Boating Safety Courses
Whether you're an experienced boater or not, it's always a good
idea to brush up on your skills.
Many boating safety courses are
offered throughout the country, for all types of recreational boaters, and for
boaters of all ages. Qualified volunteer organizations, such as the U.S. Coast
Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadron, and others sponsor many courses, and many
state boating agencies also provide classes.
Courses cover many aspects of boating safety, from boat handling to reading the
weather, and from a "Water 'N Kids" class to courses for boaters who
want to learn electronic navigation skills. The most popular basic courses
generally have from 6 to 13 lessons to provide a foundation of operational and
safety instruction.
American Boat Operators' Course
Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a
number of states.
Boat/U.S. Foundation Courseline
The Courseline is a searchable database of current boating safety courses
around the nation.
BoatEd
Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a
number of states.
BoaterExam.com
Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a
number of states.
Boatsafe
Offers an online Basic Boating Certification Course approved by the National
Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and a Coastal Navigation
Course.
Commander Bob
An award-winning website that advances boating education
Nautic Ed
Beginner to Advanced Sailing Courses. The World's Most Advanced Sailing Education and Sailing Certification Program providing sailing training from basics to advanced education through entertaining and interactive multimedia online sailing courses and an unparalleled network of global training centers. In alliance with the Royal Yachting Association, providing the RYA Day Skipper course which is the precursor to the International Certificate of Competence, the ICC.
PWC Safety School
Offers online courses and certification for PWC operators in several states
Safe Boating America
Safe Boating America classes meet the State Educational Requirements for
operating a Boat or PWC and also meet the requirements for a Youth Operator.
State Courses
Many states offer boating safety courses. The National Association of State
Boating Boating Law Administrators' online Directory provides contact
information for state boating agencies.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
Local flotillas offer a variety of safety classes, including basic/introductory
boating courses and safety courses, navigation, sailing and personal watercraft
safety, among others.
U.S. Sailing
Programs offer instruction in small and large sailboats, windsurfers, and
powerboats. All levels of instruction are available around the country for
beginner to advanced skills. Information on courses and instruction is
available on the web.
United States Power Squadron
"America's Boating Course 3rd Edition" the most comprehensive boating
safety
course available. It includes a course book, a narrated student CD and a
digital charting DVD. ABC 3 is available as a classroom, home study or
online course.
American Canoe Association
Comprehensive resource to find skills courses, assessments, and instructor
certification courses for kayak, canoe, raft, safety & rescue, and
adaptive paddling.
Boating and Yacht Safety for all age levels
Boating and yachting can be an enjoyable way to explore various waterways throughout the world. Whether your vessel is small and you confine yourself to local lakes and rivers or you have a fancy watercraft that's large enough to be seaworthy, you will need to observe safety guidelines to ensure that your excursions are successful.
Contributed by
Nathan and the Barnes Family
* * * * *
The U.S. Coast Guard is asking all boat owners and operators to
help reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and associated healthcare
costs related to recreational boating accidents by taking personal
responsibility for their own safety and the safety of their passengers.
Essential steps include: wearing a life jacket at all times and requiring
passengers to do the same; never boating under the influence (BUI);
successfully completing a boating safety course; and getting a Vessel Safety
Check (VSC) annually from local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, United States Power
Squadrons(r), or your state boating agency's Vessel Examiners. The U.S. Coast
Guard reminds all boaters to "Boat Responsibly!" For more tips on
boating safety, visit www.uscgboating.org.