2016 Safe Boating Classes

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

2016 are January 11 to February 4; February 29 to March 24; July 11 to August 4; and October 3 to October 27.

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

factors that will influence boaters navigating in these waters are thoroughly discussed. Aerial photos are used extensively in this course to aid boaters in knowing where to go…and where not to go. Six routes into the 10,000 Islands are reviewed in the class. This course is recommended for intermediate boaters and above. Classes will be held from 9 AM to 12:30 PM on January 26, March 22, and November 2; and at 6-9:30 PM on February 23.

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

includes classroom and on-the-water instruction. It is designed for “First Mates” or boaters who someday may find themselves “suddenly in command” of a vessel. Do you know how to use the radio to get help? Do you know how to read your position and report it? Do you know how to operate your boat? If not, this course may be for you. All attendees will operate a boat during this course and become familiar with the use of the VHF radio, GPS and safety equipment. Classes are on February 11, March 17 and November 3.

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.