Coast Guard Warns of Radio Interference from LEDs

• In response to ship reports of radio interference from LED lights, the U.S. Coast Guard has issued a step-by-step guide to checking for interference on VHF frequencies used for radiotelephone, digital selective calling (DSC) and automatic identification systems (AIS). Because mariners use these frequencies for communication and tracking of nearby vessels, interference can create a safety hazard. Practical Sailor has been warning sailors about problems with LED lights for several years, and has tested several LED navigation lights for VHF interference.  Click on the link above.
  

Environmental Awareness for Boaters

• Mayne Island Conservancy -- importance of saving eelgrass
  

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Sailboat Sites

• Messing About in Boats - a Passion for All Things Sailing - a ton of links
  

Kayaking Sites

• BC Kayaking and Canoeing
  

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Powerboat Sites

• iBoats.com boating forum - large commercial boating site
  

Wooden Boats

• The Northwest Maritime Center - a site for enthusiasts of wooden boats.  
• Wooden Boat Foundation - located in Port Townsend, part of NWMC.  The 38th Annual Wooden Boat Festival will occur September 5-7, 2014 
  
• From Timber to Tide - This is a great short video about a wooden boat builder in Britain. - Bryan W.
  

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Weather Sites

• Sailflow Wind Maps
  
• Haro Strait - Govt of Canada weather site

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Tides and Currents

• Village Bay Tide and Current Predictor - maintained by U. of South Carolina.  Interesting photos of  lab
  



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Safety and Rescue

• Canadian Coast Guard - Joint Rescue Coordination Ctr Victoria
• Canadian Power and Sail Squadron
• Survival in Cold Waters - Transport Canada
• Safe Boating site - Transport Canada
  Safe Boating Council - download brochure
  

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Licenses

• Tidal Waters Sports Fishing License On-line - get your fishing license here
  
• PCOC Card - Transport Canada 

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Publications/Subscriptions

• Pacific Nor'West Boating - an on-line boating magazine.  Free subscription
  
• OffCenterHarbour.com- a membership website with over 160 professional videos on boatbuilding, boat handling, legendary boats, repairs, maintenance and more



Navigation

• Celestial Navigation Tools - Although site says downloadable only by US Power Squadron members, I believe Canadian Power Squadron members also qualify (if anyone can confirm, contact webmaster)
  

• Live Ships Map AIS Vessel Position - see what commercial vessels are in your area - name of vessel, size, destination, etc.  Zoom in on the map by clicking on a region.

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Flares

• Orion Signal Flares Pt 1 - First of 3 videos on Orion flares. Commercial site
  
• Orion Signal Flares Pt 2
  
• Orion Signal Flares Pt 3
  
• Flare Testing Preview - Uploaded on Oct 20, 2008The BoatUS Foundation reprised their 1998 flare testing this past August with a thorough examination of flares currently on the market.

• Distress Signalling Manual - plus DVD from Canadian Power & Sail 

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Knots

• Boating and Paddling Knots - the knots illustrated and animated here include the best knots from the three primary knot categories: Loop Knots (make a loop in the rope), Bends (rope to rope knots) and Hitches (rope to object knots).
  
• Fishing Knots - Featuring easy to follow knot tying illustrations and animated knots for tying 50 of the best knots.
  

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Fishing

• The Angler's Atlas - If you register they will send you fishing reports by email.