13 minute read
SAFE BOATING COURSES
from Issue 919
UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS - AMERICA'S BOATING CLUB - FOR BOATERS, BY BOATERS -
Online Classes and seminars are listed at:
https://americasboatingclub.org/learn/ online-boating-education
America’s Boating Channel offers a variety of boating “how to” videos:
https://www.youtube.com/c/ AmericasBoatingChannel
Local squadrons, and contact information, is listed below. Some squadrons may be offering online classes.
THE UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS’® COURSES, DISTRICT #22 (FLORIDA’s GULF COAST): ANNA MARIA ISLAND SAIL & POWER
BOCA CIEGA SAIL & POWER SQUADRON
CAPE CORAL POWER SQUADRON - 239549-9754, www.ccsaps.org America's Boating Course (12 hr) - Jan 4, 2021 (Mon) 7:00pm.
CLEARWATER SAIL & POWER
CRYSTAL RIVER SAIL & POWER SQUADRON
FORT MYERS POWER SQUADRON -
LAKELAND SAIL & POWER SQUADRON -
MANATEE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON -
MARCO ISLAND SAIL & POWER SQUADRON
- 239-213-8722, visit our website www. marcoislandsail-andpowersquadron.org
NAPLES SAIL & POWER SQUADRON -
PEACE RIVER SAIL & POWER SQUADRON
- 941-637-0766. www.puntagorda-boating. org Marine Electrical Systems - Jan 12, 2021 (Tues) 9:30am. Marine Communications Systems - Jan 12, 2021 (Tues) 1:00pm.
SAINT PETERSBURG SAIL & POWER
SQUADRON - www.boating-stpete.org
SAN CARLOS BAY SAIL & POWER
SANIBEL-CAPTIVA SAIL & POWER
SARASOTA SAIL & POWER SQUADRON -
941-400-6467. www.sarasota-boating.org America's Boating Course (8 hr) - Nov 9 (Mon) 9:00am. America's Boating Course (8 hr) - Jan 16, 2021 (Sat) 9:00am. TAMPA POWER SQUADRON - 813-810-6914, tampaPS.org // America's Boating Course - for information, contact us at the above number. VENICE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON - 941244-8331. www.boatvenicefl.com America's Boating Course (8 hr) - Nov 14 (Sat) 8:30am.
BOAT AMERICA BOATING SAFETY TRAINING PROGRAM - U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
FLOTILLA 11-1 - CLEARWATER, FL - Location: Online via Zoom. Because of COVID-19 personal safety issues, all classes during the remainder of 2020 are conducted online. Enjoy the training from the same certified instructors as you would have in the classroom, but delivered via Zoom in the comfort of your home. No commuting to class, no need to get dressed up, all at your convenience. Times: The November classes are schedule on four consecutive evenings: November 30th, December 1st, December 2nd and December 3rd from 7:00pm to about 9:30pm. Costs: All instruction, materials and examinations are included for the cost $40 per participant. This could also be a great gift for your loved ones to learn safe boating. To receive additional information or to register for the program, please contact: the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Clearwater Flotilla, at: www.clwboatingsafety.com or by email at clwtr. auxboating@gmail.com or call 727-469-8895. Also, on Facebook at #clearwatercgaux.
ABC VENICE SALE AND POWER SQUADRON
- NOV 14 & 21, 2020 - America’s Boating Safety Course is being offered by the Venice Sail and Power Squadron with two consecutive four and one half hour sessions on Saturday November 14th and 21st from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm. Fee for the course is $50.00 per student with a discount for family members. The class will be offered on the ZOOM video conferencing system so students need a laptop or desktop computer with a video camera and audio system. Call 941-244-8331 for information as Registration is required. Subjects covered include docking and undocking maneuvers, required and suggested equipment, Rules of the Road, Florida regulations, using a trailer including backing, PWC operation and handling emergency situations. A State of Florida boating safety ID card will be issued at the successful completion of the course. This card is required for anyone born after Jan 1, 1988. BOATER SKILLS CLASSES - Start your 2020 boating year by attending a Boating Skills & Seamanship course that “guarantees” to increase your boating knowledge and make you a more confident, safe and intelligent boater. Classes are conducted each Tuesday evening from 7:30pm to 9:30pm conveniently located on the United States Coast Guard base at 1300 Beach Drive SE. St. Petersburg. Call 727898-1324 for more information or visit www. tampabaysafeboating.com
BOATING SAFETY COURSES
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.
BOATING SKILLS AND SEAMANSHIP
CLASSES - ST PETERSBURG - Rresented by the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary, Flotilla 72 each Tuesday night, 7:30-9:30pm, on a continuous rotation so you can start any Tuesday. Our building is located at 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg (U.S.C.G. Base). Go to www.tampabaysafeboating. com for information, pre-register at http:// flotilla72registration.info or call 727-898-1324 and leave your name and number. Completion satisfies the state of Florida boater I.D. safety education requirements. Cost for books and materials are $60 for this 9 week program. You can pay by check or cash on the first night you attend.
BoatU.S. Foundation
The Courseline is a searchable database of current boating safety courses around the nation.
BoatEd
BoaterExam.com
Commander Bob
An award-winning website that advances boating education
NauticEd
Offers a sailing course meeting the National OnWater Standards (NOWS) for skills based boater education
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.
BUSY, CLASSES DON’T FIT YOUR TIMETABLE?
THEN ADJUST OUR SCHEDULE We understand BUSY. The Banana River Sail and Power Squadron teaches a large number of classes. They are regularly scheduled throughout the year. Sometimes your schedule and our schedule do not match. Rather than have you miss a class offering we will schedule and teach any of the classes listed below whenever five (5) or more students make a request for a class. To make a class request, please call 321-220-7776 or email hofmanneg@juno.com for more information or to request a class. LIST OF COURSES: BASIC BOATING: America’s Boating Course 3rd Edition. ADVANCED: Seamanship (S), Piloting (P), dvanced Piloting (AP), Junior Navigation (JN), Navigation (N). ELECTIVE: Cruising and Cruise Planning (C and CP), Engine Maintenance (EM), Marine Electrical Systems (MES), Marine Communication Systems (MCS), Sail (Sa) 2009, Weather (Wx) 2012.
COAST GUARD AUXILIARY OFFERS VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS AND SAFE BOATING
CLASSES - A Vessel Safety Check is a complimentary check of your boat conducted by members of the Auxiliary, confirming that it meets both federal and state requirements for safety. No citations are issued, and the results of the safety check are not reported to any enforcement agency, but a decal is awarded to display when the vessel has passed the examination. The Vessel Safety Check (VSC) is performed at your boat, whether in a slip, at the launch ramp, or in your driveway, by a certified Vessel Examiner, at a mutually-convenient time. It usually takes 20-45 minutes, depending on the size of your boat. After successful inspection you are awarded a vessel safety check sticker which is affixed to your vessel near your state registration sticker. Call 727-898-1324 to find an inspector or go to www.cgaux.org/vsc/. Boating skills and Seamanship Programs ae presented by the USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla 72 each Tuesday night, 7:30-9:30 pm, 1300 Beach Drive, SE, St. Petersburg. Call 727-898-1324 for information or to go http://flotilla72registration.info to preregister. Completion satisfies the state of Florida boater safety education requirement. FLORIDA BOATER’S ID CARD - Don’t forget that “Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 is required to either have successfully completed a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating education course or have passed a course equivalency or temporary certificate examination and have in their possession a boating education ID card and a photo identification card before operating a vessel with a motor of 10 HP or more in Florida.” Identification cards for persons completing the course or the equivalency exam are good for a lifetime. Temporary Certificate exams are made available to the public through contractors. The temporary certificate is valid for 12 months from the issue date. Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs are presented by the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary, Flotilla 72 each Tuesday night, 7:309:30pm, 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. Call 727-898-1324 for information or visit www. tampabaysafeboating.com
“HOW TO USE GPS” - NEWEST ONLINE COURSE FROM THE BOATUS FOUNDATION - WWW.
BOATUS.ORG/GPS - If you’ve ever wondered about all of the features and functions on your boat’s GPS or chartplotter, this is your chance to learn by taking the newest online course from the BoatUS and the US Power Squadrons, How to Use GPS. Available for a $30 course fee at www.BoatUS.org/gps, the course makes learning easy as it can be taken anytime – at home, office, or the boat – and course takers to stop and return as their busy schedules permit. The course works well with any brand of marine GPS or chartplotter.
MARINE ENVIRONMENT AND ALCOHOL -
CLEARWATER - Most people are not aware of the very real, life threatening dangers associated with consuming alcohol and boating. Add boating stressors to those usual factors resulting from drinking alcohol, and a truly perilous condition is present. Drinking alcohol produces certain physiological responses that directly affect safety and well-being. Judgement and skills deteriorate, affecting peripheral vision, balance, and ability to process information. Physical performance and reaction time are reduced. Alcohol reduces depth perception, night vision, focus, and the ability to distinguish colors, especially red and green. Alcohol consumption can result in inner ear disturbance, which can make it impossible for a person suddenly immersed in water to distinguish up from down. Alcohol creates a sense of warmth and may prevent a person in cold water from getting out before hypothermia sets in. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary offers the acclaimed boating safety course, About Boating Safely. Classes begin the second weekend of every month. Please contact Leslie Long, Clearwater 11-1 Flotilla Commander at (727) 469-8895, auxboatingclass@gmail.com
SARASOTA FLOTILLA 82 OF THE USCG
AUXILIARY Florida law requires that any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, may not operate a vessel powered by a motor of 10 horsepower or greater unless such person has in his or her possession, aboard the vessel, photographic identification, a Florida boater safety identification card (or any other state’s boating card), and the registration for their vessel. Regarding the above law, which has been in effect for over a year, Flotilla 82 of the USCG Auxiliary, based in Sarasota, Florida (at Mote Marine) offers a 1-day course held on the last Saturday of each month. It starts at 9:00 am and completes at 5:00 pm. The course includes the USCG exam which, if passed, results in a Florida lifetime boating card/license. The cost for materials is $40 for the first member of a family and $10 each per additional family member. For more information, please call C. William Myers, Public Education, Flotilla 82, at 941-388-1033.
Mention you saw this announcement in the Florida Mariner, and receive 20% off!
SEA SCHOOL CLASSES: Jacksonville 904-722-
ST. PETE BEACH U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY
FLOTILLA 78 - *Contact for current Boating Skills and Seamanship Class Schedule. A 12week continuous Safe Boating Program (Boating Skills and Seamanship) every Tuesday, 7:00pm, 1500 Pass-A-Grille Way, St. Pete Beach--Start at your convenience. Arrive first time at 6:30pm to register. Included in this program are detailed and illustrated materials that cover the program topics. Auxiliary Boating Skills & Seamanship 400 page material package. $40 for 13 weeks ($55 if sharing the material). Families who boat together are encouraged to register to fully benefit from the safety aspects of this program in case of a disabled Captain. Call Jim at 727360-4846, or Warren at 727-321-7801, or Phil at 727-865-2226 for complete schedule and more information.
THE PORT ST. LUCIE ANGLERS CLUB - THURSDAY
OF EACH MONTH - The Port St. Lucie Anglers Club meets on the second Thursday of each month at the Port St. Lucie Botanical Gardens 2410 SE Westmoreland Blvd. The entrance to the facility is at the first stop light south of the intersection of Westmoreland Blvd. and Port St. Lucie Blvd. Each month we have a different topic about fishing the waters of the Treasure Coast. These informative and educational meetings will enhance your knowledge of the most productive techniques to fill you fish box and ways to ensure the conservation of this wonderful natural resource. The Club provides arrangements for Anglers to be paired up with boat owners in order to facilitate fishing opportunities. Upcoming fishing trips and Tournaments will be discussed. Club members traditionally also give us their latest Tall Tales of their fishing adventures so there are sure to be some surprises for all. The Public is invited without charge. Free coffee and donuts are served. Call Dave Brigida 772 834-7599 for more information or visit our Website at PSLANGLERS. COM. The fun starts at 7pm.
U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY 2020
BOATING SAFETY CLASS DATES - The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary announces their schedule of safe boating classes for 2020. The weekend class, called About Boating Safely, covers topics that include: • Know Your Boat • Before Getting Underway • Navigating the Waterways • Operating Your Vessel Safely • Legal Requirements • Boating Emergencies Individuals who successfully complete the course and exam meet the Florida boating certification requirements and are awarded certificates and wallet cards. Boaters born after January 1, 1988 must complete a National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved boating safety class to legally operate a boat or personal watercraft (PWC) in the state of Florida. Classes are located at 510 North Ft. Harrison Avenue, Clearwater, FL 33755. The fee for program materials, instruction and final exam is $40. To register for a class, go to www.clwboatingsafety.com or email our Public Education Officer at clwtr.auxboating@gmail. com or call 727-469-8895.
THE USCG AUXILIARY FLOTILLA 72, ST. PETERSBURG:
PADDLERS - Kayaks, Canoes, and SUPs are all considered to be vessels by the USCG and the State of FL and must follow all navigation and vessel requirements. Life Jackets and sound producing devices (whistles) are required for all on board. These water craft are low to the water & more difficult to see so bright clothing and paddles are recommended. Stay out of channels except to cross and mark your craft with your name & phone in the event that the get away from you, your dock or the beach. Boating Skills and Seamanship Programs are presented by the U.S.C.G. Auxiliary, Flotilla 72 each Tuesday night, 7:30-9:30pm, 1300 Beach Dr. SE, St. Petersburg. Call 727-898-1324 for information or visit www. tampabaysafeboating.com
