies on foundational oceanographic, meteorological, and electronic navigational charting data; observations; predictions and forecasts; and critical maritime information. Our goal is to make this information easily accessible and readily available in internationally recognized navigation standards, such as S-100. Doing so will provide support to mariners throughout every step of a voyage. Here you can find summaries of and links to the various navigation products and services that NOAA and its Federal partners offer.

Live Ships Map - AIS - Vessel Traffic and Positions. Vessel positions tracking based on AIS data. Real-time ship locations and port arrivals departures. MarineTraffic is the world's leading provider of ship tracking and maritime intelligence. We are dedicated to making actionable information easily accessible. Monitoring vessel movements is at the core of what we do. Building on a base of data gathered from our network of coastal AIS-receiving stations, supplemented by satellite receivers, we apply algorithms and integrate complementary data sources to provide the shipping, trade and logistics industries with actionable insights into shipping activity.

Maritime New Zealand is the Government organisation responsible for maritime safety, security and marine environment protection. We serve a wide range of customers - ranging from large bulk carriers arriving in New Zealand to discharge oil or load wood chips, to white water rafts offering adventure tourism on high-country rivers. Site has Key info about boating activities & staying safe on the water. Wellington, New Zealand

National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). The mission of the Maritime Domain is to provide global maritime geospatial intelligence in support of national security objectives including safety of navigation, international obligations, intelligence activities and joint military operations.

Maritime Safety Information from the Navigation Sector of the United States Coast Guard

Maritime Safety Queensland, Australia, is a government agency attached to Queensland Transport. Our role is to protect Queensland's waterways and the people who use them - providing safer, cleaner seas.

Free Realtime AIS Vessel Tracking Vessels Finder Map. My Ship Tracking is a FREE REALTIME AIS vessel finder tracking service. You can monitor ship positions, vessels traffic, port activity in realtime map.

Our Mission... Safety of Life and Cargo at Sea. National Cargo Bureau was incorporated as a non-profit organization and began its operations in 1952. The Bureau was created to render assistance to the United States Coast Guard in discharging its responsibilities under the 1948 International Convention for Safety of Life at Sea. New York, NY

Cold water can kill you in less than a minute. It's actually so dangerous that it kills a lot of people within seconds. Thousands of people have drowned after falling into cold water and a lot of them died before they even had a chance to reach the surface. The National Center for Cold Water Safety was established to reduce the incidence of close calls, injuries, and fatalities due to cold water immersion. The Center is in a unique position to accomplish this goal because its sole mission is the study and promotion of cold water safety. Spotsylvania, Virginia

Providing expert training and consulting for lightning problems.

The NSBC is the foremost coalition for the advancement and promotion of safer boating through education. The NSBC presently has a membership of over 330 U.S. and Canadian organizations, all with an interest in boating safety and education. The NSBC’s mission is to be the foremost coalition to advance and promote a safer recreational boating experience through education, outreach and training. Bristow, Virginia

The National Transportation Safety Board ​is an independent federal agency charged by Congress with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States and significant accidents in other modes of transportation — highway, marine, pipeline​​, and railroad. We determine the probable cause of the accidents we investigate and issue safety recommendations aimed at preventing future accidents. The Office of Marine Safety (OMS) investigates marine accidents to determine the probable cause of each accident and identify safety recommendations that will prevent similar events in the future. Investigated accidents include casualties classified by the US Coast Guard as major marine casualties in US territorial waters, major marine casualties involving US flagged vessels worldwide, and accidents involving both US public (federal) and nonpublic vessels in the same casualty. In addition, the office investigates select catastrophic marine accidents and those of a recurring nature. Washington, DC

The National Water Safety Congress is committed to continuing their leadership role in advancing the promotion of education for the safety of recreational water activities throughout the United States, and internationally, by addressing water related recreational accidents and drownings throughout the nation on private and public recreational water resources. The National Water Safety Congress (NWSC), working in conjunction with the United States Coast Guard will support the mission, goals, and objectives of the National Recreational Boating Safety Strategic Plan. We will thereby assist in providing and ensuring the public a safe, secure, and enjoyable recreational boating, and water safety educational experience, which will in turn minimize loss of life, injury, and property damage while protecting the environment and cooperating with national security efforts.

The National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA) invites you to join with us to save lives by expanding drowning prevention efforts. It is through partnerships with caring individuals and organizations that we can truly make a difference. The NDPA recognizes and supports drowning prevention efforts for people of all ages and addresses drowning risks in all bodies of water. Tustin, California

Search and Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking. Around the world...around the clock...NOAA proudly stands watch. As an integral part of worldwide search and rescue, NOAA operates the Search And Rescue Satellite Aided Tracking (SARSAT) System to detect and locate mariners, aviators, and recreational enthusiasts in distress almost anywhere in the world at anytime and in almost any condition.

The North American Safe Boating Campaign – simply known as Wear It! – is a yearlong effort in the U.S. and Canada focused on spreading the message of boating safety and the critical importance of always wearing a life jacket each and every time on the water. In addition, the campaign also reminds boaters of the importance of boating safely, such as taking a boating safety course, never boating under the influence, and knowing navigational rules. The annual campaign kicks off the weekend before Memorial Day with National Safe Boating Week and continues throughout the year. The North American Safe Boating Campaign is produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard.

The premier safety education and training program for the maritime industry from the North Pacific Fishing Vessel Owners Association. Commercial fishing is an inherently dangerous occupation. When every second counts, a well-trained crew is vital to survival at sea. Since 1985 NPFVOA has teamed with the Coast Guard and led the way in developing the safety standards for the maritime industry. Seattle, Washington

Americans live in the most severe weather-prone country on Earth. Each year, Americans cope with an average of 10,000 thunderstorms, 2,500 floods, 1,000 tornadoes, as well as an average of 6 deadly hurricanes. Potentially deadly weather impacts every American. Communities can now rely on the National Weather Service's StormReady program to help them guard against the ravages of Mother Nature.

National Boating Under the Influence Awareness and Enforcement Campaign. A national year-round campaign to raise awareness about the dangers of boating under the influence. Alcohol use is the leading contributing factor in recreational boater deaths.The mission of ODW is to reduce the number of alcohol-related accidents and fatalities through increased recreational boater awareness and by fostering a stronger and more visible deterrent to alcohol use on the water. In association with the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators

Welcome to one of the oldest, largest boating sites in Canada. Each year, an estimated 15 million Canadian adults (population 35 million!) went boating in 4 million boats. Nearly 80% of us live less than an hour from navigable water. No matter where you want to go on the water – or just a place in your mind – you can get there by boat. If you have lost your heart to a boat, you need to know about Regulations, Navigation, & Safety before you get underway. Learning about boating never stops! We also have Cruising information and Fun Stuff too.

A National Association Promoting Safety at Sea. The aim of the P.B.A. is to monitor the constant barrage of bureaucracy that we are all under and fight excessive, expensive and damaging legislation whilst always promoting safety and professionalism in our industry. Based in England, UK

Boat Propeller guards / prop guards, propeller guard technical reports, research, and patents, propeller strike accidents, injuries and the resulting legal cases, propeller guard manufacturers, manatee propeller issues, and the use of sensors to detect people near the propeller (Virtual Propeller Guards) are covered here. PropellerSafety.com, previously known as the Propeller Guard Information Center, provides easy access to information on those and many other aspects of propeller safety as part of our efforts to assist others in reducing the frequency and severity of recreational boat propeller accidents, injuries, and fatalities. Stillwater, Oklahoma

Quake Kare is a leading supplier of ER™ Emergency Ready disaster preparedness kits and emergency supplies. Emergency Preparedness products and safety resources for home, car, office, boating, camping, etc. Saint Louis, Missouri

Is your boat safe? You can check for documented and alleged defects for all boats manufactured in or imported into the United States — essential information for boat owners or those considering the purchase of a recreational vessel. The MIC Database contains the United States Coast Guard's current list of U.S. and Canadian recreational boat manufacturers and importers. The database also contains active and out-of-business manufacturers since 1972.

To provide better service in alerting the American people to unsafe, hazardous or defective products, six federal agencies with vastly different jurisdictions have joined together to create www.recalls.gov -- a "one stop shop" for U.S. Government recalls. The U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) investigates consumer complaints about recreational boats and related equipment. Review safety tips, news, recalls, defects, and laws and regulations dealing with: recreational boats (including personal watercraft), boat manufacturer installed equipment, boating safety issues

As a rental boat customer or boat rental agency, this website is your resource for learning about rental boat safety. Here you can watch training videos regarding general boating safety and the individual type of boat you are renting as well as download safety checklists for use when renting a boat. Boat rental agencies can also find training resources for use in classroom-type training sessions at your livery.

Our Mission is: "To prevent loss of life and injury in the community, with emphasis on aquatic environments". The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) was founded in England in 1891 to combat a high drowning toll. The first Australian Branch was formed in New South Wales in 1894 and the movement soon spread to all States and Territories. Today, Royal Life Saving operates as Australia's leading water safety educator. Over one million Australian's undertake a Royal Life Saving course or program every year. Royal Life Saving is active across Australia.

RLSS UK - The UK's premier Education and Training Skills organisation for Water Safety, Aquatic Supervision and Drowning Prevention. RLSS UK is the Governing Body for Lifesaving Sport and Lead Industry Body for training lifeguards, setting standards and providing guidance and advice on aquatic safety. The Royal Life Saving Society was formed in 1891 in an attempt to reduce the annual toll of 5,000 lives lost in drowning accidents in the United Kingdom. Broom, Alcester, Warwickshire, UK

A registered charity which exists to save lives at sea. It provides, on call, the 24-hour service necessary to cover search and rescue requirements to 50 miles out from the coast of the United Kingdom and the Republic of Ireland.

Lessons learned from recent hurricanes can help boaters in Southeast Florida protect their boats against the ravages of these devastating storms. by David Pascoe, Marine Surveyor

Lessons learned from recent hurricanes. Hurricane Preparation for boats yachts - How to protect your boat

Safe Kids Worldwide® is a nonprofit organization working to help families and communities keep kids safe from injuries. Most people are surprised to learn preventable injuries are the #1 killer of kids in the United States. Throughout the world, almost one million children die of an injury each year, and almost every one of these tragedies is preventable. Safe Kids works with an extensive network of more than 400 coalitions in the United States and with partners in more than 30 countries to reduce traffic injuries, drownings, falls, burns, poisonings and more. Silver Spring, Maryland

Safety tips for a range of weather conditions, from the National Weather Service.

Safetyonthewater.ie was set up as an initiative of the Marine Safety Working Group. The aim of the group is to promote water safety. The group is made up of a number of organisations representing statutory bodies, search & rescue organisations and water users. The Marine Safety Working Group (MSWG) was established in 1996 under the initiative of the then Minister for the Marine. The aim of the MSWG is to use its collective expertise of various professional and amateur bodies to create and communicate marine safety information and messages, particularly to the recreational user, and to endeavour to reduce accidents and to prevent the loss of life on Irish Waters. Dublin, Ireland

Boating Safety Information. Our goal is to provide you, the recreational boater, with a resource center for safety information. The Sea Tow Foundation promotes safe boating practices and education initiatives that directly reduce accidents, fatalities and property damage related to recreational boating.

Our mission is to promote South Africa's maritime interests and development and position the country as an international Maritime Centre while ensuring maritime safety, health and environmental protection. We also provide a maritime Search and Rescue (SAR) capability in the South African area of responsibility through the management, on behalf of the DOT, of the Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC)

Surf Life Saving is Australia's major water safety, drowning prevention and rescue authority. We create a safe environment on Australia's beaches and coastline through patrols, education and training, public safety campaigns and the promotion of health and fitness. With 166,923 members and 311 affiliated surf life saving clubs, Surf Life Saving is the largest volunteer movement of its kind in Australia. We also operate the country’s largest lifeguard service, contracting to local government and other coastal land managers. Rosebery, NSW, Australia

Volunteers providing safety services for Tasmanian mariners. Here to assist authorities in distress situations through maritime radio communications. Tas Maritime Radio provides safety communication services to mariners throughout Tasmania and is the only official Coast Radio Service in the state. Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

Welcome to the Office of Boating Safety (OBS), Transport Canada’s focal point for the recreational boating community. The OBS delivers prevention-based programs to reduce the safety risks and environmental impacts of boating on Canadian waters. Site includes boating regulations and more.

Information about recreational boating rules and safety education, commercial vessel safety and waterway management. Melbourne VIC Australia

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary operates in Safety and Security Patrols, Search and Rescue, Mass Casualty or Disasters, Pollution Response & Patrols, Homeland Security, Recreational Boating Safety, Commercial Fishing and Vessel Exams, Platforms for Boarding Parties, Recruit for all service in the Coast Guard. The over arching mission of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is to contribute to the safety and security of our citizens, ports, and waterways.

Protect your safety and your loved ones while afloat. Learn how to prevent accidents, injuries, and fatalities while boating. Review safety tips, news, recalls, defects, and laws and regulations you should know.

The U.S. National Response Team (NRT) provides technical assistance, resources and coordination on preparedness, planning, response and recovery activities for emergencies involving hazardous substances, pollutants and contaminants, oil, and weapons of mass destruction in natural and technological disasters and other environmental incidents of national significance.

Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) is an independent, not-for-profit product safety testing and certification organization. We have tested products for public safety for more than a century. Each year, more than 17 billion UL Marks are applied to products worldwide. Since our founding in 1894, we have held the undisputed reputation as the leader in U.S. product safety and certification.

Organized in 1914, USPS is a non profit, educational organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable by teaching classes in seamanship, navigation and related subjects.

Below is an amalgamation of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) and the U.S. Inland Navigation Rules, their Annexes, and associated Federal regulations. This amalgamated version of the Rules follows, and, provides a more printer friendly method to access the information found in the U.S. Coast Guard Rules and Regulations Handbook Below is an amalgamation of the International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (72 COLREGS) and the U.S. Inland Navigation Rules, their Annexes, and associated Federal regulations. This amalgamated version of the Rules follows, and, provides a more printer friendly method to access the information found in the U.S. Coast Guard Rules and Regulations Handbook.

The Marine Safety Center (MSC) supports the people and objectives of the Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection programs through the verification of compliance with technical standards for the design, construction, alteration and repair of commercial vessels. The MSC’s primary mission is the review and approval of plans for the design, construction, alteration and repair of U.S. and foreign flag commercial vessels subject to the U.S. laws, regulations and international standards.

The Marine Safety Center (MSC) supports the people and objectives of the Marine Safety, Security, and Environmental Protection programs through the verification of compliance with technical standards for the design, construction, alteration and repair of commercial vessels. The MSC is an independent Headquarters command that was established in 1986 by consolidating the Coast Guard Merchant Marine Technical offices located in New York, New Orleans, Cleveland and San Francisco. The MSC's primary mission is the review and approval of plans for the design, construction, alteration and repair of U.S. and foreign flag commercial vessels subject to the U.S. laws, regulations and international standards.

Welcome to the USCG Navigation Center! Here you'll find tons of navigation and maritime safety information, including: Nationwide Differential GPS (NDGPS), Nationwide AIS (NAIS), Local Notice to Mariners, Light Lists, LORAN-C Archives, Maritime Communications, MF & HF Channel Information, VHF Channels & Freqs, GMDSS and Search and Rescue Areas, NAVRULES, Nav Pubs and Documents, Vessel Traffic Services, and much more.

Proceedings of the Marine Safety & Security Council, the Coast Guard Journal of Safety at Sea, is the voice of the Coast Guard's Marine Safety and Security Council. It began publication in 1944 and, over the decades, has reached an increasing level of recognition among the larger maritime industry and Coast Guard personnel. Proceedings’ audience includes a large segment of the private maritime industry population, including retired officers, fishing vessel captains, river pilots, ocean scientists, marine engineers, tug/tow boat operators, shipping executives, insurance operators, and maritime lawyers. Other subscribers include U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Navy personnel, mariners, reservists, Departments of Homeland Security and Transportation staff, and allied foreign national readers.