SafeBoating

UNITED STATES POWER SQUADRONS - AMERICA'S BOATING CLUB - FOR BOATERS, BY BOATERS -

Online Classes and seminars are listed at: https://americasboatingclub.org/learn/ available-online

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 SQUADRON - 941-795-0482; www.usps.org/ annamaria/ Facebook: www.facebook.com/ AnnaMariaIslandSailAndPowerSquadron/

CAPE CORAL POWER SQUADRON - 239549-9754, www.ccsaps.org, www.facebook. com/CCSAPS/ - In-depth Boating Course: Boat Handling - May 9 (Tue) 7:00pm.

CLEARWATER SAIL & POWER SQUADRON - 727-441-8775, https:// www.clearwaterpowersquadron. org/, www.facebook.com/ AmericasBoatingClubClearwater

America’s Boating Course (8 hr) June 3 (Sat) 8:00am.

FORT MYERS POWER SQUADRONCall (239) 945-6612, www.usps.org/index. php/sss-home, Email: samtico@hotmail. com

America's Boating Course - for information, contact us at the above number.

LAKELAND SAIL & POWER SQUADRONCall (863) 667-9047 www.americasboatingclublakeland.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/LakelandSPS/

America’s Boating Course (8 hr) June 24 (Sat) 8:00am.

MANATEE SAIL & POWER SQUADRONCall (941) 761-9444 www.manatee-squadron.org

Facebook: www.facebook.com/ManateeSail-Power-Squadron

America's Boating Course - for information, contact us at the above number.

MARCO ISLAND SAIL & POWER SQUADRON - Call (239) 213-8722, Website: www.marcoboatingclub. org, Facebook: www.facebook.com/ marcoislandsailandpowersquadron

NAPLES SAIL & POWER SQUADRON - 239643-8091. America's Boating Course - for information, contact us at the above number.

PEACE RIVER SAIL & POWER SQUADRON - 941-637-0766. www.puntagorda-boating. org America's Boating Course (12 hr) - April 29 (Sat) 8:30am.

SAN CARLOS BAY SAIL & POWER SQUADRON - 239-466-4040, www.scbps. com America's Boating Course (8 hr) - June 3 (Sat) 8:15am.

SANIBEL-CAPTIVA SAIL & POWER SQUADRON - 239-233-7380, www. sancapboating.club

SARASOTA SAIL & POWER SQUADRON(941) 953-7565. www.sarasota-boating.org

America's Boating Course (8 hr) June 19 (Mon) 7:00pm. In-depth Boating Course: Boat Handling - Aug 29 (Tue) 6:30pm.

ST. PETERSBURG SAIL & POWER SQUADRON - www.boating-stpete.org

TAMPA POWER SQUADRON - 813-8106914, tampaPS.org // America's Boating Course - for information, contact us at the above number.

VENICE SAIL & POWER SQUADRON - 941-

244-8331. www.usps.org/localusps/venice/

America’s Boating Course (8 hr) May 20 (Sat) 8:30am.

THE CAPTAIN SCHOOL - (941) 268-6622. BOATTUTORS.COM, ORANGE BEACH, AL. NIGHT CLASSES.

• May 1-13 - OUPV CAPTAINS CLASS

Gulf Shores, Al

• May 14-16 - Upgrade to Master 100 Ton

• May 16 - Assistance Towing

• May 13 - STCW CPR/Basic First Aid (call for time)

A VESSEL SAFETY CHECK - STUART - Despite numerous COVID-19 restrictions, more and more boaters are taking to the water to alleviate at-home boredom while taking advantage of the open-air benefits and more pandemic-free aspects of recreational boating. But if you haven’t been out boating in a while, are your vessel’s lights operating properly? Do you have a sufficient number of life jackets for the number of passengers aboard? Is your engine’s ventilation system up to par? To get you started on a new year boating adventure, now may be a perfect time to consider getting a 2022 Vessel Safety Check (VSC) offered by certified VSC examiners from the St. Lucie River Power Squadron, also known as America’s Boating Club of Martin County. These trained VSC examiners from the local squadron will point out safety features such as minimum requirements required by the U.S. Coast Guard, examine fundamental mechanical aspects of your vessel, and answer questions how you can have more fun safely on the water. These are just a few of the many discussion points covered in this voluntary examination. As an added plus, Vessel Safety Checks are free to boat owners. And if you don’t “pass muster” with the thorough examination, the summary report is yours and yours alone. No record of any possible deficiencies will be reported to the USCG, state agency or any other authority. Want to know more about this complimentary Vessel Safety Check program? Contact Peter Burns at (772) 486-2684 or burnspet@aol.com. St. Lucie River Power Squadron, one of more than 300 squadrons nationwide, also offers safe boating classes to the public. Check on their website, www.slrps.org, when classes will resume. Information about the parent organization is available at www.usps.org.

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 727898-1324 for information or to go http:// flotilla72registration.info to pre-register. 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.

BoatU.S. Foundation

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.

Commander Bob

An award-winning website that advances boating education

NauticEd

Offers a sailing course meeting the National On-Water 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.

BOAT AMERICA CLASSES – CLEARWATER, FLORIDA COAST GUARD AUXILIARY -

2023 - The Coast Guard urges recreational boaters, paddlers, anglers, and others to remain safe on the water by taking a Safe Boating Course. A safe boating class can teach about local boating, the value of wearing a life jacket, and several other lifesaving lessons. A boating safety course will teach the basic skills to operate a vessel safely. It includes the diverse types of boats, their capabilities, and how to choose the right boat for a particular maritime activity. Class members will also learn about various safety equipment and how to use them to avoid accidents. Before heading out onto the open water, it’s crucial to know how to read the weather since Florida is known for its sudden changes from lovely calm seas and winds to thunderstorms, torrential rains, and waterspouts. In the boating safety class, students learn methods for staying safe in any condition, including heavy winds, fog, and severe storms. Boating can be an excellent way to enjoy the outdoors and spend time with family and friends. But it’s essential to be aware of the potential dangers. A class will help the boater avoid being a statistic. It teaches how to handle a boat safely and what to do in an emergency. Finally, taking a boating safety course is a wonderful way to learn the rules and regulations, especially those unique to Florida. Novice and experienced boaters or even non-boaters can benefit from a safe boating course – as an initial learning experience or as a refresher. Regardless of experience level, taking a class is always a good idea. To continue offering these classes safely for the students and instructors, they are being offered on Zoom with the same instructors the student would have had in the classroom and allowing lots of questions and answers. Because the classes are on the Internet, there’s no commuting to a classroom –the students can be anywhere in Florida! Classes are $50 per student and include books, supplemental materials, and course completion certificates. The next classes begin in January and continue monthly. The whole class schedule and registration are at: www.clwboatingsafety.com/boaterclass-registration. Contact the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Clearwater Flotilla, for boating safety classes at: www.clwboatingsafety. com or by email at clwtr.auxboating@ gmail.com or call 727-469-8895.

BOATING SKILLS AND SEAMANSHIP

CLASSES - ST PETERSBURG - Presented 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 727-8981324 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.

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 904722-1400 or SeaSchool.com

ST. PETE BEACH U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY FLOTILLA 78 - U. S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY, FLOTILLA 78, ST. PETE BEACH, FL. Flotilla 78 offers a 12-week repeating cycle Safe Boating Program every Tuesday at 7:00PM. You can start at any point in the cycle. The program is based on USCG Auxiliary Boating Skills & Seamanship 14th Edition, Federal and State Boating Requirements. We offer free safety equipment check for Power Boats, Sail Boats, PWCs and Human Powered Vessels. A Vessel Safety Check Decal is awarded upon successful completion. Many boat insurance companies offer discounts to individuals who successfully complete this program. For more information call Tom at (727) 3671409 or Phil (727) 865-2226.

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.

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 727898-1324 for information or visit www. tampabaysafeboating.com

Please email your upcoming Safe Boating Courses ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE: ahoy@floridamariner.com

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