US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Marco Island Winter Course Schedule

Boater education can be a lifesaver! Let our US Coast Guard Certified Instructors reduce your risk and enhance your skills and knowledge on our local waters. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary announces Winter 2025 boater education course schedule. The following classes will be offered: Boater’s Local Knowledge-Marco Island, Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater, Boater’s Local Knowledge- “Jet Ski,”Suddenly-in-Command, Paddle Craft Safety, Boat America-Certification, as well as three new class offerings: Lines & Knots, Weather & Boating, and Rules of Nautical Roads. All our “Local Knowledge” class offerings are recently updated with new drone aerial videos, go-pro videos and Google Earth pictures that account for navigation changes due to Hurricanes Helene and Milton. Costs for each class range from $25 to $70 depending on materials provided by instructors. 

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Marco Island (BLK):This three-hour course provides information on navigating waterways around Marco Island using updated aerial video, pictures, and digital navigational charts. This course is recommended for all boaters using waterways around Marco Island. Three classes will be offered this year: Monday, January 20th; Monday, February 17th; and Tuesday, March 18th. All Classes start at 5:00 PM. Top Spot Chart #204 is required for use during this class. 

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater (BW):This three-and-a-half-hour advanced course begins where BLK ends, providing updated navigation knowledge for boaters wishing to explore the unique backwaters of the 10,000 Islands. Seasoned instructors provide six safe routes into the 10,000 Islands backwater revealing new fishing spots and potential navigational hazards from recent storms. Three classes will be offered this year: Monday, January 27th; Thursday, February 20th; and Monday, March 17th.All classes start at 5:00 PM. Top Spot Chart #204 is required for use during this class. 

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Jet Ski/Personal Watercraft Safety (PWC): This two-and-a-half-hourcourse provides PWC safety instruction, including jet ski and Craig Cat operation in the 10,000 Islands backwater. Safety, etiquette, and navigation instruction are essential to navigating all types of PWC’s within our fragile ecosystem. Navigation routes for PWC’s are different than routes we teach in BLK and BW classes. One class will be offered this year: Wednesday, January 29th.Class starts at 5:00 PM. 

Suddenly-in-Command (SIC): 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.” Two classes will be offered this year: Tuesday, January 28th,and Tuesday, February 25th. Class starts at 5:00 PM. 

Paddle Craft Safety (PS):This three-hour course is taught by a USCG Certified Instructor with over 30 years of Canoe and Kayak experience in both the 10,000 Islands and Pacific Northwest. Over the past five years, paddle craft accidents/fatalities have increased dramatically. To help reduce your chances of becoming a statistic, we offer an advanced comprehensive Paddle Craft Safety Training Class for all kayak, canoe, and/or Standup Paddleboard (SUP) enthusiast. One Class will be offered this year: Monday, March 3rd. Class starts at 5:00 PM. 

Boat America (BA):This eight-hour class is a boating certificate course offering an in-depth and exciting instruction for all types of mariners. All graduates who complete the class and pass the exam receive the Florida Boating Safety ID Card which may reduce your vessel insurance costs. The class will focus on boater safety best practices, Florida Boating Laws, newest safety equipment, navigation, boating emergencies, and boating sports. Instructional book will be provided. Two classes this year: Saturday, February 8th,and Saturday, March 8th.Class time8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Lines & Knots (new class offering):In this one-and-a-half-hour seminar you will learn different nautical knots for mooring, docking, towing, sailing, and boating. Learn from the experts on types of lines, characteristics of lines, and use of different knots. One seminar will be offered this year: Wednesday, February 12th. Class starts at 5:00 PM. 

Weather & Boating (new class offering):This two-hour class will provide you best weather sources and apps for winds, tides, storm patterns, storm forecasting, and go-or-no-go decision-making. This class will provide you a personal weather checklist as well as an understanding of float planning awareness. One class will be offered this year: Wednesday, March 5th. Class starts at 5:00 PM. 

Highway Signs and Rules of Nautical Roads (new class offering):As of January 1, 2025, NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) has stopped producing traditional paper nautical charts! Electronic navigational charts (ENC’s) will replace traditional paper charts. Get a jump on your navigation signposts (ATONs), Aids to Navigation, the meaning of digital ATONs, the meaning of chart symbols, and reference materials regarding changes to ATONs. This 2-hour class will start you into this new digital navigation world. One class will be offered this year: Wednesday, February 26th.Class starts at 5:00 PM. 

All classes will be held at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Station at 903 Collier Court, Caxambas Park, Marco Island, FL 34145. 

To receive additional information on our Winter 2025 Course offerings and to register for classes, email us at cgauxcourses@gmail.com or see the QR Code. Also look for our USCG Auxiliary Tent at the Marco Island Farmer’s Market or our Winter Class Brochures at West Marine, All local marinas, and boat ramps throughout Marco Island. 

For further information about other USCG Aux 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.