
Plotting a Navigation Course – Boating Skills & Seamanship Class PHOTOS BY LAURIE HARRIS
USCG Auxiliary, Flotilla Staff Officer, Public Affairs
As we enter another season, Flotilla 95 has introduced the 2016 schedule for the Safe Boating Classes.
For over 40 years now, Flotilla 95 has been offering safe boating programs on Marco Island. The mission of the Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety program is to minimize loss of life, personal injury and property damage and to prevent negative environmental impact associated with the use of recreational boats.
Flotilla 95’s educational programs for 2016 will achieve their mission by making relevant programs available to the boating public.
Boating Skills & Seamanship
This course covers a variety of important topics and provides information that will help attendees become better boaters. Topics covered include: rules of the road, “highway” signs, equipment, boat handling, boating laws, safety, navigation, radio, lines & knots and weather. The four-week course meets twice a week (Mondays and Thursdays) from 7-9:30 PM. A textbook is provided. The class dates for

Instructor Joe Riccio – Hands on instruction with Ann Catalano
Boaters Local Knowledge – Marco Island Area
This course provides practical information on how to navigate various waterways in and around Marco Island. Aerial and on-water photos are used throughout the course and allow attendees to actually see the areas they will be taking their boats through. This course is recommended for new, novice and intermediate boaters, or boaters who are new to this area. Classes will be held at 9 AM to 12:30 PM on January 25, March 21, and October 31; and at 6-9:30 PM on February 22.
Boater’s Local Knowledge Backwater Edition – 10,000 Islands Area
This course begins where Boater’s Local Knowledge ends, and provides those who want to explore the backwaters of the 10,000 Islands with the information they will need to safely navigate this unique area. Geography, tides and other

Rose Marina again donates rental boats for On the Water training.
GPS for Mariners
This course focuses on hands-on practical exercises with a Global Positioning Unit (GPS). Attendees are each given a Garmin 72 hand-held unit for their personal use during the course, and will learn how to use it. The course is presented over 2 days, 3 hours per day. Class times are 9 AM to 12 PM on February 10 &12, April 6 & 9 and November 2 & 4.
Suddenly In Command
This course is a full-day program that

Instructor Doug Bartlett, Suddenly in Command Class
Weekend Navigator
This 8-hour class is given over the course of two days and covers electronic navigation tools and the use of paper charts to navigate and plot a course. It also covers the effect of tides, currents and wind on navigation. Classes are on February 17 & 19 and October 19 & 21.
For additional program information and registration, email Joe Riccio at flotilla95fsope@gmail.com or call 239-384-7416.
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