Blog — FollowingSeas

Monday Minute - How Good is Your Bilge Pump?

Monday Minute - How Good is Your Bilge Pump?

Make sure your bilge pump requirements are checked off before you head over the horizon. There has been reports over the last couple of years where boats have been abandoned rather than saved for precisely this reason.

Righty Tighty

Righty Tighty

Checking for tight electrical connections is a great part of your spring ritual. Making sure all important wiring is securely tightened, as loose connections are the primary source of electrical and electronic failures.

Monday Minute - Look Out The Window!

Monday Minute - Look Out The Window!

Technology has made remarkable progress in the past decade, making navigation easier, safer, and more reliable. But we're not at the point of autonomous boating, so it is still the operator's responsibility to maintain situational awareness.

Piloting in Limited Visibility

Piloting in Limited Visibility

Sometimes we find ourselves traveling in less than ideal conditions. But if one is prepared, it is safe to keep going, but at slower speeds and using all the tools available.

Other times it is best to stay put. 

It's a Risky World

It's a Risky World

A couple of incidents worth reading about bring up the subject of maritime security. Military branches from many countries are working together to address these issues, but it is a complicated.

And an outstanding effort by the Australian Navy makes a miracle happen.

Monday Minute - A Slick Way to Carry Documents

Monday Minute - A Slick Way to Carry Documents

A nice solution for carrying one's license, credit cards, and cash when a wallet or purse is vulnerable, such as wet dinghy ride going ashore.

Secrets to Maintaining Brightwork

Secrets to Maintaining Brightwork

There are a few tricks to keep your brightwork looking good during the season. Here are some ways to hold off expensive refinishing jobs. Keeping up with brightwork while cruising isn't hard and is so worth it.

Monday Minute - You Can Fix A Chart Error

Monday Minute - You Can Fix A Chart Error

NOAA's Coast Survey group has a website for all cruisers to report errors in nautical charts. It is a chance to assist in making our charts more accurate.