Experience the Thrill of Safe boating with USCGAux Outer Ban

North Carolina law states that anyone born after January 1, 1988, that is operating a vessel with a motor of 10 horsepower or greater on public waters must have successfully completed a boating safety education course. Locally, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers two classes that satisfy these requirements: a one-day Boat America class and a six-session class titled Boating Skills and Seamanship.

Boat America is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a boating certificate.

Some insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course. Introduction to Boating: types of boats, hull designs, types of engines, boating terms, and maintenance.

• Boating Law: boat registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, Federal boating laws, state boating laws, and accident reporting.
• Trailering: types of trailers, hitches, towing a trailer, and float plans.
• Safe Operation and Navigation: buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, PWC operation, and the dangers of alcohol on the water.
• Safety Equipment: Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs), fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, engine cutoff switches, and other safety equipment.
• Boating Emergencies: hypothermia, dehydration, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Boating Skills and Seamanship course is a comprehensive boater certificate course designed for both the experienced and novice boater. The course consists of 6 three hour sessions providing up-to-date knowledge for handling boats under all conditions. Topics taught include the following: 

• The language of boating and being on the water
• Boats, their designs, how they are powered, and maintenance
• Legal requirements
• Where you boat and things to consider
• Boat handling: in the water and on a trailer
• PWC handling in the water
• Navigation, Rules of the Road, and the Law
• Knots and other things you really should know
• Electronics for your boat (navigation, communication and operation)
• Weather
• Safety and security
• Other essential items to know