Links of Interest |
USPS & ABC Websites
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| America's Boating Channel - Safe boating and boater education digital media (many videos) |
| America's Boating Club - For all types of boaters - novice or experienced, in coastal or inland waterways |
| America's Boating Club Education - Courses and Seminars designed to build your boating skills for where you do your boating |
| America's Boating Club Member's Benefits - Received discounts on boating products, insurance, travel and lodging, and many more items |
| America's Boating Club of Mid-Atlantic - Formally known as USPS District 5. District website for 31 Mid-Atlantic Squadrons |
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ASPS Website Members Only Page - For login information please email: - secretary@aspsmd.org |
| Boat Live 365 - Collection of educational materials and resources for Recreational Boaters |
| The Ensign - The Official Magazine of America’s Boating Club & United States Power Squadrons. |
| United States Power Squadrons - USPS is a non profit, boating educational and social organization dedicated to making boating safer and more enjoyable |
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USPS & ABC Websites - For login information please email: - secretary@aspsmd.org |
Educational Resources
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| Animated Knots - Learn by viewing animated knots that are primarily for boaters |
| Boat Ed - Boating Education Resources and Boater's License Courses for all States |
| Cold Water Safety - The National Center for Cold Water Safety website provides information of cold water equipment and survivance |
| EPIRB Basics - Basic EPIRB operating rules drawn from US Coast Guard, NOAA and manufacturer information |
| Federal Requirements for Recreational Boats - Guide for Federal Requirements for Recreational Vessels from United States Coast Guard |
| Global Positioning System (GPS) - - Official U.S. government information about the Global Positioning System (GPS) and related topics |
| Hurricane Safety Tips - Understanding of Tropical Cyclones and Hurricane hazards will help to make a more informed decision |
| Inflatable Life Jackets - What you Need & Should know about Proper Care and Maintenance of Inflatable Lift Jackets (9-min Video) |
| Life Jackets Labels (New) - Explanation of Labels for the US & Canada implemented new label format (Harmonized Labels) |
| Magnetic Compasses - Installation & Compensation procedures for typical Magnetic Compasses |
| Mastering Marlinespike - Learn to tie knots, bends, hitches and more |
| MD 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics - Contains statistics on Recreational Boating Accidents for Maryland |
| MD Requirements for Recreational Vessels - Guide for Maryland State Requirements for Recreational Vessels from Maryland Natural Resources Police |
| MMSI (Domestic) - MMSI numbers for US registered or documented, recreational vessels under 65' that are NOT Visiting or Communicating with Foreign Ports |
| MMSI (International) - FCC issued MMSI numbers for International Cruising - Accessible to International Search & Rescue Agencies |
| MMSI FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions about Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) numbers |
| NATO Phonetic Alphabet - Phonetic Alphabet, Codes & Signals uesed by NATO and USCG so that letters and numbers can be pronounced and understood by those who transmit and receive voice messages by radio or telephone |
| Navigation Rules - Rules of the Road and other navigation rules |
| NOAA Buoy Center FAQs - NDBC list of the most frequently asked questions posed to NDBC personnel by the many users of NDBC data |
| NSBC - National Safe Boating Council, helping create a safe boating experience for recreational boaters |
| Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit - If you communicate with Foreign Coast or Ship Stations, you must have a Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit in addition to your Ship Radio Station License |
| Right Life Jacket - U.S. Coast Guard life jacket requirements for Recreational Vessels |
| Rules of the Road Quick Reference - Abbreviated Guide to Navigation Rules of the Road |
| Ship Radio Stations - Depending on the size, purpose, or destination of a vessel, its radio station may need to meet certain requirements |
| Starry Night - Audio Pronunciation Guide for the top 500 most commonly mispronounced astronomical stars & objects |
| The Book Galley - Well-organized and comprehensive website with tips, reviews & how-tos for liveaboard cruising |
| U.S. Navy Signal Flags - International alphabet flags, numeral pennants, numeral flags, and special flags and pennants for visual signaling |
| USCG 2022 Recreational Boating Statistics - Contains statistics on Recreational Boating Accidents and state vessel registration for the year 2022 |
| USCG 2023 Recreational Boating Statistics - Contains statistics on Recreational Boating Accidents and state vessel registration for the year 2023 |
| USCG FAQs - Over 35 Frequently Asked Questions received by the United States Coast Guard. Good reference & informational source. |
| USCG Maritime Commons - The USCG Blog for Maritime Professionals |
| USCG Merchant Mariner Credential - Applicants seeking or revising a Merchant Mariner Credential (Captain's License) |
| USCG National Vessel Documentation Center - Frequently Asked Questions about Vessel Documentation, a national form of registration |
| USCG Navigation Rules and Regulations - USCG & International Navigation Rules and Regulations (COLREGS). Maritime "Rules of the Roads" |
| VHF/DSC - In addition to routine communications capability, the VHF/DSC radio includes greatly improved distress alerting features |
| VSC - Paddle Craft - Prepare for a successful Paddle Craft Vessel Safety Check |
| VSC - Vessels - Prepare for a successful Vessel Safety Check |
Navigational Resources
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| AIS - AIS is an automatic tracking system that uses transponders on vessels to supplement marine radar for Vessel Identification and Collision Avoidance |
| Canada Border Services Agency - Facilitates the flow of legitimate travelers and trade in Canada |
| Canadian Charts - Canadian Hydrographic Service (CHS)'s nautical charts and publications |
| Canadian Coast Guard - Canadian Navigation Services, Navigational Warnings, Search and Rescue |
| Distances Between U.S. Ports - Distances from a port of the United States to other ports in the United States |
| Distances Between World Ports - National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency document showing the shortest navigable routes between world ports |
| Inland Navigational Charts - U.S. Army Corps of Engineers inland navigation system charts for download |
| Light List Annual Publication - These publications contain a list of lights, sound signals, buoys, daybeacons, and other aids to navigation. |
| Local Notice to Mariners - Updated weekly and available for download in PDF Format |
| MarineTraffic - Live Ships Map. Information and vessel positions for vessels around the world using AIS. |
| MMSI - Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI) - Frequently Asked Questions & Registration Criteria/Portal |
| Nautical Charts and Publications - NOAA Office of Coast Survey - Download: Navigational Charts, United States Coast Pilot, U.S. Chart No. 1 (Chart Symbols) |
| NOAA ENC - Electronic Navigational Charts - Free Download of Vector Nautical Chart data - updated weekly |
| NOAA Home Page - Information on all the products and services provided by the NOAA |
| OpenCPN - Free chartplotter navigation software and apps |
| Ship Observations Reports - NOAA U.S. Voluntary Observing Ship (VOS) Program web site |
| United States Coast Guard - One of our nation's five military services that protects the interests in U.S. ports, inland waterways, along the coasts, and on international waters |
| United States Customs and Border Protection - Secures America's borders at and between ports of entry by stopping inadmissible people and illicit goods |
| US Aids to Navigation System - Color Aids to Navigation Insert |
| US Chart No. 1 - Symbols, Abbreviations and Terms used on Paper & Electronic Navigation Charts |
| US Coast Pilot #3 - Atlantic Coast: Sandy Hook, NJ to Cape Henry, VA in PDF file format for viewing or download. |
| US Coast Pilot Index - Index to all Coast Pilots volumes, which contain supplemental information that is difficult to portray on a nautical chart. Available in PDF file format for viewing or download. |
| USCG Light List Summary of Corrections - Summary of 2024 Light List Corrections from the Local Notice to Mariners. |
| USCG Light Lists Weekly Updates - Weekly Updates for all USCG Light Lists. Available in PDF file format for viewing or download. |
| USCG Marine Safety Alerts, Advisories - Safety Alerts and Advisories provided for informational purposes from USCG |
| USCG Marine Safety Information Bulletins - Safety Alerts and Advisories are provided for informational purposes |
| USCG Navigation Center - Search the database using a wide variety of parameters to get current Maritime Navigation Information |
| USGS - The National Map - The National Map delivers topographic information for the Nation. |
Weather - Tides - Harbor Conditions
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| AccuWeather - Provides local, national, and global daily weather forecast, as well as hourly, radar, and RealFeel maps. |
| Aviation Weather for BWI - Latest weather reports, radar, and forecasts for aviation flights in Baltimore Airspace |
| Beaufort Wind Scale - An empirical measure that relates wind speed to observed conditions at sea or on land |
| NOAA National Data Buoy Center - Real time data from 1000's of NOAA buoys |
| NOAA National Hurricane Center - Prediction of hurricanes and other tropical weather |
| NOAA NHC 2024 Products - Update on National Hurricane Center Products and Services for 2024 |
| NOAA NHC Definition of TFC - Definition of the National Hurricane Center Track Forecast Cone |
| NOAA nowCOAST - GIS-based web mapping portal to NOAA's real-time coastal observations, analyses, forecasts, watches, warnings, and advisories |
| NOAA NWS: Annapolis - Current conditions and detailed forcasts for Annapolis from United States Naval Academy observation station |
| NOAA Ocean Prediction Center - Worldwide surface marine observations system in real time |
| NOAA Station TPLM2 - Thomas Point, MD - Real time tidal and meteorological observations at Thomas Point Shoal Lighthouse for the last 45 days |
| NOAA Storm Prediction Center - Provides timely and accurate weather storm forecasts and watches |
| NOAA Tide Predictions - View Tide predictions for up to 2 years in the past or future |
| NOAA Tides & Currents Reports - Accurate, reliable, and timely tides, water levels, currents, and other coastal oceanographic and meteorological information |
| Saltwatertides-MD - 108 Tide Sites in Maryland |
| Stormsurf - Provides surf forecasts, surf reports, wave models, weather models, buoys reports and buoy forecasts |
| The Weather Channel - Latest weather news, radar, video and alerts for your location and across the country. Find out about extreme weather events, climate change, health and safety tips. |
| Tide and Current Predictor - Generate predictions of current speeds and tidal heights for any selected location |
| Tide and Current Predictor for Annapolis - Generate predictions of current speeds and tidal heights for Annapolis (US Naval Academy), Severn River |
| Time & Date - Current Time (World Clock), Sunrise & Sunset Calculator, Moon Rise, Set & Phase Calculator, Time & Date Calculator |
| Ventusky - Top-Quality application that clearly displays meteorological data from around the world |
| Wave Height Model - Colorful model showing global wave data |
| Windfinder - Wind, Wave and Weather Forecast for Thomas Point |
| Windy.com - Windy (also known as Windyty) is a tool for weather forecast visualization |
Safety Items - Safety Equipment - Safety Resources
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| Cold Water Safety Equipment - The National Center for Cold Water Safety website provides information of cold water equipment |
| Damage Control Kits - Kits to control damaged due to grounding, collisions with other ships, piers, or from striking submerged objects |
| DSC Distress Communication Form - Procedure for Transmitting a DSC Distress Call and verbal MAYDAY Radio Call |
| EPIRB Rental Program - Rent an EPIRB or PLB. Large inventory of rental emergency beacons shipped directly to you |
| First Aid for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning - First Aid Reference for CO Victims. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and poisonous gas |
| First Aid/CPR/AED Training Videos - CPR, AED & First Aid Video Library from the National Safety Council |
| Inflatable Life Jacket Rearming Kits - Identify the proper manufacture part number Inflator Rearming Kit from images and style numbers |
| Life Rafts - Life Rafts for fishermen, merchant seafarers, ship passengers, offshore workers, sports and leisure sailors, etc |
| Lifesaving Systems Corp. (LSC) - Company specializes in providing rescue, safety, and survival equipment |
| Marine Safety Equipment & Devices - Marine Safety Equipment & Devices from Fisheries Supply Company |
| USCG Float Plan - Official Float Plan of the U.S. Coast Guard - Complete this plan before you go boating and leave it with a reliable person |
Vendors & Services
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| ABYC - American Boat & Yacht Council. Develops globally recognized standards for boat design, construction, repair, and maintenance. |
| ActiveCaptain - Users shares their experiences to make boating safer, less expensive and more enjoyable1 |
| Annapolis Boat Shows - Information on Annapolis area Boat Shows |
| Aqua Map - This application provides Nautical Charts using Retina displays |
| Argo - Free boating app that helps you find & route to new destinations, share local knowledge, & connect with other boaters |
| Bacon Sails & Marine Supplies - Features a large selection of new and used boat parts. Accepts boating gear for consignment |
| BoatUS - Nation's largest organization of recreational boat owners |
| CAPCA - CAPCA is a professional organization for Coast Guard-licensed captains across the Chesapeake Bay and along the Atlantic coast |
| Chesapeake Bay Cruising Guide - One of several guides with information on cursing the Chesapeake Bay |
| Chesapeake Bay Magazine - Magizine for Chesapeake lifestyle and showcase of people in the region |
| Commodore Uniform - USPS Uniforms and USPS Specialized Accessorizes, Flags, Award Plaques, etc |
| Corinthians - East Coast sailing association focused on sailing cruises and supporting members cruising |
| Cruisers Net - Comprehensive cruising resource for the ICW from Norfolk to the Northern Gulf and Bahamas |
| Defender - Authorized U.S. dealer/distributor marine outfitter offering a wide selection of quality products |
| Dockwa - Online searching and booking of Marinas nationwide |
| Fawcett - An independent business, locally owned and operated marine supplier in Annapolis |
| FishTalk Online - Weekly fishing reports for the Chesapeake Bay and Mid-Atlantic and surrounding region |
| Great Chesapeake Bay Loop - Guide to many places to visit, events, and activities on the Bay |
| Maryland Charter Boats & Fishing Guides - Locate charters and guides available throughout Maryland. |
| Maryland DNR Eyes on the Bay - Maryland tidal water quality data and information |
| Maryland DNR Fish Facts - A collection of information about the wide variety of fish you can find in the state of Maryland |
| Maryland DNR Fishing Report - Latest fishing opportunities and tips for Maryland's freshwater and coastal waters. |
| Maryland Nautical - Stocks a worldwide selection of nautical charts (electronic & paper), books, navigation software and marine supplies |
| Mother Of All Maritime Links - Possibly the largest marine link that exist |
| MTOA (Marine Trawlers Owners Association) - A national association of trawler owners |
| Navionics - Nautical Charts & Apps for cruising, fishing, sailing, diving and many other activities on the water |
| NMEA - National Marine Electronics Association. A member based trade organization revolving around marine electronics interface standards, marine electronics installer training, and its annual marine electronics conference & expo. |
| Noonsite - Provides cruisers with information regarding the necessary formalities, paperwork and costs for clearing into all countries |
| Ocean City Fishing Center - Offshore and inshore fishing in Maryland |
| Panbo - Marine Electronics Forum on Chartplotters, MFDs, Radar, Autopilot, AIS, VHF Radios, Sonar, Tools, etc... |
| PropTalk Online - Read the latest issue of PropTalk Magazine online, or browse through the archives |
| Safety Institute of Maryland - Provides specialized CPR and First Aid training for marinas, boating clubs and both professional and recreational boating organizations |
| Seven Seas Cruising Association - Worldwide organization supporting the liveaboard cruising lifestyle |
| Snag-A-Slip . - Explore marinas and book slips online |
| SpinSheet Online - Read the latest issue of SpinSheet Magazine online, or browse through the archives |
| The Bay Guide - Providing what you need to know about exploring the Chesapeake Bay, whether you are a trailer boater, fisherman, cruiser, sail boater or a transient |
| TheGPSStore.com - Sells extensive selection of GPS units, marine electronics, outdoor gear, accessories, and GPS related equipment |
| Tidal Fish Cheaspeake Angler Forum - Maryland fishing reports, fishing techniques and fishing talk covering the Maryland Chesapeake Bay & Tidal Waters |
| Waterway Guide - Guide featuring mile-by-mile navigation information for Chesapeake Bay and beyond |
| West Marine - Marine equipment retailers with local stores all over the country (12 in Maryland) |
| White Marlin Open - 50-year-old deep-sea fishing tournament held annually in Ocean City, Maryland. Long known as the “World’s Largest Billfishing Tournament |
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These links are provided as a service to our visitors and members.
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