Boating Safety Course Descriptions

Recreational Boating Safety

Topics include:

ARE YOU IN NEED OF A BOATING SAFETY CLASS? See if you can answer these 10 questions pertaining to boating topics and safety. If you have trouble answering these, you are probably a good candidate to attend a boating safety class.

Click on the following link to take the short boating quiz: Boating Quiz (10 questions)

EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR BOAT. Requirements for your boat; your boat's equipment; legal considerations; substance abuse; boating accident reports; Vessel Safety Checks.

TRAILERING YOUR BOAT. Legal considerations; practical considerations; the towing vehicle; balancing the load; handling your trailer; pre-departure checks; preparing to launch; launching; retrieving; storing your boat and trailer; theft prevention; Zebra mussels; float plan.

HANDLING YOUR BOAT. Leave with a full tank; fueling your boat; your boat's propellor; cars and boats; twin screws; jet drives; loading your boat; getting started; leaving a pier; "man" overboard; docking; mooring to a permanent anchor; anchoring; towing a skier; heavy weather; small boat safety.

YOUR "HIGHWAY" SIGNS. Protection of ATONs; buoyage systems; waterway marks; how waterways are marked; light characteristics; chart symbols; light structures; lights on bridges; electronic aids to navigation; a word to the wise; navigation publications.

THE RULES YOU MUST FOLLOW. Two sets of rules; to whom do the rules apply; what is a vessel; the general responsibility rule; general considerations; conduct in narrow channels; traffic separation schemes; vessel traffic services; stand-on or give-way; rules for special vessels; risk of collision; bend signals; restricted visibility; vessel lights and shapes; vessels at anchor; diving operations; distress signals; drawbridge signals; penalties.

The one day About Boating Safely class is an 8 hour (8 AM –5 PM) NASBLA certified boating safety course taught by volunteer instructors from the Coast Guard Auxiliary. This is an entry-level class and is aimed at the inland boater. Old salts will also benefit from the class since it includes the latest information on Georgia law and Coast Guard policy. This is a classroom only course and does not include on-the-water instruction. You will receive a workbook to keep for your reference after the class is over.

Complement your "classroom" work with a 4-hour session on the water with certified instructors, Coast Guard Auxiliary Coxswain and Crew.

The GPS for Mariners is a 1-session program presented on a Saturday. It is a modern learning experience that focuses on the GPS equipment typically owned by the recreational boater. Bring your OWN GPS unit to the class, and spend the time in this session learning how to properly use the equipment.

Most insurance companies recognize this safety training and offer a discount on your boat policy. Check with your agent to confirm.

Course Schedules

For more information contact FSO-PE Paul Bartoszewicz. New Auxiliary members are also welcome.

2010 Public Education Course Schedule:

Course Fees

2010 Public Education Course Fees:

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