PUBLIC EDUCATION
Boating Skills and Seamanship
BOATING SAFETY
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Boating Skills and Seamanship
(BS&S) class
is a comprehensive course designed for the experienced and the novice boater.
This course consists of 6 required two-hour lessons plus elective modules,
providing up-to-date knowledge for handling boats in all conditions
Topics Include:
WHICH BOAT IS FOR
YOU -- boater's language; types of boats; outboard motors and stern drives;
hull design; use of boats; other power plants; materials for constructing boats;
your intended use; the Coast Guard info line; marine surveyors; buying a boat.
EQUIPMENT FOR YOUR
BOAT -- requirements for your boat; your boat's equipment; legal considerations;
substance abuse; boating and accident reports; Courtesy Marine Examinations.
TRAILERING YOUR BOAT
-- legal considerations; practical considerations; the towing vehicle;
balancing the load; handling your trailer; pre-departure checklist; preparing
to launch; launching; retrieving; storing your boat and trailer; theft prevention;
Zebra mussels; float plan.
HANDLING YOUR BOAT
-- leave with a full tank; fueling your boat; your boat's propeller; cars and
boats; twin screws; jet drive; loading your boat; getting started; leaving the
pier; "man" overboard; docking; mooring to a permanent anchor; anchoring;
towing a skier; heavy weather; small boat safety.
YOUR "HIGHWAY"
SIGNS -- protection of ATONS; buoying system; waterway marks; how waterways
are marked; light characteristics; chart symbols; light structures; lights on
bridges; electronic aids to navigation; a word to the wise; navigation publications.
THE RULES YOU MUST
FOLLOW -- two sets of rules; to whom do the rules apply; what is a vessel; the
general responsibility rule; general considerations; conduct in narrow channels;
traffic separation schemes; vessel traffic services; stand-on or give-way; rules
for special vessels; risk of collision; bend signals; restricted visibility;
vessel lights and shapes; vessels at anchor; diving operations; distress signals;
drawbridge signals; penalties.
PILOTING YOUR BOAT
-- piloting tools; maps and charts; chart features; your chart's general information
block; other charted information; your magnetic compass; position on the earth's
surface; locating a point on a chart; distance on the earth's surface; measuring
distance; course positioning; sources of compass error; correcting a compass
reading; positioning; speed-time-distance; dead reckoning; practice your art;
POWERING YOUR BOAT
-- types of marine engines; marine engines; selecting a propeller; induction
systems; ignition systems; flame arresters; cooling systems; gasoline considerations;
batteries; maintenance; winterizing your boat; spring fitting-out; troubleshooting.
LINES AND KNOTS FOR
YOUR BOAT -- line or rope; rope materials; kinds of rope; measuring rope; selecting
your ropes; care of rope; making up line; knots, bends, and hitches; splices;
securing lines; dipping the eye.
WEATHER AND BOATING
-- sources of weather information; wind and boating; wind and waves; understanding
weather; weather and heat; fog; non-frontal weather.
YOUR BOAT'S RADIO
-- radios used on boats; functions of radios; licenses; selecting your VHF-FM
radio; installation; operating your VHF-FM; maintaining a radio watch; channels
have special purposes; some "no no's"; copies of the rules; calling
another station; procedure words; phonetic alphabet; routine radio checks; distress,
urgency, and safety calls; crew training.
INLAND BOATING --
types of inland waters; inland navigation; inland seamanship; river currents;
maintaining inland waterways; dams; locks; river charts; commercial traffic;
before you go.
THE REST OF THE STORY
-- small boat safety; personal watercraft; hypothermia; motorboats and sailboats;
carbon monoxide poisoning; float plan; U.S. Coast Guard District Offices; instruction
for using a course plotter; metric conversion system.
Many insurance companies will offer discounts on boat insurance to individuals who successfully complete this course
Individuals who successfully complete the course and exam are rewarded certificates and cards.
For information on the next available class please E-mail our
The VESSEL SAFETY CHECK PROGRAM
formerly the COURTESY MARINE EXAMINATIONS Program
The Vessel Safety Check Program actively promotes boating safety
by using trained Auxiliary volunteers to educate the boater through a
direct, face to face boating safety exchange with the owner or operator,
and providing instructions on equipment to be carried on board and other
matters affecting safety. Federal and local equipment regulations, and
VSCP
requirements are explained as well as other matters of interest.
If you are interested in a free Vessel Safety Check for your boat please E-mail our
We are often at your favorite boat ramp so please feel free to inquire. We can often accommodate you on the spot.
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