Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate.

Some insurance companies will also offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course.

TOPICS INCLUDE

Introduction to Boating – Types of power boats, boating vocabulary, sailboats, paddle boats, powering boats, and engine types.

Boating Law – Boat registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, Federal boating law, state boating law, and reporting accidents.

Safety Equipment – Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment.

Safe Operation and Navigation – Buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water.

Boating Emergencies – Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather.

Trailering – Types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer. Sports and Boating – Water-skiing, hunting and hunting gear, PWC operation, and other boating tips.

Sign up on the SCDNR website 

June 7th 2025

July 12th 2025

August 2nd 2025