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Course on basic boat operation, safety taking signups

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The America’s Boating Club of Sanibel-Captiva will offer to the public its America’s Boating Course during two sessions in March at the Sanibel Public Library.

The course covers basic boat operation and safety, with an emphasis on boating the local waters around Sanibel and Captiva.

Completion of the course and passing an exam qualifies students to receive the Boating Safety Education ID Card from the state of Florida. The card satisfies the state’s education requirements for operating boats in Florida waters.

It will be taught on March 20 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. and March 30 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Students need to attend both sessions and complete homework between sessions for graduation.

The course is designed for those new to boating, as well as experienced boaters who would like to strengthen their boating skills. The course uses the “America’s Boating Course” textbook published by the United States Power Squadron – America’s Boating Club.

Senior, highly experienced instructors present the material through lectures, demonstrations, discussions and navigation charts of the local waterways.

The cost of the course and textbook is $45, which is paid at the first session.

Students must preregister no later than March 18.

Class size is limited to 20 students and early registration is advised.

Among the subjects reviewed are:

– U.S. Coast Guard required safety equipment

– Basic boat handling underway and docking

– Navigation rules and right of way

– Navigation aids and channel markers

– Basic navigation, charts and GPS operation

– Anchoring in deep water and on the beach

– VHF Radio operation

– Storms, emergencies and accidents

– Unique characteristics of local area boating

Students are introduced to boating the local waters by studying navigation charts for the Pine Island Sound, San Carlos Bay and Caloosahatchee. Destinations, channels and waterways are reviewed and advice for confidently boating in local waters is discussed. The course format is informal with many opportunities for questions and discussion.

To register, visit www.sancapboating.club and click the “Education” tab.

For more information, contact Bob Orr at 239-579-0139 or robert.orr1663@comcast.net.