Marco Island Area and Backwater Edition

The waters around Marco Island are constantly changing. If you are either new to boating or new to Marco Island, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary on Marco Island offers a “Boater’s Local Knowledge - Marco Island Area” course and a “Boaters Local Knowledge – Backwater Edition” course.

Boater’s Local Knowledge - Marco Island Area

Class date: January 12, 2022, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location: The USCG Auxiliary Station for Flotilla 95, Caxambas Park - 905 Collier Court, Marco Island

In this Boater’s Local Knowledge (BLK) class, you will gain knowledge of shallow waters & dangerous shoals as you navigate around Marco Island and the surrounding areas. Since Marco is an island, you need to know when you are returning from sea versus going out to sea. In addition to learning how to navigate around Marco Island, popular destinations such as Cape Romano, The Esplanade, Keewaydin Island and Naples are also reviewed through a combination of aerial and on-water photography.

The classes are presented by experienced U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary staff who, in addition to teaching this class, also have extensive on-water experience on the Marco Island waterways.

Class members should obtain Top Spot Chart #N204 for the class. The chart is available at Amazon, Rose Marina, Ace Hardware & other marine outlets. You will want to mark-up the chart during the classes for future reference.

Course fee: $60.

Registration Information: Contact Joe Riccio, CGAUXCOURSES@GMAIL.COM.          

Future Course Dates:  January 25, 2022 - Feb 9, 2022, and Mar 9, 2022.

Boater’s Local Knowledge - Backwater Edition

Class date: January 13, 2022, 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM

Location: The USCG Auxiliary Station for Flotilla 95, Caxambas Park - 905 Collier Court, Marco Island

This course begins where the Boater’s Local Knowledge (BLK) ends and provides those who want to explore the backwaters of the 10,000 Islands with the information they will need to safely navigate in this unique area. Geography, tides, and other key factors that have a major impact on navigation in these waters are thoroughly discussed. Aerial photos are used extensively to aid boaters in knowing where to go…and where not to go. Actual routes into the 10,000 Islands are reviewed in the class. This course is recommended for intermediate boaters and above. Taking the BLK course prior to taking the backwater course is recommended, but not mandatory.

Class members should obtain Top Spot Chart #N204 as it is required for the class. The chart is available at Amazon, Rose Marina, Ace Hardware & other marine outlets. You will want to mark-up the chart during the classes for future reference.

The course fee is $60.

Registration Information: Contact Joe Riccio, CGAUXCOURSES@GMAIL.COM.          

Future Course Dates: January 26, 2022, - February 10, 2022, and March 10, 2022.

To schedule your FREE Vessel Safety Check, please call: John Moyer, 239-248-7078 or Coast Guard Auxiliary Station – Flotilla 95, 239-394-5911 or email John at Jmoyer1528@aol.com.

For those interested in joining Flotilla 95, USCG Auxiliary, please contact Joe Grazzini at 239-272-9493 or ciscojmg@hotmail.com.

Saving Lives since 1939. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary – A Proud Tradition, A Worthy Mission. For more information, please visit www.cgaux.org.