US Coast Guard Auxiliary Fall/Winter 2025 Class Schedule

A boater education class will lessen your risk of an accident, running aground, or getting lost on our local waterways. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Certified classes provide boater safety best practices, local navigation information, weather, and tide information around Marco Island, the 10,000 Islands, and Everglades National Park. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary proudly announces the Fall/Winter 2025 boater education course schedule. The following courses will be offered: Suddenly in Command, Boating America, Boaters Local Knowledge-Marco Island, Boaters Local Knowledge-Backwater, and new this year, Navigating Everglades National Park. Cost for each class ranges from $45 to $70, depending on the materials provided by instructors. 

Navigating Everglades National Park (NEW): Everglades National Park covers 1,508,976 acres (2,357.8 sq miles) throughout Collier, Monroe, and Dade counties in Florida. The park is the largest tropical wilderness in the United States. Join our new class, which provides 20 selected routes and waypoints into the park’s northeastern region from Indian Pass to the Chatham River. Learn about Park Regulations, historical landmarks, prime fishing locations, breathtaking scenery, and discover the park’s fragile beauty. Top Spot Chart #204 is recommended for use during this class. This unique two-and-a-half-hour course is only offered on Tuesday, December 9, at 5:00 PM. 

Suddenly in Command (SIC): This two-and-a-half-hour boating safety primer is designed for those not generally at the helm and will help you be prepared with the basics in case of an emergency. If a captain of a vessel is incapacitated or falls overboard, it’s a “wake-up call” for your responsibilities. You will learn about your vessel and operating principles when you are “Suddenly in Command”. Date/Time: Tuesday, November 4 at 5:00 PM. 

Boat America (BA): This is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth boating safety course for all types of mariners. All graduates who complete the class and pass the exam receive the Florida Boating Safety ID Card. This eight-hour (one-day) course will focus on: boater safety best practices, Florida boating laws, safety equipment, navigation, boating emergencies, trailering, and boating sports. An instructional book will be provided. Date/Time: Saturday, December 13 at 8:00AM to 5:00PM. 

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Marco Island (BLK): This three-hour course provides information on how to navigate waterways in and around Marco Island.  Instructors use “on the water” aerial photos and video, Google Earth, and navigation charts, providing real-time navigation tools for students. This course is recommended for novice and intermediate boaters, or boaters new to this area. Top Spot Chart #204 is required for use during this class. Date/Time: Tuesday, November 11 at 5:00PM. 

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition (BW): This three-hour advanced course begins where BLK ends, providing navigation tools and waterways knowledge for boaters wishing to explore the unique backwaters of the 10,000 Islands. Instructors provide tracks and routes into the 10,000 Islands using “on the water” photos and video, Google Earth, and navigation charts. This course is recommended for intermediate boaters and above. Top Spot Chart #N204 is required for use during this class. Date/Time: Tuesday, December 2 at 5:00PM. 

All Classes will be held at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Station, 903 Collier Court, Caxambas Park, Marco Island, FL 34145.