How to Navigate the ICW: Channel Markers, Bridges and Wake Zones

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 this video helpful leave it in the comments and let us know!
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[@Edward-yw4dt]

I retired from the US Coast Guard after 27 years and I thought you girls did a wonderful job in this video. Please keep up the good job.

[@GaleForceTwins]

Thank you so very much!! We appreciate it 😊🐟

[@MarcusAurelius33036]

@@GaleForceTwins Can’t get a better endorsement than that!!!!

[@nycityslicker2024]

I agree with you I’m 51 I just leaned a few things from these girls they are amazing ahead of their time they gonna be on tv or something or instructors for boat license . Love from the big 🍎N.Y. Getting my first boat at 51 Jesus lol 😂. Ernest/SHAZZAM

[@douglasantonetz2174]

Agree with Edward, me being a USCG Veteran. EZ for an inexperienced boater to understand.

[@jimmyfumbanks6081]

In DC or Where? . I pray it wasnt on a USCG Vessell.

[@tommyfelix2748]

My teenage twin daughters do not like it when dad tries to teach them something but I showed them this video and they love these girls so much and they paid attention and learned so much. I actually learned something and I’ve been boating for over 25 years.

[@GaleForceTwins]

We are so glad this video was helpful!!

[@3007Doug]

These young ladies are absolutely awesome! I'm a 58 year old man and have owned three boats yet every time I watch these girls, I learn something I didn't know before. Kepp up the great work ladies!

[@rosssmith7782]

Everyone with a boat in Florida should watch this or anywhere really. I even learned something today waiting on TS or Hurricane !

[@davidncw4613]

Outstanding, TY!! Im an old guy that finds it hard to relate to young folks. You two young ladies are a breath of fresh air for me, thank you soooo much.

[@user-hl4uv1it9t]

Getting back to boating after 45 years. These two wonderful young ladies are just loaded with information. Thank you for your very professional video; I learned a LOT. Looking forward to watching another video of yours. Also having a hearing problem I was able to understand everything that you both said; you speak very clearly and annunciate very well. Thanks for your time

[@GaleForceTwins]

Our pleasure! That is a great compliment. Thank you 😊

[@richardsherman5143]

GREAT VIDEO, I wish all inexperience boaters could see this.

[@stargasm1000]

I'm soooooo glad to see that someone actually made a video about navigating the ICW and encountering other vessels. The wild west it was!! I grew up in Boynton Beach and we'd go out on the ICW on the weekends. It was obvious how many people didn't know what they were doing (or didn't follow the rules). A word of warning to all of you who go out on the ICW on the weekends in S. Fl, be careful!!

[@larrymayberry2312]

The first thing my dad taught me was green right going, red right returning. Thanks for the info ladies !

[@hookednrolling2009]

Larry here here red right return its never failed me here in Miami Florida 47 yrs since I hit the water as a green horn started at ten 1973 and now I taught my son and starting to now teach my 13 yr old grand son JT Hooked N Rolling Offshore 🐠🐟🎣🛥🌴⛱😊😊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@darjohnson]

@The Southern Cross pcr

[@paulb4276]

Good for you two. It's nice to see young people understanding the rules and following them. Having grown up in FL, I know how crazy it can get. I am guessing your parents trained you both. They trained you well. If you did this on your own, a big congratulations!! Nice job ladies!!

[@glennlepien473]

That looks like 10½ ft or 11ft marker .. the 9ft mark is above the "10" because it shows the Verticle Clearance from Waterline to bottom of the bridge .. Thanks for the Video .. very informative and helpful .. (I'd bet that many of the boaters watching this are seeing this for the first time based on some of the videos I've seen). In addition to "Red, Right, Returning" you can use "R.E.N.T." and "C.O.G.S." as memory keys. BZ GFTs .. Press On!

[@SwitchbackXThunter]

I caught that too. Had to rewatch it to make sure my eyes weren’t playing tricks on me! Video is very well done as they all are from the Gale Force Twins!

[@woodyhuband9248]

I just found your channel, and this video. Coming from a boater for 60 years, I think did a fine job on explaining the essentials of coastal navigating. I will be sure to recommend this video to any new boaters that I meet (including my daughter and son in law). 👍

[@GaleForceTwins]

That’s so kind 😊 thank you!!

[@burlosurviorhills7321]

I agree well done and No captain brags about learning the hard way myself included Miss Behaving.

[@floridagirl9064]

a boater for 60 years & your babygirl is a new boater? somethings not adding up here sir!

[@longgone9869]

question about etiquette. You’ve called the bridge and it’s going up. Can you make the pass a soon a you have safe clearance or should the bridge go up all the way first?

[@jimmyduramax8296]

Totally agree with Devon D. Can’t say enough about your excellent teaching presentations! Just sent this video to my 12 year old grandson who’s taking his boater’s license lessons, and soon, test.

[@devondriscoll1703]

Great information, well presented. The thing that scares me is charts, GPS, radar, communications and at sea navigation. Some videos on that stuff would be awesome.

[@joeg1068]

Agreed! Please include this in a future video. 🙏🏼

[@danielhill5979]

I grew up on fresh water lakes - just now learning how to navigate the ICW and all the crazy boaters in Miami and S Florida. I’ve watched SO MANY vids from rec boaters to the associations - yours are the best. I really appreciate how you give enough detail to be thorough while keeping it understandable. NICE JOB (from a communicator and filmmaker). Would love to charter . . . Not to fish but to learn more (hard to find people to do that). Regardless, keep up the great work.

[@shanemcgonnell2689]

The description of the red on land side is what I’ve been missing my whole life boating in Fl on both coasts! Thank you!

[@salvatoresalamone3804]

I got my boating license a long time ago and I just got a boat last week and I love watching your videos to refresh my memory , they are very helpful

[@gravl1]

One exception: when entering the Caloosahatchee waterway (in Lee County, FL), the markers in the river will be reversed. This is because the intracoastal cuts through Florida from the Atlantic, across Okeechobee, then out to the Gulf. The red markers are on the right, or northward side based on the perspective of “returning” from the Atlantic. For boaters “returning” from the Gulf, the red markers will be on your left while in the Intracoastal. There is a point near Sanibel Island where the markers “cross.”

[@willbraswell4906]

Have boated in Florida for many years and really appreciate the well done refresher. Thank you!

[@oscarconi3303]

Girls, or should I say ladies, I take my hat off for you. You are teaching A LOT! And you make it interesting and fun. Please, don’t forget to emphasize “courtesy” and “common sense”. That’s something that you don’t always see in South Florida, especially in Miami area. And, as a flight instructor taught me many years ago, assume that whoever is driving the boat nearby HAS NOT SEEN YOU AND IS NOT VERY SMART...that way you’ll have better chances of avoiding a lot of troubles... Thank you, Emily and Amanda.

[@GaleForceTwins]

Those are some very good points!! Especially be courteous to kayakers fishing off the beach!

[@rbilardo47]

Great information all boaters should know, and I'm sure a lot don't know. You really go into detail. So precious to see two sisters, twins no less, enjoying the same enjoyments. God Bless you both. I had a 32' Carver Mariner up north in NJ, and now living in Florida without a boat, hoping someday to own another.

[@patrickbennett2737]

Best, most clearly explained essential informational video on navigational signage, and the ICW that I have ever seen. Even explains how to contact bridge tenders and give them pertinent information to line up your vessel to proceed thru. Wow! Fantastic video Ladies. I learned a lot. Thank you so much.

[@AmerQuin]

Outstanding video, Ladies! Thank you. I love how you use the word “Respectfully” so often here. Respectfully... is my guiding principle for everything I do in life. Thanks again.

[@srmonty120690]

Been a Lake boater (Lake George) and just moved to the Jersey Shore and buying a boat. New to Salt Water on open waters and the ICW. THIS WAS Super helpful!!!!

[@lindacares2215]

I use to vacation in Lake George and Seaside Heights!!! I am currently living in Myrtle Beach South Carolina and we just bought a boat and this a whole new way of having fun!! ⚓⚓⚓⚓Best of luck to you!!

[@paulbalzano381]

Excellent information - I'm a sit-on-top kayaker out of Venice, FL - Amazing how many young ladies are becoming Captains. I have a 29 year old lady Captain across the street that teaches and takes clients out Fly fishing. Keep up the great KZbins.

[@frankwern8784]

Another nicely done and informative video. Sadly, I can say is that far too many of our fellow boaters have never watched a video of this type or opened a safe boating manual.

[@one4uf]

Great video that serves as a great and easy educational tool for those less experienced and an awesome reminder for those of us that have been on the water our whole lives. Keep up the great content!

[@micaelacotton5850]

The mild panic in yalls face at 14:58 😂 I love it

[@johnfaison3686]

I would like to commend you ladies for teaching the boat handling as well as the fishing skills. As a life long boater and fellow Hurricane (Class of '85) it is a pleasure to watch your enthusiasm and excitement in these fields. Keep up the great work........you make the "U" very proud!

[@Funexpected]

You're both great communicators, informative and easy to understand. I like your style of teaching.

[@rodrodgers1241]

I have been on the water my whole life. (I'm 53) and still picked up a couple of things from this video. Thanks girls keep up the great work!

[@johnmrbartlett]

Thank you ladies. My family and I are thinking about traveling south on the ICW from Norfolk, Va on a Saturday, stay overnight somewhere and return on a Sunday and this video helped me tremendously. Thanks again.

[@rockydubois1052]

You might make it to Elizabeth City lol

[@smoothpants]

This has been an EXCELLENT refresher. Very new boater. Got my certification in 2018. I didn't get many opportunities to operate a boat after that, although I was able to on the ICW from Riviera Beach south to around Lantana (and scared to death 😂😂). Hoped to do it again, but the pandemic hit. Really want to get back into it, but forgot a LOT. This video has been a great help. Immediately subscribed! Thank you!

[@tluns810]

Good job ladies, sometimes I may go a few months or years off a boat, so it's great to get a refresher as well as any updates or revisions that have been made since my last outing.

[@cardsfanyay]

Just recently found your channel. I’m just getting into boating. A river jet boat to be specific. I just want to let you know that your videos are extremely helpful for someone new to boating. I’ve been binge watching them and they’re awesome! Keep up the great content 🙂

[@vyctorialuong9727]

I love how you guys educate and inform the public as women.

[@kirkwilliams4942]

WHAT DOES THAT HAVE TO DO WITH IT??????

[@Icutmetal]

How else would they do it?

[@etc-and-more]

In all seriousness this little video should be part of any state boating course, especially for states that the ICW runs through. You went over pretty much everything that took me the whole NY to Fort Lauderdale ICW trip to learn (plus a bit more). Excellent presentation.

[@gregstabryla9945]

Glad I found you ladies. Helps a ton. Would love to see you in or out of the water!. Please don't take that the wrong way.

[@deanrobinson7956]

I just moved to Florida just purchased a boat and taking to the water as a complete amateur. Although being on Minnesota waterways all my life starting fresh here and following your lessons and advice is well worth the time invested. Thanks for all the tips so far

[@teddyrivas1082]

This is the first time seeing yous on u tube, what your showing is great information, for first time boaters, and I've seen a lot of these boaters on u tube, but they never ever show you what you just shown, i think there should be more information like yours shown, because it will make a better boater for people that are not familiar with these markers, really like it. And hope a pray that these boaters appreciate everything yous are doing for boaters! Good Job! Keep on boating!

[@Frostytravels]

Great job little miss....being from Ky, and moving to Florida I am really learning saltwater fishing from you both. Excellent job and wonderful videos.

[@tuckerclagett2196]

Stumbled on you today and really enjoyed your videos! Very informative and you explain things in a nice, easy to understand manner. There are a ton of people on KZbin who know stuff, but are bad at teaching. You both are great at it. Thanks!

[@kuma1720]

Thank you for taking the time to educate!! You are both amazing!!

[@wayneoosterhoff2459]

So glad I found this channel. You ladies rock!! Thanks for all you do for the boating community, especially for those of us just learning the ICW and the rules of the water other than inland lakes.

[@Driftwood50]

Great job explaining and giving ways to remember the markers, bridges and stand off vessels rules.

[@theavail2138]

I've learned so much about boating from you ladies thank you for the great information😊

[@2020matrix8]

I have no idea how I landed on this video but, I’m glad I did! My Grandparents (RIP Nene & Papa) built their home that I grew up visiting, this was so heartwarming, love it!!

[@castejb]

Thank you, I am a relatively new boater with about 1-2 years of ownership and still found all the information here amazing and explained in such a simple manner. I hope nothing but success to you gals.

[@elliottcarey6961]

ladies....fantastic video. you have the unique talent of being informative and at the same time not being overbearing . talking to people instead of down to them will always yield better results keep it up!!!

[@greggmartin5267]

Ladies that was a very fine video straight to the point better than most thank you and keep it up 🙋

[@alaiello1799]

Wow ladies, awesome video. We are spending our first winter in Florida and want to rent a boat often while we are here and are a bit worried about ICW regulations but not anymore thanks to your clear and informative video! I am ready to go boating!!

[@Nitedawg1]

This was one of the most helpful youtubes ever. Thanks ladies

[@sunburnedbeachfeet1128]

You two young ladies are awesome , experienced , and articulate well.

[@jedjerry6862]

Love you guys! You are real captains!

[@yakisakisumo]

Learning a lot. THANK YOU! Me and my family are going down to stay in Cape Coral in April 2022 (it's end of Jan 2022 now). Our place will have a boat and I want to be prepared on how to operate it safely. These videos are awesome for me!!! THANK YOU and GREAT JOB!

[@kazielthomson3953]

Hi ladies I found your video and it’s very detailed. thanks!. I am a new boater that just join a boat club in Georgia. I am so excited to see your as captain’s, I normally go to Panama City Florida to deep sea fishing on charters. Please keep me posted when you’ll charter start back up.

[@TheFalconJetDriver]

Great videos Ladies, I grew up on Lower Chesapeake in Chesapeake, VA. Spent a lot of time on both ditches. I saw so many uneducated boaters on the water. Then I moved to North Texas even worse on the lakes lots of people with no brains but had lots of money. Zero boating knowledge or skills. It was all ways a boat show at the ramps. Sort of the 79 street ramp MIA great work 😀🛫

[@irwfcm]

I was taught that "right of way" is the wrong way to think about it. The COLREGS talk about "stand-on" vessels and "give-way" vessels because (and you didn't mention this) at the end of the day ALL vessels have the responsibility to avoid ALL collisions, regardless if they are the "stand-on" or "give-way" vessel.

[@bobbylong2202]

Love how you make things so simple

[@jamesabbatoy811]

Great information. I was in Treasure Island last week and used your information to keep me out of trouble with my rental boat. Love your videos!

[@davidstewart5014]

You, ladies are great and fun to watch. I retired from the United States Navy after 32 years and you do a great job and you’re fun to watch. Thank you and have a great one. Maybe will see you on the water.

[@Murge816]

I just got my boating licenses and I’m trying to pack as much knowledge as possible to keep safe for me and others I will be sharing the water with. This video explained a lot. Thank you!

[@GaleForceTwins]

That is awesome! Thank you for watching!!

[@nassaumikes9415]

Hello and thanks for the informative video. I'm 62 and have lived and have been boating here in Miami all my life. I was told red right return meant if you're heading towards key west it work's.. Red on the mainland side makes sense. Learned other things as well. Thanks and BTW heard about you fronn Boat US. Glad I did. You gals make me want to get out and go fishing :)

[@PetClipdog]

You are the Best Teachers, Thank you!!!!

[@jeffb9939]

You girls are amazing.... Clearly explained rules of the ICW....

[@antoniocampbell463]

This is the best video that I found explaining the ICW Channel Markers. Thanks for posting.

[@slicksebring]

A clear, comprehensive review. Great job!

[@bdphourde]

First time here. Very nicely done! Your instructional method is clear, concise, and easy to understand and remember! It is invaluable to others. If you haven't already, could you also include some instruction on the larger waterways and their centerline markers with their sometimes confusing shapes and color coding anfd numbering.

[@jumper2079]

I see others have said it already, but I'm going to add mine in too. Thank you too ladies for doing these videos.

[@johnwilkinson4399]

Since I just sold my boat and it’s winter I really enjoy these videos until spring and the new boat.

[@cooksey2418]

Spot on,Great job Ladies..!

[@michiganengineer8621]

Thank you for the refresher ladies, most of my boating has been either small inland lakes or as crew on an ocean going vessel (CV-60 to be precise). I'd forgotten the 3R rule on channel markers and I had been wondering about the numbering on channel markers and thinking they were _something_ like the mile markers on paved roadways.

[@WonderfulWeekenders]

VERY informative and interesting video for someone (like me) who has no clue about boating. I enjoyed it!!

[@gustafchurn8282]

Well done beautiful young ladies. I learnt today!

[@jamalr7948]

You all are awesome. Thanks for this

[@hank3303]

Well done Ladies, very informative and helpful.

[@jfllc.florida1331]

This explanation of the red and green markers are fantastic very educational.

[@kkutube1972]

Thanks, so simple to understand after many other videos.

[@davidcox389]

I don’t own a boat but I have learned so much off of your videos 2 intelligent young ladies keep up the good work you look like you’re having so much fun.God bless you both

[@GaleForceTwins]

So glad you enjoy our videos! Even without a boat ☺️

[@kennethfisher3079]

I am a new boater, lovely girls are a great way for me to learn about boating. Thanks Ladies, well done ! I'll be subscribing to your channel fo sho !

[@craigallan8667]

My wife learns better from you two about navigation and I learn a bunch from the fishing videos. Thanks for the hard work.

[@hectormartinhinojosa894]

I learn something new everytime I watch your videos, thank you for your help

[@DogsCrazyAdventures]

I love this video SOO much. The details!

[@thercattrainer]

TY for educating people about Nav Aids! Bridge clearance also depends on High/Low tides too.

[@creekriseoutdoors]

Great video ladies. Buying my first boat next week and your videos are a big help. Tight lines!

[@mtrahan001]

Been a while but learned these basics in South Carolina boaters safety class required in middle school. Good info

[@lizgawelek2259]

Your channel is so helpful and easy to understand. Thank you!

[@richardsqueeze]

This video closely coincides with the florida boaters safety coures. Im taking it now online and this video is super helpful with actually seeing what the course is teaching. Great video thanks for taking the time to make it and help out people new to boating.

[@douglaskeppel7517]

Awesome video, I’ve had boats all my life for lakes just bought another boat for going out in the inlets and offshore in Florida, it’s nice to have some people like u two to give pointers to other’s that are new to the saltwater boating. Awesome name to.

[@eugenechurch6135]

Bad ass lady teaching me something thing new!!!!

[@BenGrilling]

1st thing i learned about Starboard side and remembering..., if your a star, raise your hand. Most people are right handed, and it’s the right side of your boat/Starboard..lol, keep up the good teaching/work, i love your channel. Ben from Michigan (Walleye fishing:o)

[@Ali-gn6yq]

We live in boynton beach..thank you for the great video..Boynton beach loves you..

[@skygod7358]

Thank you ladies. Very informative.

[@cartel7216]

You 👩‍✈️ make me feel as if I actually have a shot!! Very informative information thanks ladies!!

[@adityajoshi3524]

Thank you team gale force team for educating video.👍😎

[@jeduardo38]

Thank you, great information first time Boater.

[@royalexperience5255]

Advantageous! Thanks Twins 👯‍♀️ 💝

[@bobbyD2848]

Great info love to meet ya’ll . Impressed with your knowledge and thankful for educating people

[@michellet2890]

thanks this was very helpful!! I am taking my boat licence exam next month in Australia, would love to see more videos like this.

[@BillSaltbush]

It's a little late now, but I hope you learned that the lateral markers in this (USA) part of the world are the opposite of those in Australia.

[@milaneaton9269]

GREAT information! Thank you!