The BoatUS Foundation Logo
    The BoatUS Foundation Logo
    • Search
    • Menu
    • About Us
      • Menu
      • About the BoatUS Foundation

      • Mission

        Safe • Smart • Clean

      • Meet the Crew

        Learn about the BoatUS Foundation employees.

      • Board of Directors

        Current Board of Trustees

      • Annual Reports

        Download previous annual reports here.

      • Support Us

        Help support safe and clean boating initiatives.

      • Donor Bill of Rights

        Your rights as a donor

      • Contact Information

        We are here to assist you.

      • Newsroom

        Current info to keep you safe, smart & clean

      • Visit BoatUS.com

        Boat Owners Association of The United States

    • Boating Safety
      • Menu
      • All Boating Safety
      • Topics
        • All Boating Safety
        • All Topics
        • Alcohol & Boating
          • Topics
          • Boating Safety Topics List
          • About Alcohol & Boating
          • Effects & Stressors
          • Myths & Facts
        • Carbon Monoxide
          • Topics
          • Boating Safety Topics List
          • About Carbon Monoxide
          • Trip Checklist
        • Cold Water Boating
          • Topics
          • Boating Safety Topics List
          • About Cold Water Boating
          • Hypothermia
          • H.E.L.P. Posture
          • Immersion Infographic
        • Crew Overboard
          • Topics
          • Boating Safety Topics List
          • About Crew Overboard
          • Prevention Tips
        • Fire Extinguishers
          • Topics
          • Boating Safety Topics List
          • About Fire Extinguishers
          • Parts and Contents
          • How to Use
        • Flares & Distress Signals
          • Topics
          • Boating Safety Topics List
          • About Distress Signals
          • The Requirements
          • How to Use
        • Life Jackets
          • Topics
          • Boating Safety Topics List
          • About Life Jackets
          • Life Jacket Types
          • Life Jacket Care
          • Fitting Infographic
          • Life Jacket State Requirements
        • Marine Communications
          • Topics
          • Boating Safety Topics List
          • About Marine Radios
          • Basics of Marine Radio Use
          • Calling for Help
        • Navigation Rules
        • Infants & Boating
      • Programs
        • Boating Safety Topics List
        • All Programs
        • Life Jacket Loaner
          • Topics
          • All Boating Safety Programs
          • About Life Jacket Loaner
          • Find a Loaner Site
          • Fitting a Life Jacket
          • Start Your Own Loaner Program
          • Current Loaner Sites
          • Downloads & Materials
        • Kids Afloat
          • Topics
          • All Boating Safety
          • About Kids Afloat
          • Program Guidelines
        • Grassroots Grants
          • Topics
          • All Boating Safety
          • About the Program
          • Program Guidelines
          • Apply for a Grant
          • Past Projects
        • Life Jacket Design Competition
      • Resources
        • Boating Safety Topics List
        • All Boating Safety
        • MMSI Registration
        • eCommerce
        • Federal Equipment Requirements
        • Newsroom
        • Outreach Materials
      • Additional Resources
        • Boating Safety Topics List
        • All Boating Safety
        • Life Rafts
        • Satellite Phones
        • Product Testing
          • Topics
          • All Boating Safety
          • Product Testing
          • Video Gallery
        • Life Jacket State Requirements
        • Free State Boating Safety Courses
    • Clean Boating
      • Menu
      • All Clean Boating
      • Topics
        • All Clean Boating
        • All Topics
        • Fueling
          • Topics
          • All Clean Boating Topics
          • About Fueling
          • Fueling Tips
          • Alternative Fuels
          • Fuel Efficiency
          • Spill Prevention Products
          • In Case of a Spill
          • Resources for Marinas
        • Sewage
          • Topics
          • All Clean Boating Topics
          • About Sewage
          • Types of MSDs
          • Pumping Out
        • Waste Management
          • Topics
          • All Clean Boating Topics
          • About Waste Management
          • Trash & Marine Debris
          • Monofilament Recycling
          • Other Waste Disposal
        • Maintenance
          • Topics
          • All Clean Boating Topics
          • About Maintenance
          • Engine Maintenance
          • Bilge Care
          • Cleaning
          • Clean Marinas
        • Boating Ecosystem
          • Topics
          • All Clean Boating Topics
          • About Boating Ecosystem
          • Fishing
          • Invasive Species
      • Programs
        • All Clean Boating Topics
        • All Programs
        • ADV Grant Program
        • Waterway Cleanup Guide
        • Reel In & Recycle
        • Recast & Recycle Contest
        • Grassroots Grants
          • Topics
          • All Clean Boating Programs
          • About the Program
          • Program Guidelines
          • Apply for a Grant
          • Past Projects
      • Resources
        • All Clean Boating Topics
        • All Resources
        • Find a Clean Marina
        • Waste Management Plan
        • Environmental Leadership Award
        • Newsroom
        • MARPOL Pollution Decals
        • Outreach Materials
      • Additional Resources
        • All Clean Boating Topics
        • All Clean Boating
        • Build a Monofilament Bin
        • eCommerce
        • Host a Waterway Cleanup
        • Product Testing
          • Topics
          • All Clean Boating
          • Product Testing
          • Video Gallery
    • Education
      • Menu
      • All Courses

      • Free Boating Safety Course

        Free online state specific safety course.

      • Online Boating Courses

        We offer a range of free and advanced courses.

      • Boating Safety Study Guide

        Boating Safety Encyclopedia.

      • Find Past Certificate

        Lookup a copy of your state certificate

      • On-Water Training

        Learn with the hands-on approach.

      • Frequently Asked Questions

        Check our FAQ for information.

      • Return to Your Course

        Continue your BoatUS Foundation course.

      • FL Temporary Exam

        90-Day Temporary Certificate Exam

    • Equipment Rentals
      • Menu
      • All Equipment Rentals

      • EPIRBs & PLBs

        Learn about our rental program.

      • How EPIRBs Work

        Learn about location accuracy and signal strength.

      • About Our Rental Program

        About the EPIRB & PLB Rental Program.

      • Rentals & Products

        Reliable equipment shipped directly to you.

      • Order Online Now

        Click here to access our online ordering system.

    • Donate
      • Menu
      • All Donation

      • Reasons to Donate

        Why to give to the BoatU.S. Foundation.

      • Honor a Friend

        The Gift That Keeps Giving.

      • Planned Giving

        Consider making a larger gift.

      • About Boat Donation

        Boat or yacht donation.

      • Donate Now

        Support Our Mission.

      • Guide to Vehicle Donation (PDF)

        A Donor's guide to vehicle donation.

      • IRS Rules for Donations (PDF)

        IRS rules for determining max deductions.

      • eCommerce

        Life Jackets, Decals &amp More

      • Marketplace

        Your Purchase will Make a Difference.

    how to fit a life jacket infographic

    • Read More About This Topic

    • Different Types of Life Jackets
    • How to Care for Your Life Jackets
    • Inflatable Life Jacket Care Infographic

    • Related Topics

    • Life Jacket State Requirements
    • Life Jacket Loaner Program
    • Infographic: Fit a Life Jacket
    • Findings: Life Jacket Test
    • Infographic: Cold Water Boating
    • Boating Safety Courses
    life jacket types

    Different Life Jackets for Different Boating Activities: Uses, Buoyancy, and Info

    cold water boating infographic

    Courses: Planning Your Cruise

    wake boarding behind a boat

    Specialized Boating Safety Courses: Become confident in any boating situation.

    BoatUS Foundation grey logo

    HomeAbout/Contact UsBoating SafetyClean BoatingEducationEquipment RentalsBoatUS.comDonate

    © 2024, BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water, All Rights Reserved

    •   

    • 5323 Port Royal Road, Springfield, VA 22151

    •   

    About the Foundation

    The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is an innovative leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating.

    BoatUS Foundation grey logo