BigBendFishing.Net

Posted: **February 21st, 2005, 3:33 pm**

I received the following information last week and am posting here in case any of our folks are interested. I do not know about pricing or the agenda for the class.

Bud, the USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 1-2 is conducting the above course on March 12, 9:30 to 6:00 pm at the Premier Health and Fitness Center. If you and your club members are interested in taking this course, please let me know at your nearest convenience. Contact Larry Kolk at 877 0818.

Posted: **February 21st, 2005, 3:46 pm**

I'd be interested in that

Anymore details?

Posted: **February 21st, 2005, 4:01 pm**

I do not have any more details from the Flotilla. I anticipated this type of question and replied to the email asking about what specifically was going to be coverd. As yet I have not had a reply. According to what is available on the Internet for the USCG America's Boating Course (ABC) here is some general information. But, understand I don't represent the local Flotilla and they may or may not be following this subject list.

Boating Safety Topics Covered
The boat and water safety course topics include:

Introduction to Boating: types of power boats; sailboats; outboards; paddle boats; houseboats; different uses of boats; various power boating engines; jet drives; family boating basics.
Boating Law: boat registration; boating regulation; hull identification number; required boat safety equipment; operating safely and reporting accidents; protecting the marine environment; Federal boat law; state boating laws; personal watercraft requirements.
Boat Safety Equipment: personal flotation devices ("life jackets"); fire extinguishers; sound-producing devices; visual-distress signals; dock lines and rope; first aid kit; anchors and anchor lines; other boating safety equipment.
Safe Boating: bow riding; alcohol and drug abuse; entering, loading, and trimming a boat; fueling portable and permanent tanks; steering with a tiller and a wheel; docking, undocking and mooring; knots; filing a float plan; checking equipment, fuel, weather and tides; using charts; choosing and using an anchor; safe PWC handling; general water safety.
Navigation: the U.S. Aids to Navigation system; types of buoys and beacons; navigation rules (sometimes referred to as right-of-way rules); avoiding collisions; sound signals; PWC "tunnel vision."
Boating Problems: hypothermia; boating accidents and rescues; man overboard recovery; capsizing; running aground; river hazards; strainers: emergency radio calls; engine problems; equipment failures; carbon monoxide (CO); other boating and PWC problems.
Trailering, Storing and Protecting Your Boat: types of trailers; trailer brakes, lights, hitches, tires, and bearings; loading, balancing, and towing a trailer; towing (and backing) a trailer; boat launching and retrieving; boat storage and theft protection; launching, retrieving and storing a PWC.
Hunting and Fishing, Water-skiing and River Boating: carrying hunting gear and weapons in a boat; fishing from a boat; water-skiing safety guidelines and hand signals; water-skiing with a PWC; navigating rivers, and other boating tips.

Posted: **February 25th, 2005, 9:28 pm**

I talked to the guys tonight when I went to the boat show at the Civic Center right after work.

Sounds like a good course. He said it would be interactive and 'hands-on' so 'I wouldn't be bored.' (He he he... I didn't tell him I went to law school so I have forgotten more about being bored than he will ever know.)

It will be at Premier on the 11th. Singles are $30 and couples are $50. My wife and I are planning to go. You can pay at the door.

You get an insurance break with some insurance companies.

You also get a card which might get you out of having to apply for a boating license if Florida ever mandates one to operate a boat in state waters. (I have heard that there is talk of this at the capitol).

Posted: **February 25th, 2005, 10:03 pm**

I may check it out!

Bailey

Posted: **February 25th, 2005, 10:15 pm**

If anyone needs some info. Hit me with a PM. I have some of their literature from the show.

Posted: **February 28th, 2005, 10:19 am**

BTT (Thanks Chalk

)

I had ask for the course outline from my USCG Aux contact and just received it. Here is what the course will cover for those who are interested.

Americaâ€™s Boating Course

Saturday, March 12, 2005

Completing the US Coast Guard Auxiliaryâ€™s one-day Americaâ€™s Boating Course will qualify you to receive the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commissionâ€™s Boat Operator ID Card.

Topics include the following:

Knowing Your Boat, Navigation Rules , Fueling and Maintaining Your Boat, Navigation Lights, Filing a Float Plan, Finding Your Way, Trailering Your Boat, Anchoring, Casting Off and Docking, What to do in Emergencies,
Operating a Boat Safely, Enjoying Water Sports, State and Federal Requirements, And Much More

This one-day Americaâ€™s Boating Course will be held from 10amâ€”6pm on Saturday, March 12th at Premier Health and Fitness Center, 3521 Maclay Blvd., Tallahassee, FL.

The course is free, but there is a $30.00 charge for the textbook. Family rate is $50.00. Please register early by calling the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, St. Marks Flotilla PE Officer, Larry Kolk @ 850-877-0818.

BigBendFishing.Net

USCG Auxiliary America's Boating Course

USCG Auxiliary America's Boating Course