Sailing at night can be both amazing and frightening. Nighttime on the water, characterized by picturesque fog and brilliant phosphorescence, has a certain still, mysterious quality that draws people to it. At the same time, without proper preparation, good gear and a watchful eye, sailing at night can be downright disastrous.Try following the tips below to ensure your night sail goes off without a hitch.Sailing Tip # 1: Make Sure the Crew Understands the EquipmentAll crew should know how to...

According to a new report by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO), the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), along with the U.S. Coast Guard and FEMA, has taken limited actions to combat cybersecurity in the maritime port environment.The Coast Guard has not yet conducted a full risk assessment, addressing cyber-related threats, consequences and vulnerabilities, despite initiating several activities and strategies to improve security in specific ports. Coast Guard officials promise...

Recently, members of the Obama Administration, most notably U.S. Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz, have acknowledged that the United States might not possess the refining capacity necessary to handle the stream of shale oil from formations in North Dakota and Texas.Said Moniz at a press conference following the Clean Energy Ministerial Conference in South Korea, “The nature of the oil we’re producing may not be well matched to our current refinery capacity.”Some observers of statements like the...

Properly mooring your boat is important not only for safety reasons and theft prevention, but also to be compliant with marine insurance standards. The Law Dictionary explains that a vessel is moored safely when it is “moored to a wharf or dock, free from any immediate danger from any of the perils insured against.”Large vessels, recreational boats and specialized ships each have their own anchoring, docking and mooring guidelines. Generally speaking, solid dock lines, properly preparing before...