Basic Boating
Classes
(full descriptions and class
schedule)
America's Boating Course (renamed About Boating Safely)
This beginner boating class will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many
states.
Boating Skills and Seamanship Course
A comprehensive course designed for both the experienced and the novice boater.
Boats, Water and Youth!
Boat's, Water 'n Kids course is a short presentation designed to teach children grades k-6 some basic safety tips around water.
Personal Watercraft Course
A very basic introduction to the safety issues involved when operating a
PWC..
Sailing Skills and Seamanship
A comprehensive course that will prepare a sailor with the basic information needed to operate sail boats under a variety of conditions.
Specialty and Advanced
Boating Classes
(full descriptions and class
schedule)
Basic Coastal Navigation
Chapters 1-6 of the
U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's comprehensive navigation course
designed to prepare the boater with the knowledge needed to
safely pilot a boat.
Advanced Coastal Navigation
Chapters 7-12 of the
U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's comprehensive navigation course
designed to prepare the boater with the knowledge needed
to safely pilot a boat.
GPS for Mariners
A modern learning experience that focuses on the
GPS equipment typically owned by the recreational boater.
Suddenly in Command
This 4-hour boating safety primer is designed for those not generally at the helm, and will help you to "be prepared" with the basics in case of an emergency.
How to Read a Nautical Chart
A three hour seminar course unraveling the mystery of charts.
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Vessel
Safety Check
(request
a Vessel Safety Check)
There are federal, state, and local agencies
who can board a boat and conduct an inspection (and issue a
citation). Common sense tells us that the things they are looking for are
the things that will keep us safe and get us home at the end of
the day. It's a good idea to get ahead of this and ask for
a USCG Auxiliary Vessel Safety Check (VSC). It's
voluntary, it's free, and there is no downside. If your
boat doesn't pass you get a list of the items that need
correction. There are no reports filed and we'll be glad
to come back and check again. If your boat passes, you get a
nifty decal to place on the outside of your boat that tells
anyone interested that your boat has already passed an
examination.
Here is an outline of the items
checked during a VSC:
-
Display of
Numbers: The boat’s registration number must be permanently attached to each side of the forward half of the boat.
-
Registration /
Documentation:
Registration or Documentation papers must be on board and available.
-
Life
Jackets: Acceptable life jackets must be U.S. Coast Guard approved, in good serviceable condition, and of suitable size,
number, and type.
-
Visual Distress Signals
(VDS): Depending on location and use, boats must carry both day and night visual distress signals.
-
Fire
Extinguishers: Fire extinguishers are often required on a boat.
-
Ventilation: Boats with gasoline engines require a ventilation system.
-
Backfire Flame
Control: All gasoline powered inboard engines must be equipped with an approved backfire flame control device.
-
Sound Producing Devices: To comply with Navigation Rules and for distress signaling purposes all boats
must carry the proper sound producing device(s) (whistle or horn, bell, and gong).
-
Navigation
Lights: All boats must be able to display navigation lights between sunset and sunrise and in conditions of reduced visibility.
-
Pollution
Placard: Boats 26 feet and over with a machinery compartment must display an oily waste "pollution" placard.
-
MARPOL Trash
Placard: Boats 26 feet and over in length must display a "MARPOL" trash placard. Boats 40 feet and over must also display a written trash disposal plan.
-
Marine Sanitation
Devices: Any installed toilet must be a Coast Guard approved device. Overboard discharge outlets must be capable of being sealed.
-
Navigation
Rules: Boats 39.4 feet and over must have on board a current copy of the Navigation Rules.
-
State and/ or Local
Requirements: A boat must meet the requirements of the state in which it is being examined.
-
Overall
vessel condition: Including, but not limited to: Deck free of hazards and clean bilge; Safe
electrical and fuel systems; Safe galley and heating
systems.
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Maybe we should file a float plan...
