Boating Safety Courses

"ABC Courses"- Required for new NC law!
***  2013 Schedule Posted Below  ***
Space is limited - Pre-Registration is required !
Don't delay ! Register Now ! Classes fill up fast !

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for Schedules and Maps of Courses

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The America's Boating Course^© is a course for anyone interested in boating and boating safety and especially active boaters (the personal watercraft operator, the hunter or fisherman operating an outboard utility boat; the skipper of a family cruiser; the sailing enthusiasts). All boaters must follow the same nautical rules, regulations, and courtesies of the sea. As boating is often a family activity, the course is of value to all members of a boating family.

Qualified, enthusiastic, and experienced USPS instructors provide instructions as a community and civic service. There is no charge for instruction; the only costs are those for materials and overhead costs. Content of this student manual serves as a basis for this course and it will also be an excellent reference book in basic boating long after the course work is completed.

Mandatory Boater Education Law

“Effective May 1, 2010, no person under the age of 26 can operate a vessel with 10 horsepower or greater on the waters of this state unless the operator has met the requirements for boater safety education.”
Senate Bill 43.

To satisfy this requirement, the Lake Norman Sail and Power Squadron offers a one day boating safety class that is NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) approved.
Our class is called “America’s Boating Course”.

Upon passing the course, you receive a Certificate of Graduation and a photo wallet card to show law enforcement that you are in compliance.
 

 Our ABC course meets educational standards for the National Associations of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and features a proctored examination as required by many states and insurance companies. Teenagers 14* to 16 can obtain a PWC certificate and adults under 26, the newly required NC boating certificate by completing the course and satisfactorily passing the exam.

A more educated boater more likely will be a safe boater. A boating safety course is the beginning of a boating education. We encourage students to follow this basic course with additional boating education such as courses offered by the Lake Norman Sail & Power Squadron for its members. Instructors will provide information about advanced courses.

In addition to safety techniques, proper boat handling and technical information, the course will provide instruction and examination of the laws and regulations of North Carolina and local laws while boating on Lake Norman. Most insurance companies will provide a 10-15% discount upon passing this course.
 

If you are new to boating or are even thinking about it, either power or sail, the Boating Safety Course is for you. If you are an experienced boater but would like a review of basic boating skills and requirements and would like a text for ready reference, take this course. If you are age 14* but under 16 and want to operate a Personal Water Craft (PWC, jet ski) or operate any boat with a motor in North Carolina, you must take this course or the equivalent for certification !

*Important: Age minimum to operate PWC's in NC changes became effective 11/1/05.
Click Here to read new NC Statute.

• Boat Terms and Types

• Boat Handling, Docking

• Water Sports Safety

• PWC Operation

• Knots and Lines, Anchoring

• Required Safety Equipment

• State Boating Regulations

• Local Boating Regulations

• Navigation Aids & Rules

• Emergencies

• Marine VHF Radios

• Light and Sound Signals