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Understanding and using sound signals are important for safety aboard, and sound signals are required to be used in certain situations. On this episode, we once again welcome Robert Rice to tell us which sound signals are most likely to be needed by Loopers, and which they are likely to hear on the waterways of the Great Loop.

It's unlikely that someone will fall overboard during your Great Loop adventure, but you should still be prepared for this scenario. In this episode, Robert Rice joins us once again to discuss a sobering exercise in which he participated where he learned just how difficult it can be to get someone who has gone overboard back into the boat. We'll cover strategies to avoid going overboard and discuss options for retrieving someone who is in the water. Join us for this important safety episode.

Some states along the Great Loop Route require even transiting boaters to have taken a safe boating course. This means that every Looper should have taken a NASBLA approved course. This episode of our podcast talks about which states require a course for transiting boaters, what's covered in the courses, and where you can take one.

Ever wondered if you should get a vessel safety check on your boat before starting the Great Loop? Rob Rice joins us on this episode to talk about vessel safety exams. We'll cover what they are, why you should get one, and how to schedule it.

From fire extinguishers to life rafts to personal locator beacons, distress and safety equipment is important for your Great Loop cruise. After presenting an enlightening seminar at our Spring Rendezvous, Jeremy McConnell of Northwest Creek Marina is our guest this week to talk about this important topic. Northwest Creek Marina is an AGLCA sponsor, and Jeremy, a retired U.S. Coast Guard Master Chief, is the General Manager there. In his role in the Coast Guard, Jeremy managed and executed thousands of Search and Rescue operations. He'll tell us from his firsthand experience why having distress and safety equipment, and knowing how to use it, can make all the difference in the unlikely event that something goes wrong while your on the Great Loop.

This week we talk about watching your wake. It's important for all Great Loopers to practice safe and courteous boating! The biggest error we see in this area is boats not slowing enough in no wake zones, minimum wake zones, and when passing other boats, docks, marinas, and other shoreside infrastructure. We break it all down for you this week with our guest, Brian Brown. Brian is a Gold Looper who had a career in the marine industry. Join us for this important episode.

Robert Rice is back this week to talk about AIS for the Great Loop. He'll cover the different types of AIS, price points for some of the options, and why you should consider adding AIS for the Great Loop if your boat is not already equipped with this helpful technology.