For many Native American tribes, boats were a key part of their survival. For hunting and fishing, they needed good boats so they came up with some truly ingenious designs to accomplish these tasks better.KayakThe kayak is probably the most popular Native American boat. Kayaks are very small boats that are controlled by humans using a paddle. They are different from canoes in that kayaks have a protective deck that covers the top. This was to help keep the water out and allow items to be stored in the boat without the rider having to worry about them being lost. The Inuit tribe, living in the arctic, invented the kayak for hunting and transportation. They used either whale bone or driftwood to construct them and they were typically made to fit only a single person. The term kayak actually refers to many different types of Native American boats. Its design […]
Text: Maritime history is an interesting subject that many people ignore every day. These people are usually unaware of the fact that colleges around the world offer programs and coursework on this very topic, and that maritime programs often make boat donations and participate in community events as well. Students interested in the marine industry study everything from specific types of ships to nautical archaeology, which focuses on the artifacts left behind. The following resources provide a better understanding of the topic. Researching Ships Ship and Passenger Lists: gives steps on searching for specific vessels and passengers on those vessels. Researching Ships and Seafarers: discusses how someone would research a specific ship based on name. Ships & Passenger Lists: offers resources on researching ships. Have Ship, Need Information: provides ways for people to research ships from World War II. Maritime Information Exchange: U.S. Coast Guard database of ships. Libraries and […]
Defensive driving goes beyond the basics of motor vehicle operation on public thoroughfares. By educating drivers on how to be proactive in their use of mirrors, headlights, and seatbelts, as well as teaching them concentration skills necessary to focus on the constant changing view around them, a defensive posture is learned and applied behind the wheel. Most adults do not take continuing driver’s education courses unless they are required by the courts, as in the case of traffic school to avoid points from their driving record. Young drivers do not have the experience to apply what they have recently learned in driver’s education classes, but experienced drivers are often overconfident and fail to employ all the tactics they know in order to navigate safely out of a potential traffic problem. Too much multi-tasking in today’s society offers more distractions than ever before with cell phone calls, text messages, and a […]
One of the highlights of the teen years is the ability to get a driver’s license. Of course, all states have required tests that must be passed, both written and driving ones. However, there are many rules that should be adhered to, as different situations pop up when drivers are on the road. Since teenagers are driving for the first time, it is important to know all the rules of the road.Driving in Bad WeatherIt’s easy to drive on a bright, sunny day. But once winter hits, snow and ice can make for hazardous conditions. Follow teen driving tips to ensure a safe drive in inclement weather conditions. Winter driving can be the worst, especially for inexperienced teenage drivers. To drive safe:Always make sure the hazard lights, or daytime running lights, are on.Brake softly and gently, and keep a minimum of three car lengths between you and the car in […]
Amateurs can experience building a boat the same way professionals do. Avid boat lovers can build anything from a small model boat all the way up to a beautiful house boat. There are many resources available to help you set sail, whether you’d constructing your own boat or plan on joining a friend on the high seas.Boat BuildingAmateur boat builder: Kits that allow boat enthusiasts to build their own boat and save money.Boat Building Methods: Tips and tricks on building boats with various materials, from plywood to fiberglass.Boatbuilding Books: A great list of books on how to build boats and the best ways to construct them.Boat Design and PlansBoatDesign.net: Designs available for power and sailing. Build anything from an aluminum boat to a house boat.Boat and Yacht plans: Won an award at the wooden box show. Numerous information for boat and yacht plans.Glossaries & DictionariesSchooner Vocabulary: Dictionary of (boating terms) […]