Public Education Classes
The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary supports the Coast Guard in promoting safe boating. In fact it is one of our most important missions. We offer safe boating classes at minimal cost to students. We hold classes throughout the year. It is mandatory in Florida that all boaters under twenty two years of age take a boating class and receive the state issued Safe Boating Certificate.
This beginner boating class will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a
boat license or safety certification in many states. Many boat insurance
companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully
complete About Boating Safely.
TOPICS INCLUDE
- Introduction to Boating - Types of power boats; sailboats; outboards; paddle boats; houseboats; different uses of boats; various power boating engines; jet drives; family boating basics.
- Boating Law - Boat registration; boating regulation; hull identification number; required boat safety equipment; operating safely and reporting accidents; protecting the marine environment; Federal boat law; state boating laws; personal watercraft requirements.
- Boat Safety Equipment - Personal flotation devices ("life jackets"); fire extinguishers; sound-producing devices; visual-distress signals; dock lines and rope; first aid kit; anchors and anchor lines; other boating safety equipment.
- Safe Boating - Bow riding; alcohol and drug abuse; entering, loading, and trimming a boat; fueling portable and permanent tanks; steering with a tiller and a wheel; docking, undocking and mooring; knots; filing a float plan; checking equipment, fuel, weather and tides; using charts; choosing and using an anchor; safe PWC handling; general water safety.
- Navigation - The U.S. Aids to Navigation system; types of buoys and beacons; navigation rules (sometimes referred to as right-of-way rules); avoiding collisions; sound signals; PWC "tunnel vision."
- Boating Problems - Hypothermia; boating accidents and rescues; man overboard recovery; capsizing; running aground; river hazards; strainers: emergency radio calls; engine problems; equipment failures; carbon monoxide (CO); other boating and PWC problems.
- Trailering, Storing and Protecting Your Boat - Types of trailers; trailer brakes, lights, hitches, tires, and bearings; loading, balancing, and towing a trailer; towing (and backing) a trailer; boat launching and retrieving; boat storage and theft protection; launching, retrieving and storing a PWC.
- Hunting and Fishing, Water-skiing and River Boating - Carrying hunting gear and weapons in a boat; fishing from a boat; water-skiing safety guidelines and hand signals; water-skiing with a PWC; navigating rivers, and other boating tips.
The class schedule for 2010 is as follows:
About Boating Safely Class
Classes are held in two sessions. Friday evening 6:00pm to 9:30pm and Saturday 8:00am to 4:30pm.
- March 26th and 27th
GPS and Navigation Class
Classes are one session Saturday from 8:00am to 4:30pm
- January 30th
- April 10th