Boating Safety Classes in Orange Beach, Alabama (and Elsewhere)

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-10 will provide boating safety classes in April at the Orange Beach Community Center. The low-cost, in-depth classroom safety course, titled About Boating Safely, gives boaters the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification.

Upcoming Boating Safety Classes in Orange Beach

About Boating Safely is an 8-hour course provided by the Coast Guard Auxiliary, a volunteer organization whose main mission is recreational boating safety.

This year, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-10 will host four sessions of the boating safety course at Orange Beach Community Center on 4849 S. Wilson Blvd. Only one session is required to complete the course. At the completion of the class, students will receive a certificate that satisfies the state of Alabama’s requirements for a boating license.

The four available dates are:

• April 19;
• May 17;
• June 28; and
• August 9.

Anyone aged 12 or older can sign up for the course. The cost is $35 per student, or $45 for two family members if they share a book. Cost includes the book, other instructional materials and lunch. You can register for the course by contacting John Griggs at 251-955-1443. You must register to take the course.

Topics in Boating Safety Course

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary explains to boaters: “As a boat operator, you’re expected to make sure your vessel carries the required safety equipment and complies with federal and state regulations.”

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary courses and website resources can help boaters know what’s expected and how to operate safely and legally. Plus, if you report your course completion to your insurance company, you might receive a discount on your premium.

A sampling of some of topics you can expect to cover in About Boating Safely include:

• Introductory boating topics – This includes types of boats, uses of boats and family boating basics.
• Boating laws – The course will cover boat registration requirements, various regulations (hull ID numbers, accident reporting, etc.), and both federal and state boating laws.
• Safety equipment – The course providers will teach you what equipment you are required to have, including personal floatation devices, fire extinguishers, dock lines and ropes, first aid kits, anchors, and sound-producing devices.
• Safe boating advice – Safety is the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s forte. Some topics include “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 protocols – You will learn about the U.S. Aids to Navigation system, types of buoys, right-of-way rules and how to avoid accidents.
• Problem-solving – They will cover a wide range of problems boaters may come across to help them be better prepared. Topics include everything from hypothermia to engine problems.

Finding a Boating Safety Course Near You

You can search for upcoming boating courses in your area by using the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary website search function, the Public Education Zip Code Course Finder!, on their Boating Safety Course section.

For more helpful tips and articles of interest to boaters, check out the My Vessel Logs blog.