Coast Guard Auxillary Boaters' Safety Class

H

handmeawrench

New member
I just attended a one-day boater's safety class put on by the USCG Auxillary and have to say it was fantastic. The absolute wealth of knowledge in attendance there (no, I don't mean me) was astounding.

There was great literature to take home, an excellent presentation, great presenters and a real atmosphere of learning. I have to say...I learned WAY more than I imagined I would, and generally had a very pleasant experience.

Plus, it was only $10! If you find the time, I highly recommend it. Great job, Flotilla F78.
 
These classes are OK for a basic level of boating.

I've found the real meat for helpful knowledge 'out there' comes from taking courses in 'weather' (Annapolis, MITAGS - east coast). And, lot can be said for just going out and doing it, learning by your mistakes keeping in mind the sea is a lousy teacher as first you get the test and, then perhaps, learn the lesson...

Aye.
 
I just attended a one-day boater's safety class put on by the USCG Auxiliary and have to say it was fantastic.... There was great literature to take home, an excellent presentation, great presenters and a real atmosphere of learning. I have to say...I learned WAY more than I imagined I would, and generally had a very pleasant experience.
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I agree -- USCG Auxiliary provides excellent support for recreational boaters. Seamanship is a learned trade that is a combination of training and experience. Years ago when I used to teach sailing out of Berkeley (in the wind tunnel just inside of San Francisco's Golden Gate area -- affectionately referred to as 'the slot' -- an area with little room for forgiveness) we used to teach our students according to one guiding principle: the superior mariner is one who never puts him or herself into a position to have to use his or her superior skills.

Having a meaningful foundation in safe boating (what to avoid, how to properly use safety equipment), proper navigation, currents and hazards, etc. will make your day on the water that much more fun. Strategies as simple as having a checklist to remind you to check the plug, the operability of your bilge pumps, the integrity of your coolant hoses (on inboards) etc will greatly reduce the likelihood that you'll end up in a Youtube video, or worse, on the nightly news. I learned this lesson the hard way: always keep an independent water alarm with float switch if you have covered bilges.
 
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