Public Boating Courses

This page describes classes that are open to the general public.

For descriptions of classes for Squadron members, click here.

The Squadron Boating Course is an 8 hour course. The course will be taught in the  Fort Mill branch of the York County Library off of Hywy 160, west of I-77 exit 85. For a detailed map showing this location: Directions.

There is a fee of $30 for the manual and testing materials. The fee is $10 for an additional family member if they chose to share a manual.

To register send an e-mail or call:

Gene Stutz (803) 831-8252, or Jim Van Blarcom (803-548-5362)

Students age 12 - 15 attending the course must be accompanied by an adult.

An officer of the SCDNR (SC Dept. of Natural Resources) will explain the laws and regulations on the SC waters. The exam that follows will include questions on the state laws and regulations. If you go to all three sessions and study the manual, you will pass the exam. The exams will be graded upon completion of the third session. When successfully passed, the student will be awarded a Squadron Boating Course completion certificate for his/her personal file.

This certificate can be used to have a permanent, laminated, photo ID that is issued by the Lake Wylie Marine Commission. It can be carried on a water craft to show that you have successfully passed the Squadron Boating course (or a similar course by others) if stopped by an enforcement officer.

This certificate can further enhance you as a boat owner to reduce your boat insurance rate, obtain discounts on marine equipment and supplies  and join the  Power Squadron community like the Catawba Power Squadron.

Becoming a member of a United States Power Squadron entitles you to participate in all the courses offered to our membership free of charge (a small fee for materials sometimes applies).

The Squadron Boating Course is a traditional civic service of the United States Power Squadrons organization.  Since 1914 local squadrons have presented the course to anyone who wished to attend - to date more than 3 million people.  Learning to boat safely is important and the increased knowledge will enhance your safety on the water and your enjoyment of the sport.

Squadron Boating Course is designed to be useful to all boaters, from the fisherman in an outboard to the skipper of a large cruiser or sailboat.  All boaters are subject to nautical rules and regulations.  Skippers should learn and respect traditional boating courtesies.  The course is meant to be of interest to the entire family; older children are welcome.  We encourage your family to attend as a group.

The course contains four sections. There are homework questions at the end of each section to assist retention of the information presented.

Continue to: Member Boating Classes