Public Courses and Seminars

For information and registration call 941-584-5993 or send e-mail to: education@AmericasBoatingClubPeaceRiver.org

 

For on-line registration go to: www.americasboatingclub.org/learn

 

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Course or Seminar

Description

Schedule and Location

 

12 hour course

 

 

The 12 hour  America's Boating Course is a traditional civic service of United States Power Squadrons®. Since the course began in 1914, local Squadrons have given it to anyone who wished to attend -- more than 3 million people. This ever-growing interest leads us to believe that it has helped many and we feel that you, too, will benefit. This course is taught in 6 sessions plus an examination. Instruction is free.  There is a nominal charge for course materials.  

This course is designed to be useful to all boaters, from the fisherman in an outboard to the skipper in a family cruiser to the sailing enthusiast. All are subject to nautical rules and regulations. All should respect traditional courtesies of the sea. All are subject to the forces of nature. 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 12 hour course includes instruction on reading nautical charts, plotting courses, and an introduction to digital charts and computer navigation. Charlotte Harbor Chart 11426 is used.

 

  When:         TBD

                

           Time:  0830 - 1230

          3 Saturdays

Where: Punta Gorda Boat Club

           750 W. Retta Esplanade

            Punta Gorda, FL

                941-584-5993

 

8 hour course

The 8 hour ABC3 Boating Course covers the basics of boat handling, aids to navigation, VHF radio, navigation rules and government regulations.   A certificate of completion will be provided following an examination.  This course is taught in two four hour sessions.

Completion of the 12 or 8 hour course qualifies you for the Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Boater safety education is required for all persons born after January 1, 1988

When:  11 May 2024

              13 July 2024

               14  Sep 2024
                   

            Time:   0830 - 1200

Where: Punta Gorda Boat Club

             750 W. Retta Esplanade

            Punta Gorda, Fl

            941-584-5993

 

Using Nautical Charts Seminar

 

Charts provide information essential to your safety afloat. Even with GPS and electronic navigation, the chart is needed to tell you what is around you and between you and your intended destination. A system of symbols is used by cartographers to tell you what lies below the surface of the water and the depths of water. There is key information about visible landmarks and navigation aids to help you navigate your course. The chart also is your link with the GPS via its grid scale, compass rose, and distance scales. A brief introduction to latitude and longitude provides insight to the operation of GPS receivers.

 A basic course  in the use of nautical charts, plotting courses, marine compass and positioning is offered following the 8 hour boating course  The local Charlotte Harbor chart 11426 is used to familiarize students with the local waters, navigation aides and potential hazards.  Students will plot a course from the mouth of the Peace River to the Intracoastal Waterway near Cayo Costa Island.

When: TBD
                      

 

Time:  1300 - 1600

Where: Punta Gorda Boat club

         802 W. Retta Esplanade

            Punta Gorda, FL

             941-584-5993

Using GPS Seminar

 

GPS has become a common tool for navigation. However using GPS on the water is distinctly different from a moving map display in your car. This seminar explains the principles of waypoint navigation which you will use. It then shows you how to relate the GPS to your charts which provide essential information about what is around you.

The seminar also shows you how to operate your GPS – what the buttons do, what the screens show, and how to access the functions you need. A handheld GPS is used as the demonstration model, but all GPS receivers function similarly. By the time you have completed the seminar, you will be able to store waypoints into your GPS, activate them for navigation, and use GPS to keep you on a safe, pre-qualified course of your choosing.

 

When: TBD
                          
             
                           

            

Time:  1330 -1630

Where: Bayfront Classroom

           750 W. Retta Esplanade

             Punta Gorda, FL

Instructor: Ron Jones, AP

                   941- 584-5993

 

Cruise Planning Course

There is something very special about the thrill of cruising in new waters and the sense of accomplishment upon completing an extended cruise. To go beyond what most boaters do on a weekend overnight or even a week or so marina hopping requires boaters to leave their normal cruising areas and comfort zones. The Cruise Planning course focuses on the planning and preparation necessary for safe enjoyable extended cruises on both inland and coastal waters. When:  12 January 2023

            Monday and Thursday

Time:  1400 - 1700

Where: Bayfront Center Classroom

             750 W. Retta Esplanade

             Punta Gorda, FL

Instructor: Greg Wise, SN

                 941 - 584-5993      

 

Sail Course

Sail 2009 is a complete sail course beginning with basic boat designs, rigging and sail processes for the non-sailor.  The course proceeds into the physical aspects of sailing, sail applications, marlinespike, helmsmanship, and handling of more difficult sailing conditions, navigation rules, and an introduction to heavy weather sailing. When:  12 January  2023

            Monday and Thursday

Time:  1830 - 2100

Where: Bayfront Center Classroom

             750 W. Retta Esplanade

             Punta Gorda, FL

Instructor: Greg Wise

                 941 584-5993        

 

Marine Radar Seminar

This seminar covers how radar functions, radar selection, operation of the radar under various conditions including setting of controls, display interpretation, basic navigation, and collision avoidance using radar. The kit includes The Radar Book written by Kevin Monahan ($25 retail) and Student Notes with copies of slides.

See the trifold brochure (1579KB, PDF) for more information.

 

When:  13 February 2023
            
              Monday and Thursday

Time:  1900-2100

Where: Bayfront Center

             750 W. Retta Esplanade

             Punta Gorda, FL

Instructor:

               941-584-5993

 

Marine Weather Course

The safety and comfort of those who venture out-on-the water have always been weather dependent. In this course students will become keener observers of the weather, but weather observations only have meaning in the context of the basic principles of meteorology — the science of the atmosphere.
The course focuses on how weather systems form, behave, move, and interact with one another and reflects the availability of all sorts of weather reports and forecasts on the Internet. Wx2008 is a general weather course benefiting those sitting in their living rooms, as much as those standing behind the helm.

When: TBD
             
            
            
              

           Monday and Thursday- 5 weeks

Time:  1300 - 1530

Where: Bayfront Center Classroom

             750 W. Retta Esplanade

             Punta Gorda, FL

Instructor: JoAnne Jamrose, AP

                 941-584-5993              

 

Marine Electrical Systems Course

The Marine Electrical Systems course is presented in seven chapters that start with an explanation of what electricity is, followed by discussions on boat electrical wiring, DC and AC electrical systems, galvanic and stray current corrosion, lightning protection, and ends with troubleshooting of boat electrical problems.

The course includes detailed instructions on how to use a multimeter, how to solder and crimp electrical wiring circuits, and how to read electrical wiring diagrams. This course can be used as a reference guide for anyone interested in properly maintaining their boat electrical system.

When: TBD

                

 Tuesday - 8 weeks

Time:  0900-1130

Where: Bayfront Center Classroom

             750 W. Retta Esplanade

             Punta Gorda, FL

Instructor: Holles Dick, AP

                 941-584-5993

Marine Communications Course

Marine Communications Systems is an in-depth, nine chapter review of those systems available to the recreational boater, or to those with whom he/she shares the water. Radio history and spectrum definitions are presented along with definitions of radio circuits that the student should learn, to choose the best communications method for his/her situation. One chapter is devoted to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and another to FCC Rules and regulations to set the stage for instruction of radiotelephone operating procedures (both voice and digital messaging are covered). The remaining chapters cover High Seas radio (MF/HF and satellite communications) and other systems such as Family Radio Service transceivers. There is also a chapter on troubleshooting of radio installations.

When: TBD

            

            Wednesday - 7 weeks

Time:  1300-1530

Where: Bayfront Center Classroom

             750 W. Retta Esplanade

             Punta Gorda, FL

Instructor: Holles Dick, AP

                 941-584-5993

 

Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio

Seminar

VHF radio is the mainstay of coastal communication and essential for emergency communications. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is rapidly becoming a reality as more Coast Guard Rescue 21 System operations go live. Currently, the mid Atlantic coast is operational with DSC. The Gulf region will be operational early next year and all Cutters will be DSC equipped by next year.

DSC vastly simplifies and improves rescue and routine call signaling – making it easier to make a call while the system frees up Channel 16 for essential communications. However, you need to know how to use it. This seminar answers those needs and explains basic VHF operation. A CD is included with a DSC Simulator that allows you to practice on your computer at home. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using VHF is included with essential information that you should have aboard, which will explain to anyone on your crew how to use the radio.

When: TBD

Time:  1300 - 1500

Where: Bayfront Center YMCA

             750 W. Retta Esplanade

             Punta Gorda, FL

Instructor: TBD

              

 

Hurricanes and Boats Seminar

Why take a hurricane and boats seminar?

In less than two hours you will learn why and how:

              Check vessels and gear                          Hurricane anchoring

              Review marina/dockmaster contracts      Be storm ready

              Make plans                                              Your responsibilities

              Check your trailer                                     Post hurricane efforts of USCG

              Prepare a storm plan                                and law enforcement

              Lessons learned from storms                    Insurance

When:  TBD

Time:  1145 - 1315

Where: CHECC

Instructor: Ronald Ludvig, SN

              941-584-5993



Engine Maintenance Course
The Engine Maintenance Course stresses diagnosis of modern systems while also teaching the basics of engine layout and operation.  Gasoline inboards, outboards, and diesel engines are taught in a way that reinfrorces the common aspects of how engines work.

When: TBD
         


Time: 0930 - 1130

Where:  Bayfront Center Classroom

             750 W. Retta Esplanade
             
              Punta Gorda, FL

Instructor: Rick Sluzewski, AP

                941-584-5993
     

 

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