Boating Course

Jeff and Julie · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 11:34 am Post subject: Boating Course

What kind of boating classes would you recommend for first time boat owners? We have taken a small safety course but would really like something on understanding tides, currents, etc. We mainly just boat around Commencement bay area but I am starting to worry about not knowing these things. Then, when we get the C-Dory, we can start making those bigger trips!

Thanks,
Julie

Captains Cat · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:01 pm Post subject:

Julie, the USCG Aux offers some very good courses. Perhaps that safety course you took was their 8 hour course. The next good one for you to take would be the "Boating Skills and Seamanship" course which is 6-13 lessons long. Then, the
basic Coastal Navigation one and even the Advanced Coastal Navigation one would be excellent. The list of courses can be found here and there's a way to look at what's offered when in the State of WA along with specific points of contact. Good luck!

Click on the "Boating Courses" block on the left side of this page and then follow the link to "WA"

http://www.cgaux.org/cgauxweb/public/pubframe.htm

Charlie

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jimandlaurie · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 1:57 pm Post subject:

Guess this is a good time for me to tout our local boating club in the South Sound.. the Tacoma Outboard Association,TOA, also puts on the U.S power Squadron and USCGAUX Course at our club house at various times. Our safety officer is a US CG Officer, and helps with this course. For other details about TOA just check out the Website if you like www.tacomaoutboardassociation.com
Jim

Captains Cat · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 2:05 pm Post subject:

Jim, not sure why TOA isn't listed as a course site on the USCG Aux website, it should be. Whoever does that stuff should see if they can get there, should bring in some more customers! Great TOA site by the way.

Charlie

Jeff and Julie · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 2:31 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info. It looks like the course we would like to take is the skills and seamanship class.
Jim, Can you take the classes at your location without being a member of TOA? The reason that I ask is because we just signed up to store/launch our boat at Foss Landing so we wouldn't need the launch privileges but your location would be much better than Seattle.

Thanks,
Julie

jimandlaurie · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 2:55 pm Post subject:

I'll Check with the Leadership there and find out for you Jeff & Julie!
Thanks for the compliments on the Club too!!

Rock-C · Posted: Tue Feb 01, 2005 6:22 pm Post subject:

Jim
Thanks for the link to TOA. Wish I lived a little closer. Looks like a nice setup.
What can you tell me about the Tall Ships? I would like to come up and check that out. Very Happy

jimandlaurie · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:30 pm Post subject:

Jeff & Julie,and all ,
The Boating Safety Course given at Tacoma Outboard Association,TOA is open to anyone.
Star

Membership is not a requirement. Star

So come one ,come all. I will post dates when they will be scheduled. As a rule they are usually on Saturday's at the TOA Clubhouse, and are a 1 day, 8 hour course.

C-Hawk · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 2:47 pm Post subject:

Jeff-
Check with the United States Power Squadron in your area.
www.usps.org
They have some good classes.

Jeff and Julie · Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2005 4:00 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the info Jim and Roger. We would be interested in taking several classes. We will look for future postings and also look into the power squadron offerings.

Jeff and Julie