Boat America -- A Course on Responsible Boating

Boat America is a basic boating safety class that satisfies the basic boating safety educational requirement for issuance of a Florida Boater Safety I.D. Card (a.k.a. "bobber card" or "boater's license"), which is required for anyone born after January 1, 1988 to operate a power-driven vessel.  The course also satisfies the requirements of many boating clubs, marinas, etc., and some insurance companies will also offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course.

Suddenly In Command

The captain becomes incapacitated or falls overboard; you purchase a new boat and step aboard for the first time. You are Suddenly In Command. This 4-hour boating safety primer is designed for those not generally at the helm, and will help you to “be prepared” with the basics in case of an emergency. You will learn about your vessel, including nomenclature and operating principles including starting the engine. Also included are descriptions of what causes boating mishaps and how to minimize them, basic boat handling and what equipment should be on board. Literature contains many horror stories about a passenger, who does not know how to start the engine or operate the radio, watching in horror as a strong wind blows the boat away faster than a captain who has fallen overboard can swim. Misfortune occurs in seconds, and you have the rest of your life to be grateful that you knew what to do because you were prepared.

G.P.S. for Mariners

The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's GPS for Mariners (GPSFM) course focuses on the GPS equipment typically owned by the recreational boater. While the presentation allows boaters to bring and use their already-owned hand-held GPS units to class, it will also teach those who do not own their own hand-held GPS unit to learn how to use one.

 

Paddler's Guide to Safety 

Paddler’s Guide to Safety has been prepared by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in cooperation with the American Canoe Association. It is designed as a stand-alone course that can precede or supplement on-the-water experience.

The objective for this course is for novice paddlers to be aware of the basic issues and needs for paddling safety, the basic equipment they should have, and to provide some info about paddling that will help them be a more knowledgeable and safer paddler.