Book excerpt: This is the clearest, most fully illustrated version of the navigation rules that every captain must have on board—in fact, boats 12 meters (or 39 feet) and longer are required to carry a copy. For years, the United States Coast Guard has produced a guide to operating vessels safely and lawfully in both international and inland waters. But its language is legalistic, complex, and not always very comprehensible. Chapman’s easy-to-read edition has exactly the same information, but with additional illuminating commentary by Editor-at-Large Dan Fales; an explanation of many of the rules in simple, lucid detail; and advice on real-world application. With eight more illustrations than the Coast Guard’s book, the manual looks better than ever, too. No matter whether you navigate a small sailboat, motorboat, or spacious yacht, you won’t want to head onto the water without it.