Nothing is more fun during summer than floating in the sea with your water crafts; this is the time when people take their boats out of storage, check the safety equipment and drive into the sea. However, failing to keep some important safety precautions in mind can turn a fun day into a dangerous one. Most boating accidents have nothing to do with bad weather or hazardous conditions; rather, they take place due to boat inefficiencies, inexperienced drivers and poor boat equipment.

Stated below are the top 5 reasons that cause boating accidents and how they can be curtailed:

1. Inexperienced Drivers

This is the leading reason why boating accidents take place. Many boaters easily neglect the fact that there are no brakes in the boats and water is an element that adds onto the unpredictability factor. In order to curtail accidents resulting from inexperience, many boating authorities recommend that amateur drivers should take boating lessons. These courses are also available online. Boat courses cover some basic yet important topics such as boating laws and regulations, navigation rules, knot tying, tips to tackle weather-related emergencies etc.

2. The Behavior Pattern of Passenger Boaters

Boat accidents happen not only because of the driver's inability, but also due to the behavior of the passengers. It is important to ensure that all passengers are seated in the boat and are not obstructing the driver's view while driving. When pulling a skier, make sure you have a designated observer to avoid troubles and prevent accidents. As a word of advice, have a 12 inch by 12 inch red/orange flag to indicate the presence of a skier in the water.

3. Equipment Failure

Maintaining your boat is often the most overlooked aspect of boating. To avoid accidents, make sure you regularly maintain the boat and its components. To stay away from shortcuts that can cost you more in the long run, purchase the best boating equipment that is sturdy enough to bear well under heavy weather instead of breaking down at sea.

4. Weather

Regardless of how calm or serene the ocean may seem, remember that Mother Nature is unpredictable. In no time, the blue skies and sunshine can turn into dark grey clouds with high-speedwinds. Therefore, make sure you have proper weather forecasting and safety equipment to ensure you come out of one unscathed.

5. Overloading

This is by far the most under-estimated reason of boating accidents. Recklessly stuffing people onto a boat without checking the manufacturer's maximum capacity can result in accidents and serious injuries. Having more people onboard can increase those numbers, therefore, never overcrowd the boat before heading out.

To reduce chances of boating accidents and injuries, having the best marine instruments and supplies is vital. To buy top quality boat parts and accessories

The United States Merchant Marine is the fleet of American civilian owned merchant ships, operated either by the private sector or the government sector. These ships are used for the purpose of transporting goods and services. They are also engage in basic commerce. In times of unrest and war, the merchant marine acts as an auxiliary to the American navy and can be called upon to assist the navy by delivering troops as well as supplies for the military. During peace time, they have no military duties and are responsible only for transporting cargo and passengers.

The basic role of these ships is to maintain contact of the United States with the rest of the world through commerce. Merchant mariners transport or deliver cargo and passengers from the United States to other nations and vice versa. They operate merchant ships, ferries, tugboats, dredges and other kinds of vessels on the oceans, the seas, lakes, rivers, canals, harbors etc. the number of ships as well as the number of merchant mariners is constantly growing.

The United States of America is a maritime nation. To the north are the great lakes, off the south is the Gulf of Mexico, to the east is the Atlantic Ocean and to the west is the Pacific Ocean. Thus, American waterways are some of the busiest areas around. Ships are always leaving the docks carrying goods and people and more ships are coming in carrying goods from around the world. Operating these ships is hard work. Engineers and architects who build the ships are important, but even more important than them are the people who operate the ships while at sea- the merchant mariners. Merchant mariners are highly trained individuals educated at the United States Merchant Marine Academy or the USMMA. It is also known as king's point. It is one of America's five service academies.

Being a part of the USMMA is a big deal for everyone cannot apply to this prestigious academy. In addition to great SAT scores and GPA, the candidates are required to be nominated by a member of U.S House of representatives or the U.S senator of your state of residence. They also have to undergo various physical tests like the CFA (candidate fitness assessment). Being a part of this highly esteemed institution is extremely beneficial if you are looking for a successful career in the maritime industry and armed services. The academy helps you develop your personality and drill into you the importance of discipline, cooperation, obedience and leadership. After graduation, you have the opportunity to make anything out of your career.

Famous personalities who have been maritime merchants include actors, scientists, astronauts and various other people from the top of their fields. You have the opportunity to serve your country and there is no higher honor than that. Graduates from the USMMA are well rounded individuals capable of making their own decisions in life.

It is an honor to be a merchant marine and to serve your country in times of need. It takes bravery, commitment and hard work to be able to make it as a merchant mariner and only the toughest of the lot are chosen. So, if you feel that working at the sea is your calling, give a shot to studying at the merchant mariners academy or kings point.



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