Using the ICW (Intercoastal Waterway) to move along the east and gulf coasts of the US, protects boats from offshore waves and weather but has its own unique challenges. The smaller bridges that cross the waterway lift or swing out of the way. We contact the bridge tenders on our VHF radio and request an opening. In busy areas they might only open on a specific schedule or not at all during peak traffic. That means we need to time our arrival carefully to avoid needing to spin in circles while w

How to Navigate the ICW: Channel Markers, Bridges and Wake Zones Whether you're a new boater or an experienced captain it's always important to keep the rules of the road fresh in your mind! In this video we cover topics such as red right returning, no wake zones and how to properly call a bridge. Additionally, we explain how to identify an ICW channel marker from a smaller channel channel marker; how to properly read seasonal wake zone signs and understand who has the right of way! If you find