US Coast Guard Auxiliary Marco Winter 2024 Class Schedule

Boater education can be a lifesaver. Take a class, let our USCG Certified Instructors reduce your risk and increase your skills on the water. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary (USCGAux), Marco Island proudly announces Winter 2024 boater education classes. The following courses will be offered: Boater’s Local Knowledge-Marco Island, Boater’s Local Knowledge - Backwater Edition, Boating Skills and Seamanship, Suddenly in Command, Personal Watercraft Safety, and Paddlecraft Safety.

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 three times: 1/9/24; 2/6/24; and 3/5/24 at 5:00 PM. Note: Top Spot Chart #204 is required for use during this class.

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition (BW): 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 three times: 1/10/24; 2/7/24; and 3/6/24 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.

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 six classes each session) are offered: February 5 - February 22 and March 4 -March 21 on Mondays and Thursdays from 5 PM. to 7:30 PM. A course textbook is provided on the first night.

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 SIC sessions are offered: 1/24/24 and 4/4/24 at 5:00 PM.

Personal Watercraft Safety (PWC): This course provides PWC safety instruction including jet ski and Craig Cat operation in the 10,000 Islands backwaters. Safety, etiquette, and navigation knowledge are essential to handling all types of PWC’s within our fragile ecosystem. Two PWC sessions are offered: 1/16/24 and 2/14/24 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/Time: 3/28/24 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.