U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 81, Spokane Washington

  

 
   

America's Boating Course
Being taught by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary of Spokane Washington
 

America's Boating Course, Taught by the Spokane Flotilla USCGA If you are interested in an exciting, in-depth boating safety course, check out America's Boating Course.  Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete America's Boating Course. This beginner boating class will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states.

 

America's Boating Course can be taken in any of four ways:

  • On the Internet
  • Studying An 80-Page Course Manual
  • CD-ROM
  • Classroom Presentation and Discussion

 

No matter how you like to learn, when you sign up and get a book, you'll receive a complete package which includes the course manual, the boating course CD, and a PIN number giving you access to the Internet course.

The course manual, CD and online course contain identical material. This boating safety course is fun and very thorough.

 

The Spokane Flotilla Presentation consists of an 8-hour course which includes the additional training requirements for the Washington Mandatory Boater Education Law.  The course is usually a one day session, however the the boating education course can be taught in two 4-hour or four 2-hour sessions.  Contact the Spokane Flotilla for additional info.

 

 

TOPICS INCLUDE

  • Introduction to Boating - Types of power boats; sailboats; outboards; paddle boats; houseboats; different uses of boats; various power boating engines; jet drives; family boating basics.

  • Boating 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.

  • Boat 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.

  • Safe 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.

  • Navigation - 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."

  • Boating 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.

  • Trailering, 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.

  • Hunting 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.

 

       Pricing: $35 (book included) for one person, no charge for the 2nd person in same household.

       Collage pricing:  $10 for collage fee and $30 for book.

       Group pricing($250 minimum): $25 with book, $10 without book

       Coast Guard Auxiliary: Spokane Flotilla Members are free...  Interested in joining Flotilla 81?

 

        For more information: 509-326-1295