Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

[PaulyV]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

The local Harris Chain Power Squadron http://www.harrischain.org/ offers the basic boater's safety course and offer various courses throughout the year. Most of the reputable local dealers throw in a basic safety course when you buy a boat from them. They'll then let the State know you successfully completed the course so you'll get your state issued Safety card. Not mandatory in Florida yet, but it's only a matter of time. Mine came with my Glastron!!!

It is mandatory in CT. Or you get a nice $145.00 ticket if boating without a certificate

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

i have taken several over the years, learn something new every time. my sister and bro in law, are presently taking the 13 week USCG course, in Daytona, cheap $100.00 for a couple. my complete family has their certificates.

 

[skipthis]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

I?m 62 years old and have been boating a long time, but a friend of mind asks me if I had ever thought about joining the power squadron because he and I were talking about cursing the ICW and maybe going to the Keys in our boats.
It turns out the power squadron go on cruises all the time in a group of six or more boats (safety in numbers) so I joined and took the safety course and I learned a lot in that course and had so much fun that I took a seamanship course and the test for that is graded by the coastguard, I passed that test and I'm planning on take a navigator course. After that who knows.
when you join the power squadron you can take a lot of these classes for free.
I'm a member of the lake Murry power squadron in Lexington,SC.

 

[jspringator]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

USPS basic course, and passed the Seamanship course. I want to re-activate my USPS membership and take more.

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

I was taught how to boat by my grandfather who was a career Navy man, first as a gunner's mate on P.T. Boats in WWII and later as a Chief Petty Officer. You haven't taken any lessons in seamanship until they've been taught by a U.S. Navy Chief!! I also suplemented with USCG courses and USPS courses later in life to get the certificates.

 

[magillacuddy]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

I recently took one online, which was recognized by my insurance to get a slightly better rate. And it was helpful info, but nothing new as I have taken several courses in the past (but its good to brush up)

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

You'd think by my handle that I'm an old pro with boats, but the truth is my father was a Navy officer who knew lots about ships, but we never owned a boat in the family. Moved too often to make owning one worthwhile.

So, I'm the first boat owner in the family. Newbie last year. Took Power Squadron safe boating course before taking delivery of our new boat (retirement present from me to wife and me). Very proud of certificate; laminated it and put it in the glove box on the boat.

Best $55 boating investment I ever made.

So far, so good. Had the boat on the water over 30 times last season. Each time I launched it I was scared silly. Hope I never lose that feeling...

 

[ebry710]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

The State of California has a great deal. They give you a book to read and a series of test questions that. The book is real comprehensive. You sent in the scantron test sheet and they give you a certificate. My insurance company (Farmers) gave me a boaters discount for passing.

 

[DJ]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

Yes.

Working on my 'Captains" license. Why, I don't know but somehing I always wanted to do.

School? I'll disclose, when in hand.

 

[rolmops]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

I wanted my son to go and the only way to make him go was by joining myself.
It was great for him.As for me,these courses are not geared for retired naval commandos.

 

[ebry710]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

Yes.

Working on my 'Captains" license. Why, I don't know but somehing I always wanted to do.

School? I'll disclose, when in hand.

If I had time I would do that also ......and for the same reason.

 

[cbavier]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

Yes absolutly four years ago and I'm thinking it might be a good idea for me to do it again this spring just as a refresher.

 

[dan t.]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

been boating for close to 50 years ( dad took us out on the river when we were kids) took the Power Squadron course 10 years ago,got my VHF licence 4 years ago, all good stuff, that big salt water is no place for the unprepared,or fools or drunks and I have seen all 3 and rescued a couple

 

[Hechtjaeger]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

In Europe every country with the exception of Sweden and Norway require a drivers license for any boat with a motor greater than 5hp! These courses run a minimum of 3 weeks and cost about $900 including the on boat training. Actually there are two licenses, one for inland waters and the other for coastal waters. The coastal license has a very indepth section on navigation, the inland license does not have this. The coastal license is NOT good for inland waters and the inland license is not good for the coast. The test is in German (for Germany) and over 700 questions/answers must be learned for the 50 question test that is hand written (not multiple guess). One question can be answered wrong and zero wrong answers are allowed in the navagation portion.

The number of idiots on the water is less than in the USA, as a special police force is on the water daily and the rules are vigerously enforced with HUGE fines.

In the USA, many States offer a boating safety course "online".

 

[mthieme]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

In the USA, many States offer a boating safety course "online".

I agree with where you were heading. I work for a local govt. and unfortunately understand the morons that are tasked with coming up with kinda stuff.

The online test covers such critical topics such as "when does fog form?" and, "How do you properly store a canoe?"
One of my favorites is "What should you do immediately if a boat motor catches on fire?".
a. Signal for help.
b. Shut off the fuel supply.
c. Abandon the boat.
d. Grab a fire extinguisher.
Well, let's see now, if my hydroplane catches fire, I've got a 3 gallon bomb between my feet. No extinguisher required much less anywhere to mount one. No fuel shut off per se. The ensuing smoke does make for a good signal as witnessed several times through the years.
Gee, can't I just stay put and get my Viking funeral?

 

[RWilson2526]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

These courses run a minimum of 3 weeks and cost about $900 including the on boat training.

Man I bet that would weed out the riff-raff.

 

[Clam Biter]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

I started a Power Squadron coarse in Key West in 1970, but half way through the class I started Night school and had to drop out. I have,though, taken small boat operators tests and passed at: 1. Naval Station, Key west, 2. Charleston Naval station, and 3. Norfolk Naval Station Willoby Point Sailing club. Just for grins I took a CGAUX BS&S test. Passedthat too. I have taken two of Californias Boating courses and have yet to receive a certificate.

 

[stubbsboogie]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

Absolutley!
I took the USCG class for the first time a few years ago before I was even a boat owner. I sometimes drive a boat for work. We have to retake the class every two years for their insurance purposes, which works out great for me because it is free and I get to learn new stuff each time. And now that I am a two boat family it is really paying off in knowledge and in insurance costs for me.
I've got a pretty card and everything.

 

[bman1bpm]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

I live in maryland, I took the class online, but I have friends who had to sit in on the class, they changed it to an online thing not long ago here. My uncle in connecticut had to sit in for a class for boating.
My favorite thing about the maryland law is, if you were born before july 1, 1972 you do not need to have a boaters safety certificate. So apparently if you were born before that you possess inherent boating abilities, now for that guy born july 2,1972..sorry bout your luck!

 

[jakebrake]

Re: Has anyone out there actually taken a Boating Safety course?

fellow power squadron member here. taking the course because i'm required, although i "self-educated" to a point that the course isn't something i need. I took an online course, and decided, "ah, what the heck" and am taking it in person as well. safety is not an option. when you bail out some joker who runs aground, they will owe you a debt of gratitude. they will also be obliged to listen to what you have to say. they may buy you a beer (or in my case coffee), and the course will be a great thing to bring up. tell them "this time, pay attention" and know you did the right thing.

you may even save a life.