Boating education is crucial for safety
on the water. Many states in the U.S. have mandatory boat operator
licensing for younger boaters, and there is a growing movement to expand
that to all boaters. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary recently
passed a resolution urging state legislatures to require mandatory boating
safety education, regardless of age.
There are many safe boating
courses offered throughout the country. Organizations such as the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
and the U.S. Power Squadron
sponsor many courses which satisfy requirements for State certification
where required. Visit their websites to find a boating course near you.
Boatwise offers
NASBLA, MA and USCG approved Safe Boating Classes. You can also find a boating course near you at BoatUS.
The Massachusetts Environmental Police also maintain a
course schedule.
NASBLA
(the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) sets
standards which serve as a guide for state, non-profit and commercial
providers to follow in developing boating education materials.
Here are some online courses which are NASBLA approved and are
recognized in many states:
American
Boating Education - Welcome to the Internet’s best boating safety
course and Your Fastest Way to the Water.
Boat U.S.
Foundation Online Boating Safety Course - Our free, interactive,
non-proctored course and exam has been approved by the National
Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by
the U.S. Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the
National Recreational Boating Safety Program.
Boat Ed Boating Safety
Courses - All of Boat Ed's state-specific boating safety courses are
approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
(NASBLA) and recognized by the United States Coast Guard Office of
Boating Safety
BoaterExam.com
- A leading provider of safe boater education and certification across
the United States and Canada. Our online boating safety course allows
boaters to meet mandatory education requirements and to obtain their
official boater education card or boating license online.
Boating
Basics Online - Take a Boating Safety Course and Certification Test
online.
PWC
Safety School - America's free online source for Personal Watercraft
safety education.
Sailing Courses
U.S. Sailing Programs offer instruction in small and large sailboats,
windsurfers, and powerboats. All levels of instruction are available
around the country for beginner to advanced skills. Information on courses
and instruction is available on their website. They also have
online sailing
and powerboat courses.
Most yacht clubs also offer boating or sailing
courses for juniors and adults. For a list of yacht clubs worldwide, click
here.
U.S. Coast Guard License Training
Boatwise offers
US Coast Guard approved Captain's license courses. For information on U.S. Coast Guard License requirements click
here.
