Master the rules, master the water.https://knotandhelm.com/en-UShttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/abandon-ship-procedure-boathttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/abandon-ship-procedure-boatWhen to abandon ship, how to call for help, how to launch and board a liferaft safely, and the US federal gear rules for recreational boaters.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/boat-exhaust-regulations-and-environmental-ruleshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/boat-exhaust-regulations-and-environmental-rulesDiscover federal boat exhaust regulations and emission limits. Learn how 40 CFR Part 1045 impacts your vessel's engine compliance.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/boat-hull-cleaning-frequencyhttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/boat-hull-cleaning-frequencyDiscover the ideal boat hull cleaning frequency based on water type, climate, and usage to maintain performance and prevent biofouling.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/boat-maintenance-checklist-for-springhttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/boat-maintenance-checklist-for-springMaster your spring boat maintenance checklist. Learn how to inspect thru-hull valves, anodes, and gelcoat for a safe launch.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/boat-trailer-drain-plug-locationhttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/boat-trailer-drain-plug-locationLearn where the boat trailer drain plug sits, when to remove it for road transport, and how to check it before every launch, plus storage tips.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/capsized-boat-recovery-procedurehttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/capsized-boat-recovery-procedureLearn the capsized boat recovery procedure: when to stay with the hull, how to signal for help, survive cold water, and right a small sailboat safely.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/coast-guard-boating-safety-coursehttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/coast-guard-boating-safety-courseLearn when you need a Coast Guard boating safety course, how to choose a NASBLA-approved option, and how state rules and card use work before you launch.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/commercial-vessel-licensing-requirementshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/commercial-vessel-licensing-requirementsCommercial vessel licensing requirements in the US: when a Coast Guard credential is needed, OUPV versus Master, sea service, and safe next steps.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/dodging-traffic-on-waterhttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/dodging-traffic-on-waterLearn how US right-of-way rules apply when dodging traffic on water: crossing, head-on and overtaking situations, and when to act early and safely.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/drain-boat-bilge-before-winterhttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/drain-boat-bilge-before-winterLearn how to drain your boat bilge before winter, check bilge pumps and float switches, dry the bilge, and dispose of oily water safely in the US.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/engine-oil-change-intervalhttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/engine-oil-change-intervalEngine oil change interval for boats: when to change it, why to change before winter storage, and how to dispose of used oil.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/how-to-tie-a-bowline-knothttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/how-to-tie-a-bowline-knotMaster the bowline knot with this step-by-step guide. Learn why this essential seamanship skill is critical for safe mooring and rescue.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/flying-a-boat-for-winter-storagehttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/flying-a-boat-for-winter-storageLearn how flying a boat for winter storage works: crane lift, slings, spreader bars, hull supports, and safety checks before and after the lift.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/how-to-tie-a-clove-hitchhttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/how-to-tie-a-clove-hitchLearn how to tie a clove hitch step by step, when it suits light to moderate loads, when it slips, and how to check and untie it safely on board.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/how-to-tie-a-figure-eighthttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/how-to-tie-a-figure-eightLearn how to tie a figure eight knot as a stopper or follow-through, with dressing tips, common mistakes and safety limits for recreational boaters.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/man-overboard-recovery-techniqueshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/man-overboard-recovery-techniquesLearn man overboard recovery techniques: first actions, Anderson and Williamson turns, safe approach, US required equipment and engine cut-off rules.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/mandatory-fire-extinguisher-boat-sizehttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/mandatory-fire-extinguisher-boat-sizeFind out how many fire extinguishers your US recreational boat needs by length, which ratings count, what exempts a boat, and when to replace one.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/mandatory-safety-equipment-for-small-boatshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/mandatory-safety-equipment-for-small-boatsFederal safety equipment for small U.S. boats: life jackets, throwable devices, distress signals, fire extinguishers, sound signals, and upkeep checks.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/marine-pollution-reporting-requirementshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/marine-pollution-reporting-requirementsKnow when to report oil sheen to the National Response Center, which garbage and plastic rules apply, and how to handle sewage in no-discharge zones.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/marine-radio-distress-call-formathttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/marine-radio-distress-call-formatLearn the marine radio distress call format: MAYDAY, PAN-PAN, SECURITE, Channel 16 steps, DSC alerts, power limits and false-call penalties in the US.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/nautical-miles-versus-statute-miles-differencehttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/nautical-miles-versus-statute-miles-differenceNautical miles vs. statute miles explained: exact lengths, conversion factors, and how to check the unit on charts and forecasts before sailing.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/navigation-lights-requirements-inland-waterwayshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/navigation-lights-requirements-inland-waterwaysNavigation lights required on US inland waterways: sunset-to-sunrise rules, Inland Rules arcs and visibility ranges, mounting heights, and safe checks.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/personal-flotation-device-size-charthttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/personal-flotation-device-size-chartLearn how to read a personal flotation device size chart, size adults by chest and children by weight, and check the fit in the water before you go out.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/reading-marine-weather-forecast-symbolshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/reading-marine-weather-forecast-symbolsMaster synoptic charts, pressure systems, and wind barbs to plan safer voyages with confidence.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/safety-equipment-requirements-canoes-kayakshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/safety-equipment-requirements-canoes-kayaksSafety equipment requirements for canoes and kayaks: federal rules, life jackets, sound devices, lights, night signals and state differences to check.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/stabilizer-knot-for-lineshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/stabilizer-knot-for-linesStabilizer knot is not a named knot. Learn which friction hitch or stopper knot holds a line under load, where each one fails, and how to check it.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/vessel-distress-signals-and-meaningshttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/vessel-distress-signals-and-meaningsVessel distress signals and their meanings for US boaters: Mayday, Pan-Pan, flares, orange flag, EPIRB, and which devices the law requires you to carry.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/vhf-channel-16-protocolhttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/vhf-channel-16-protocolLearn the VHF channel 16 protocol for US boaters: when to call, how to make a Mayday, what to avoid, and how to keep Channel 16 clear for emergencies.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/what-to-do-if-someone-falls-overboardhttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/what-to-do-if-someone-falls-overboardWhat to do if someone falls overboard: raise the alarm, keep them in sight, approach under control, avoid jumping in, and call 9-1-1 or VHF 16.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMThttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/winterizing-boat-battery-storagehttps://knotandhelm.com/articles/winterizing-boat-battery-storageLearn how to winterize a boat battery: charge it fully, clean the terminals, store it safely, keep it maintained, and reinstall it correctly in spring.Sat, 24 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT