Safety courses are ready to give tuition to motor-driven boats, sailing boats, and PWC users, and it doesn’t matter the skill level of the person starting on the course because they are open to the complete beginner and progress through to the most advanced and knowledgeable.
They are essential for developing a variety of must-have skills relating to boating and navigation. And it is likely to be a choice of learning in a classroom environment or taking part in an online study course.
Boating safety courses are all-inclusive and cover a variety of topics, including:
- Boat handling: small boat safety, towing a skier, using an anchor, docking, “man” overboard, leaving a jetty, getting started, fueling your boat, and jet drives.
- Plus, this section is likely to give an overview of boating rules, such as risk of collision, rules for special vessels, boat traffic services, and stand-on or give way, traffic separation, conduct in narrow channels, basic considerations, and responsibility.
- Power the boat: learn about the types of marine engines, sprint fit-outs, maintenance, batteries, cooling systems, flame arresters, ignition systems, induction systems, and propellers.
- Boating equipment: the boat’s equipment, requirements for your boat, accident reports, substance abuse, and legal considerations.
Wide-ranging learning
A variety of courses are offered to the boating enthusiast aiming to enhance their seamanship, safety knowledge, and boating skills. A boating safety course might also consist of a PWC (also referred to as a Jet Ski or Waverunner) safety, understanding nautical charts, and GPS navigation. Many of the courses are tutored by an experienced yachts person to ensure a high level of teaching is provided.
Beyond the adult-orientated boat handling and safety courses, a variety of classes are offered for the younger boating enthusiasts, like those aged in the region of four to 12-years old.
Invest the time and resources into boat safety courses before actually using the boat on the open water. Leaning to handing a sail or motor-driven motor isn’t a simple process. A student needs a willingness to learn, as well as put in the effort and time. Attending in-person or online courses makes it easier to abide by safety rules and handle yourself in emergency situations.
Where to take a boat safety course
There are a variety of choices when it comes to signing up to a boat safety course, including:
- Check with the local state authorities to see what is available. Visit the official Department of Energy and Environmental Protection site. The department might vary state to state, but you typically want the department in charge of natural resources.
- Visit the website of several well thought-of services that offer boating safety courses (see below). A variety of boat education services can provide this service.
- Check with the Coast Guard Auxiliary office or the Coast Guard.
Whether using the online or in-person course, make sure a preferred course is state approved and complies with the local rules and regulations.
Boating safety courses online:
- Boat Ed
Kalkomey Enterprises, Inc.
14086 Proton Road, Dallas, Texas 75244
Tel: (800) 830-2268
www.boat-ed.com - BoatU.S.
www.boatus.org - American Boating Education
PO Box 29, Mechanicsville, VA 23111
Tel: (877) 677-2628
www.boatcourse.com - BOATERexam.com
www.boaterexam.com - PWC Safety School
www.pwcsafetyschool.com
Benefits of a boat safety course
Even though it isn’t necessary to hold a boat safety certificate to get a boating license, there are still many reasons to look at signing up and completing one in the spare time.
Practical benefits of completing a boating safety and handling course:
- Have knowledge of the local rules and regulations that apply on inshore and offshore waters.
- Get a better appreciation of the environment and boating.
- Get first-hand practice and supervision of the techniques and skill to control a boat.
- Reduce the cost of the annual boat insurance.
On completion of a recognized boat safety or handling course it might well be possible to receive a discounted premium when it comes to arranging the marine insurance. Many of the insurance companies prefer courses associated with the NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators).
Investing in a well-rounded boat safety starter or refresher course goes a long way to preventing injuries or accidents, and makes certain a helmsman is that much more confident in handling a vessel at sea or mooring up.