US Coast Guard Marco New Fall Course Schedule

Avoid being that boater stuck on the sandbar or lost in the mangroves! Our US Coast Guard Certified classes will provide boater safety best practices, local navigation information, weather and tide information around Marco Island and the 10,000 Islands. The US Coast Guard Auxiliary proudly announces Fall 2024 boater education courses. The following courses will be offered: Suddenly in Command, Boating America, Boaters Local Knowledge-Marco Island, Boaters Local Knowledge-Personal Watercraft, Boaters Local Knowledge-Backwater, and Paddle Craft Safety. Cost for each class ranges from $25 to $70 each depending on the materials provided by instructors. 

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.” Date/Time: Wednesday, October 24 at 5:00 PM. 

Boat America (BA): This is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth boating safety course for all types of mariners. All graduates who complete the class and pass the exam receive the Florida Boating Safety ID Card. This eight-hour (one day) course will focus on boater safety best practices, Florida boating laws, safety equipment, navigation, boating emergencies, trailering, and boating sports. Instructional book will be provided. Date/Time: Saturday, October 26 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. 

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Marco Island (BLK): This three-and-a-half-hour course provides information on how to navigate waterways in and around Marco Island. Instructors provide “on the water” aerial photos and video, Google Earth, and navigation charts providing real time navigation tools for students. This course is recommended for the novice, and intermediate boaters, or boaters new to this area. Top Spot Chart #204 is required for use during this class. Date/Time: Tuesday, November 12 at 5:00 PM. 

Personal Watercraft Safety (PWC): This three-hour 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. Navigation routes for jet ski and Craig Cats are different than routes taught in BLK and BW classes. Dates/Time: Wednesday November 13 at 5:00 PM. 

Boater’s Local Knowledge-Backwater Edition (BW): This three-and-a-half-hour advanced course begins where BLK ends, providing navigation tools and waterways knowledge for boaters wishing to explore the unique backwaters of the 10,000 Islands. Instructors provide tracks and routes into the 10,000 Islands using “on the water” photos and video, Google Earth, and navigation charts. This course is recommended for intermediate boaters and above. Top Spot Chart #N204 is required for use during this class. Date/Time: Thursday, November 14 at 5:00 PM. 

Paddle Craft Safety (PS): This course is taught by a US Coast Guard Certified Instructor with over 30 years of Canoe and Kayak experience in both the 10,000 Islands and the Pacific Northwest. This three-hour Paddle Craft Safety Training class is a unique, in-depth and detailed perspective on safety equipment and safety techniques for today’s paddle craft enthusiast. Date/Time: Thursday, November 21 at 5:00 PM. 

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

For more information on Fall 2024 courses or to sign-up on our website: https://wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=070-09-05&category=boating-courses 

For more information about these and other boating courses offered by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary, contact Public Education Officer, 239-384-7416 or cgauxcourses@gmail.com 

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