The US Power Squadrons (USPS) have produced a boating safety course suitable for any student's situation. This nationally approved class may be taken in a traditional classroom sitting, on-line or through use of an included interactive CD-ROM. Students taking the course at a distance can arrange to take a formal written test on the material mastered by contacting the USPS.
America's Boating Course (ABC) is broken into seven chapters with information on how to operate your vessel safely.
- Know Your Boat - Basic terminology on the arts of powerboats, personal watercraft, and sailboats. Hull shapes and types are addressed as well.
- Before You Get Underway - Useful information on boat capacity, float plans, trailering, fueling, maintenance, and Vessel Safety Checks. Helpful boating accessories are discussed for ensuring a safe and successful trip.
- Navigating the Waterways - Navigation for boaters and practical seamanship. Sound signals, navigation lights and rules, and aids to navigation are described.
- Operating Your Vessel Safely - Suggestions for responsible boat operation and handling. Topics covered include courtesy on the water, and anchoring and mooring techniques.
- The Legal Requirements of Boating - Descriptions of vessel certification, registration, and identification numbers. Includes an in-depth explanation of Federal boating safety equipment requirements.
- Boating Emergencies What to Do - Introduction to the concept of risk management and decision making for recreational boaters. Areas covered included falling overboard, PFD use, water rescue, boat fires, hypothermia and cold water injuries, adverse weather, distress signals, and calling for help.
- Enjoying Water Sports With Your Boat - This chapter covers environmental responsibilities for vessel operators and how to pursue water based recreational activities in an ecologically friendly manner. Water sports addressed include swimming, scuba diving, water skiing, paddle sports, windsurfing, hunting, and fishing.
Taking the ABC program at home or in a formal classroom is an investment in your future enjoyment of boating. You can see we have discussed many of these safety topics at Boating and Sailing. ABC would be a great gift for the Christmas holidays, a birthday, or the celebration resulting from the purchase of a new boat. Cost for the course is $34.95.
Alan Sorum - Alan Sorum is the Maritime Operations Project Manager for the Prince William Sound Regional Citizens' Advisory Council (PWSRCAC). Alan is ...
