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Boating Safety Course - 2008

Class Schedule TBD

This beginner boating class will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete America's Boating Course.

TOPICS INCLUDE

bulletIntroduction to Boating - Types of power boats; sailboats; outboards; paddle boats; houseboats; different uses of boats; various power boating engines; jet drives; family boating basics.
bulletBoating Law - Boat registration; boating regulation; hull identification number; required boat safety equipment; operating safely and reporting accidents; protecting the marine environment; Federal boat law; state boating laws; personal watercraft requirements.
bulletBoat Safety Equipment - Personal flotation devices ("life jackets"); fire extinguishers; sound-producing devices; visual-distress signals; dock lines and rope; first aid kit; anchors and anchor lines; other boating safety equipment.
bulletSafe Boating - Bow riding; alcohol and drug abuse; entering, loading, and trimming a boat; fueling portable and permanent tanks; steering with a tiller and a wheel; docking, undocking and mooring; knots; filing a float plan; checking equipment, fuel, weather and tides; using charts; choosing and using an anchor; safe PWC handling; general water safety.
bulletNavigation - The U.S. Aids to Navigation system; types of buoys and beacons; navigation rules (sometimes referred to as right-of-way rules); avoiding collisions; sound signals; PWC "tunnel vision."
bulletBoating Problems - Hypothermia; boating accidents and rescues; man overboard recovery; capsizing; running aground; river hazards; strainers: emergency radio calls; engine problems; equipment failures; carbon monoxide (CO); other boating and PWC problems.
bulletTrailering, Storing and Protecting Your Boat - Types of trailers; trailer brakes, lights, hitches, tires, and bearings; loading, balancing, and towing a trailer; towing (and backing) a trailer; boat launching and retrieving; boat storage and theft protection; launching, retrieving and storing a PWC.
bulletHunting and Fishing, Water-skiing and River Boating - Carrying hunting gear and weapons in a boat; fishing from a boat; water-skiing safety guidelines and hand signals; water-skiing with a PWC; navigating rivers, and other boating tips.

 

Vessel Safety Check (VSC)

Even if you pay careful attention to safety, dangerous mechanical problems can crop up on the best-maintained boat. That's why the U.S. Coast Guard recommends that all recreational boaters (including personal watercraft users) take advantage of the free Vessel Safety Check (VSC) program every year.

VSCs are offered by experienced members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. A VSC is your best way of learning about problems that might put you in violation of state or federal laws or, worse, create danger for you or your passengers on the water.

Vessel Safety Check Website                Virtual VSC

Online Vessel Safety Check
This fun, interactive program lets you find out if your boat or personal watercraft would pass a Vessel Safety Check, before you have one. It's easy and convenient to use!

Flotilla 15-08 Scheduled Vessel Safety Checks for 2008

Start Time on Vessel Exams will be 10:00 AM except where noted

Saturday May 24th - East Tawas DNR Ramp

Saturday May 31st - Oscoda DNR Ramp (Start Time 11:00 AM)

Saturday June 7th - AuGres DNR Ramp (Start Time 11:00 AM)

Saturday June 21st - Northport Marina

Saturday June 29th - Tawas Yacht Club (Start Time 11:00 AM)

Saturday July 12th - East Tawas DNR Ramp (Start Time 11:00 AM)

Contact Info

Lyle Orr (989) 654-2526        Janet Wisely (989) 362-0588        Frank Shillair (989) 362-4606

Don Adams (989) 876-7004        Harv Larabell (989) 615-7854

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Send mail to capt_harv@hughes.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Copyright © 2007 U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 15-08
This site has been approved by the FC and Members of Flotilla 15-08
Last modified: 05/13/08