Safe Boating FAQ- Why taking a live course matters
Safe Boating Class FAQ
Does the Lansing Flotilla of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offer safe boating classes?
Yes, we offer our classes two different ways.
- First, we have specific dates on which classes will be held. These are usually offered in the early spring prior to the beginning of boating season. These dates are tentative and contingent on how many people sign up. We do not run the course for less than eight attendees.
- Second, we bring the training to you and your organization. Boating safety experts will come to your location and deliver the training to your group. All you needed to do is organize your group, a location and time. Contact us to schedule one of our experts come to your location.
Why should I attend a safe boating course?
There are a lot of great reasons to attend a boating safety course. First and foremost is safety. Operating a boat safely requires skills, knowledge and attitude. Depending on the circumstances, you may be legally required to have successfully completed a safe boating course. This is particularly true for young people.
Are there legal requirements related to taking a safe boating class?
Yes, Michigan has very specific laws about who is authorized to operate boats and personal watercraft. Michigan laws states the following:
- A person born on/after July 1, 1996 may operate a boat only if they have been issued a boating safety certificate and have it on board the boat.
- For anyone born AFTER Dec 31, 1978, it is illegal to operate a PWC unless you have obtained a Boating Safety Certificate.
Who can attend a safe boating class?
Anyone from the age of 10 on up. Young people are highly encouraged to attend since many of Michigan's boating laws are very specific to them.
I have heard that boating safety classes are offered online. Should I take an online course?
This is a great question. The content that is delivered online and the content that is delivered by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are essentially the same. In fact, you can go through the online content for free. However, to get your certification you will need to take an online exam. More importantly, the exam will cost you $30.00.
When you take the course through your local U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, you have a highly trained instructor and experienced boater who can provide you with the knowledge you need to pass the test, and insight and personal experience to answer questions. Additionally, the test is administered at the end of the course and safe boating certificates are issued to those that pass.
The online class has an accompanying exam that you take for $30.00. Do you do the testing?
Unfortunately, we do not do the testing for other organizations because we cannot be held accountable for what was (or was not) taught by another organization, nor do we know what you did or did not learn through the online course.
You say your course takes about eight hours, why does it take so long?
The course includes both instruction and the certification test. We allocate enough time to accomplish both. Furthermore, we provide a more comprehensive overview of the subject matter so that you are fully prepared not only for the test, but for being safe on the water.
Are there other reasons why taking the course live through the local USCG Auxiliary is a better option?
Yes, consider the following:
Cost/Value Ratio: Because Auxiliary members are volunteers, costs are equal or may be lower than the online course, but you get a real person to answer questions.
Knowledge Gain: Educational research shows that meaningful learning is divided into 3 distinct categories. Referred to as the 70/20/10 Model it delineates the sources of learning as:
- 70% from experience
- 20% from social engagement and interaction with other
- 10% from Reading and/traditional methods
While the online course will cover the 10% since it is mostly reading or clicking -through some animations. The live course will provide higher a level of learning ( up to 90% ?) through the social interaction with the instructor and classmates as well as certain hands on activities and the direct sharing of the experiential knowledge from the instructors that is not available in the online course.
Simply, you will get more value from the live course.
Remember it is not the Boating Safety Certificate that is important; it is having the skills and knowledge to operate a vessel legally and safely on the water.
How can I learn more about the safe boating classes that you offer?
To learn more, please contact the Flotilla Commander by clicking on the "About" menu item in the top left.