The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 56 is offering a comprehensive Boating Safety Course on February 15, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at American Legion Post 39, located at 1535 Old Dixie Highway in Vero Beach, Florida.
This course is designed to educate boaters of all experience levels on essential safety practices and legal requirements.
The one-day course will cover a wide range of topics, including:
- Know Your Boat: Participants will learn about the different parts of a boat and essential boating terminology.
- Before You Get Underway: This section will cover pre-departure preparations such as float plans, fueling procedures, trailering, launching, and retrieving a vessel.
- Navigating the Waterways: The course will delve into navigation rules, night navigation and lights, aids to navigation, anchoring techniques, and navigating locks and dams.
- Operating Your Vessel Safely: Participants will learn about proper loading and trimming, handling and steering a vessel, docking, casting off, anchoring, personal watercraft (PWC) operations, environmental concerns, and on-the-water courtesy.
- Legal Requirements: The course will outline the legal aspects of boating, including age restrictions for operation, registration requirements, safety regulations, and state-specific laws.
- Boating Emergencies: This crucial section will cover risk management, how to handle boating accidents and personal injuries, responding to weather emergencies, and the proper procedures for getting help and assisting others in need.
The cost of the course is $25 per person. Teenagers can attend for free.
Attendants who successfully complete the class and pass the exam will receive certificates and a Florida State Boater’s ID card.
This class is a great chance for boaters to learn more and improve their skills, which helps everyone stay safer out on the water. Because space is limited, it’s a good idea to sign up soon.
For more information and to register, contact Jim Vaughn at 772-559-9549 or email him at Jimavaughn@gmail.