US Coast Guard Auxiliary Marco Island Winter Class Schedule

At sea we are all in the same boat, so let us teach you to be a safer boater. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAux), Marco Island proudly announces Winter 2023 boater education classes. The following courses will be offered: Boating Skills and Seamanship, Boater’s Local Knowledge-Marco Island, Boater’s Local Knowledge - Backwater Edition, Suddenly in Command, and Paddlecraft Safety. All classes are facilitated by USCG Certified instructors.

Boating Skills and Seamanship (BS&S): A comprehensive instructional program that includes the following topics: Which Boat Is for You; Equipping and Handling Your Boat; Navigation; Weather; The Rules You Must Follow; Knots and Lines; and Your Boat’s Radio. Upon satisfactory completion of the (BS&S) course, the student will qualify to receive a Florida-issued Boater Safety Identification Card (BSIC) which is required for any individual born after January 1, 1988, to operate a motorized vessel of more than 10 HP. Many insurance companies offer discounts with the BSIC.

Two BS&S sessions (totaling seven classes each session) are offered: January 9 through January 30 and March 6 through March 27 on Mondays and Thursdays from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM. A course textbook is provided on the first night.

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Marco Island (BLK): This course provides information on how to navigate waterways in and around Marco Island. This course is recommended for the novice, and intermediate boaters, or boaters new to this area. Each course is approximately three and a half hours long and taught four times: January 10, 2023; February 7, 2023; March 7, 2023; and April 4, 2023 at 5:00 PM. Note:  Top Spot Chart #204 is required for use during this class.

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition: This course begins where BLK ends, providing navigation tools, and waterways knowledge for boaters wishing to explore the unique backwaters of the 10,000 Islands. Each course is approximately three and a half hours long and taught four times:  January 11, 2023; February 8, 2023; March 8, 2023; and April 5, 2023 at 5:00 PM. Note:  Top Spot Chart #204 is required for use during this class.

Both courses extensively use aerial and on-the-water photos as well as Google Earth mapping.

Suddenly in Command: This three-hour boating safety primer is designed for those not generally at the helm and will help you be prepared with the basics in case of an emergency. If a captain of a vessel is incapacitated or falls overboard, it’s a “wake-up call” for your responsibilities. You will learn about your vessel and operating principles when you are “Suddenly in Command.” Date and time: January 25, 2023 at 5:00 PM.

Paddlecraft Safety: The objective of this course is for paddlers to be aware of the basic issues and needs for paddling safety, the basic equipment you should have, and provide some information about paddling that will help keep you a more knowledgeable and safer paddler. Date and time:  February 16, 2023 at 5:00 PM.

All Classes are held at USCGAux Station, 903 Collier Court, Caxambas Park, Marco Island, FL 34145.

For more information about these and other boating courses offered by the USCGAux, contact the Public Education Officer at (239) 384-7416 or CGAUXCOURSES@GMAIL.COM.

For further information about other USCGAux programs, including complimentary Vessel Safety Examinations, or how to join the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, 239-394-5911 or  www.USCGAuxMarco.org.

Saving Lives since 1939.

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