Boat Safely

Operator errors account for 70% of boating accidents, many fatal, according to the US Coast Guard. Recent calamities on lakes Norman and Wylie were the result of operator errors, one involving an experienced boater who apparently overlooked safety precautions, the other someone new to boating operating with little or no boating knowledge. Keep your passengers and crew – and yourself – safe: take a course.

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. Classes are available throughout the year and a list of locally-offered courses and providers can be found on page 44 of this issue of Pilot.

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
http://boatcourse.com

Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a number of states.

Boat/U.S. Foundation Courseline http://www.boatus.com/courseline/default.asp

The Courseline is a searchable database of current boating safety courses around the nation.

BoatEd
http://www.boat-ed.com/

Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a number of states.

BoaterExam.com
http://www.boaterexam.com/

Offers online boating safety courses with online certification tests for a number of states.

Boatsafe
http://boatsafe.com/

Offers an online Basic Boating Certification Course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, and a Coastal Navigation Course.

Commander Bob
http://www.commanderbob.com/

An award-winning website that advances boating education

PWC Safety School
http://www.pwcsafetyschool.com/

Offers online courses and certification for PWC operators in several states

Safe Boating America http://www.safeboatingamerica.com/

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 http://nasbla.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=1

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 http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/

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
http://www.sailingcourse.com/

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 http://www.americasboatingcourse.com/

“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 http://www.americancanoe.org/?page=Courses_SR

Comprehensive resource to find skills courses, assessments, and instructor certification courses for kayak, canoe, raft, safety & rescue, and adaptive paddling.