Winter is A great Time to Get Educated!!
So you bought that boat. You have been aboard others boats for years, and even helped, but this one is your own. What better way to hone your skills, stay safe, and make everyone’s experience with you better, than preparing for your time on the water now.
While winter white may not put you in the mood for watersports, winter is a great time to prepare for boating season by taking a boating safety course or a specialty skills course such as coastal piloting or how to use a GPS device. The U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters take a National Association of Boating Law Administrators–approved boating safety course. The basic NASBLA course provides rules and regulations, emergency procedures and the navigational skills necessary for a beginner. There are many options available to successfully complete a boating safety course, including the traditional classroom course, web-based instruction and a home study course offered in some states.
There are easily accessible classes available for new and experienced boaters alike — and education designed for boaters of every age. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U.S. Power Squadrons and many state boating agencies sponsor classes.
For new boaters, basic courses generally have six to 13 lessons and provide a foundation of operational and safety instruction. That includes the boat and required equipment, trip planning, safe boat operations, emergency procedures, state-specific requirements and other water activities such as waterskiing, towed devices and wake sports.
Need help finding a class?
The U.S. Coast Guard website also provides more resources for Boating Safety Courses at uscgboating.org/safety/boating_safety_courses_.aspx.