US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Marco Island Winter/Spring 2026 Class Schedule

Reduce your risks at the helm of your boat on our local waters.Take a USCG-certified class to make you a safer boater. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary proudly announces the Winter/Spring boater education course schedule. The following ninecourses will be offered January through March 2026: Suddenly in Command, Boat America, Weather and Boating, Lines & Knots, Highway Signs & Rules of Nautical Roads, PWC (Personal Watercraft)- Backwater, Boaters Local Knowledge-Marco Island, Boaters Local Knowledge-Backwater, and new this year, Navigating Everglades National Park. Cost for each class ranges from $25 to $70, depending on the materials provided by instructors. 

Navigating Everglades National Park: 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-hourclass is offered on two dates:January 29(Thursday)and March 25(Wednesday) at 5:00 PM. 

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. Classes are offered three times in early 2026. Date/Time: January 26 (Monday), February 23 (Monday), and March 23 (Monday),all at 5:00 PM. 

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. Classes are offeredthree times in early 2026. Date/Time: January 19 (Monday), February 9 (Monday), and March 16 (Monday), all at 5:00 PM. 

Personal Watercraft (PWC) – Backwater: This two-and-a-half-hourcourse offers USCG Auxiliary instruction on PWC water safety and includes local knowledge for jet skis and craig catswhile navigating our backwatersin the10,000 Islands. Classes are offered two times in early 2026. Dates: January 20 (Tuesday) and February 17 (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM. 

Highway Signs and Rules of Nautical Roads: This two-hour course provides information on aids to navigation (ATONs), using digital (GPS) and printed charts while navigating, and understanding changes to navigation aids.Understanding the “Rules of the Road” while navigating our local waters will make you a safer andbetter-prepared mariner. Class is offeredFebruary 24 (Tuesday) at 5:00 PM. 

Lines & Knots: Do you know how to tie a bowline, a cleat hitch, or a bend? A mariner’s life and the safety of your vessel and crew can depend on the quality of knots you tie and lines you choose. Learn line characteristics, best knots for every occasion – docking, towing, anchoring, and sailing. Class isMarch 4 (Wednesday)at 5:00 PM. 

Weather & Boating:This two-hour course will provide information on weather, tides, storm patterns, forecasting, and float plans. Know all the information sources and phone apps available to make the right go or no-go decisions. Class is March 19 (Thursday) 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.”  Classes are offered two timesin early 2026. Dates: January 28 (Wednesday) and February 25 (Wednesday)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. Dates: early 2026, January 24 and February 28 (Saturdays), 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

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

For more information on Winter/Spring 2026 courses or to reserve your class seat now, sign up on our website: https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-09-05&category=boating-courses 

For more information about these and other boating courses offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, contact Public Education Officer, 239-384-7416 or cgauxcourses@gmail.com. 

For further information about other USCGAux programs, including complimentary Vessel Safety Examinations, or how to join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, (239) 394-5911 or  www.USCGAuxMarco.org 

Saving Lives since 1939.The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – A Proud Tradition, A Worthy Mission.  For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org