Public Education (PE)

Public Education

Updated Boating Safety Education Requirements (myFWC.com)

Anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, who operates a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or more must pass an approved boater safety course and have in his/her possession photographic identification and a boating safety education identification card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.

Boat America Course

The foundation of any good boater is understanding the basic knowledge of how to boat safely. Our boating safely course is geared for the novice boater as well as the seasoned boater who has never had a boating safety course, and those who feel that their skills could use a refresher. Classroom education is applicable to both the teenager as well as adults.

At the successful completion of this class, you will have the basic knowledge and foundation required to obtain the Florida Safe Boating ID card. You will be issued certificates of completion and we will apply to the FWC to have them send you your Florida Boaters' ID.

Most boating insurance companies offer discounts to boaters who successfully complete this boating safety course.

The Boat America Course topics are:

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; protecting the marine environment; 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; docking, undocking and mooring; 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; engine problems; equipment failures; carbon monoxide (CO); other boating and PWC problems.

Trailering, Storing and Protecting Your Boat

Types of trailers; trailer brakes, lights, hitches, tires, and bearings; loading, balancing, and towing a trailer; towing (and backing) a trailer; boat launching and retrieving; boat storage and theft protection; launching, retrieving and storing a PWC.

All sections are taught by experienced instructors with many years of boating. During the class, local knowledge information, fishing information and boating stories will be interjected. A free Vessel Safety Check will also be offered.

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Public Education (PE)

Public Education