New to boating? Never had a safety course?

[BobGinCO]

Take the online (and free) boating safety course!

Free Official Online Boating Safety Course From The BoatUS Foundation

It saved me $70 per year on my insurance!

 

[JoLin]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

I'm going to disagree with you- not about taking a course (everybody should), but about taking an online course if there's a 'classroom' alternative.

I'm a member of the U.S. Power Squadrons, and boater education is the reason we exist. IMO, there's no substitute for classroom instruction in your own area. You'll learn much about your local waters and boating conditions, from people who DO it every season. A classroom setting also promotes questions and discussions that can reveal much about best practices and situations that may be unique to your boating area.

Before taking the online courses, I'd check with USPS, CG Auxiliary and local law enforcement where you live. AND use those organizations to get yourself a free boat safety inspection before you hit the water for the season.

My .02

 

[BobGinCO]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

I'm going to disagree with you- not about taking a course (everybody should), but about taking an online course if there's a 'classroom' alternative.

Excellent suggestion! An educated boater is a safer boater. I don't know if I have a classroom alternative here in Colorado, but any time you can get specific and usable local information to reinforce the curriculum, it's a plus.

 

[OllieC]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

I took a Boaters Ed course on-line. It was $20 after I passed. It took me a total of about 6 hours and I got a 98% on my test. I learned a few things.

I agree with JoLin, however idle hands in the Wintertime trumped waiting until Spring for a class. I may continue my education with a Navigation class or something along those lines because it interests me.

 

[Natty Light]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

I have been taking it 30 minutes a day over the last few days. Very informative and I have learned plenty just half way through. The save feature is nice. The course is long and i don't have 3-4 hours in one span.

 

[BRICH1260]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

I was able to take a Boating Saftey Course online through my states (IN) DNR website for free. It was sanctioned by NASBLA. Once completed I mailed a certificate of completion and received a card to carry. Probably not as good as an actual class but I did learn some things.

 

[JoLin]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

I may continue my education with a Navigation class or something along those lines because it interests me.

Another good reason to join USPS. Aside from the boater safety class, I've taken subsequent 8-week courses in Seamanship, Piloting, Engine Maintenance and Marine Electronics/Electrical Systems. We offer courses in beginner and advanced Navigation and Weather, too.

We have a dozen or so boating friends (all members) that we boat with all summer at weekend raftups and trips to various destinations on Long Island and Fire Island. Our chapter's (Captree Power Squadron) members own everything from a 17' bowrider to a 38' Trojan offshore. The amount of knowledge you pick up just from hanging with these people is staggering. Lotta fun, too- collectively the nicest folks we've ever known.

 

[Capt Sully]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

I took the online course to study and learn, then I went to a class at our lake. The best part was the interactive discussions and meeting new friends. I aced the test, because I studied before hand. I wish all boaters would take the course.

 

[OllieC]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

Thanks JoLin.
My local West Marine guy was trying to talk me into joining the St. Paul Sail and Power Squadron. I just joined my Marina's Yacht Club in St. Paul. That is something I'll definitely consider. I'm looking at there site now........

 

[tanuki]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

Online boating safety courses and certificates obtained from online courses, such as the one offered by the BoatU.S. Foundation, are NOT recognized by the state of New Jersey, New Jersey State Police and on-water enforcement officers. You must take a proctored class room course and exam approved by the New Jersey State Police in order to receive an official New Jersey boating safety certificate. So just check your state laws.....

 

[GA_Boater]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

I took a Power Squadron classroom course almost 20 years ago and use the knowledge gained every time i go out. I take a free BoatUS on-line course occasionally, mainly for a refresher on laws. There is no comparison. There are so many areas the on-line courses never touch. For example navigation - With a compass and chart I can find my way around if my electronics belly up. So many other things are taught. I highly recommend taking a Power Squadron course or any classroom training.

EDIT - Forgot to mention that Chapman Piloting was included in the PS course. Now that is a well used book in my library.

 

[sasto]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

That's one of the great things about boating. We will never understand it totally. I have been through countless courses (thanks for all you do, John) either online, CG, fellow experienced boaters, and then Chapmans School for a Captain's license. These will never make you a pro.......but....hang around some old salts and listen to their stories. Anybody can take a boat out....I commend the ones that return from facing obstacles and all aboard are safe and happy. Ya' wanna be serious about your boating skills? Never stop studying. Heck.... I even study for a 3 hour cruise!

 

[Home Cookin']

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

I have lived on the water all my life. If i don't learn something new EVERY time I go out, I wasn't paying attention.

I'm glad they make people take boater safety courses but as noted here, and especially as to on-line courses, they do not make someone a boater. The danger--to the rest of us--is the false sense of security, or "delusions of competence" that the novic eboater gets with his on-line course, then he proceeds off in a power boat into dangerous situations.

Live classes and spending time in a boat with an experienced boater on board are the way to go. Also, anyone can drive a boat in fair conditions; the wise boater tests his skills and his boat's handling at every safe opportunity against adverse conditions.

 

[Biggredd]

Re: New to boating? Never had a safety course?

well I just took the online course and it was great. I'm sure there is no replacement for classroom teaching but this shouldn't be ignored either. I thought it was very insightful.