Contents

Preface 6

The Tradition of Chapman Piloting & Seamanship 7

Part I Boating Essentials

 1.  Nautical Terms 12

 2.  Boating Laws & Regulations 56

 3.  Equipment for Boats 88

 4.  Navigation Rules: Lights & Day Shapes 120

 5.  Navigation Rules: Right-of-Way & Sound Signals 147

Part II Seamanship

 6.  Seamanship Under Power 174

 7.  Small Boat Seamanship 220

 8.  Seamanship Under Sail 274

 9.  Anchoring 316

10.  Special Seamanship Techniques 350

Part III Safety

11.  Safety Afloat 369

12.  Emergencies Underway 408

Part IV Piloting

13.  The Mariner’s Compass 432

14.  Aids to Navigation 473

15.  Nautical Charts & Publications 503

16.  Basic Piloting and Navigation Tools & Procedures 554

17.  Tides & Currents 601

18.  Position Determination 635

Part V On-Board Systems

19.  Electrical Systems 668

20.  Communications 702

21.  Marine Engines 744

Part VI Further Aspects of Boating

22.  Inland Boating 762

23.  Marlinespike Seamanship 786

24.  Weather 813

25.  Boating Customs 860

Part VII Appendices

A.  Chart, Cruising & Safety Information Sources 875

B.  Associations & Organizations 878

C.  USCG District Offices 879

D.  The Metric System 879

E.  Abbreviations & Acronyms 881

F.  Glossary of Selected Terms 883

Photo Credits 918

Acknowledgments 920