Coast Guard Auxiliary Safe Boating Course

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers safe boating courses that provide instruction to boaters at all levels, from the fundamental to the advanced. Our courses are taught by experienced and knowledgeable instructors committed to the highest standards of the U.S. Coast Guard. In most states, it is required by law that all operators of power boats to take an approved boating safety class.

About Boating Safety is the Auxiliary’s basic safe boating class. This course will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in New Jersey.About Boating Safety is required by the State of New Jersey to operate a boat on the waters of New Jersey. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete About Boating Safely.

COURSE 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; 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; 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; equipment failures; other boating and PWC problems.

To register and for more information, call Terri Pierce at 609-576-8955 or email lutzw167@aol.com.

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