America's Boating Course

Waterbury chapter of America'a Boating Club offers a basic boating course called America's Boating Course to the public. This course satisfies all the requirements for the state of Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate. It is scheduled for eight consecutive Tuesday evenings and provides a depth of knowledge unavailable in shorter courses. Read more about the subjects that are covered below.

America's Boating Course is the United States Power Squadrons' premier basic boating safety course. It is designed for boaters of all types - Power, Sail, PWC (Personal Watercraft), Anglers, Hunters, Paddlers.

America's Boating Course is fully approved by the United States Coast Guard and by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators). It meets the requirements for the state of Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate and all other States and Territories.

Click here for registration info.

Topics covered in America's Boating Course-3 include, by chapter

• Chapter 1:
• Getting Started - Boating terms and hull types.
• Required Safety Equipment - Life jackets, fire extinguishers, visual distress signals.
• Going Boating - Operator's responsibilities, check-lists, fueling, casting off and underway, boating courtesy.
• Chapter 2:
• Navigation Rules - International & inland rules, general definitions, responsibilities between vessels.
• Lights and Sound Signals - Navigation lights, sound signals.
• Government Regulations - Registrations, documentation, homeland security, boating safety, law enforcement, environmental considerations, accidents.
• State & Local Regulations - Equipment requirements, licensing, noise levels, waste discharge, speed & hours of operation, accident reporting, "under-the-influence" rules, PWC regulations.
• Chapter 3:
• Finding Your Way - Charts, maps, piloting, electronic navigation.
• Anchoring - Equipment, techniques.
• Adverse Conditions & Emergencies
• Communications Afloat - Radio vs. telephone, VHF radio.
• Chapter 4:
• Water Sports Safety - Special equipment, knowing the waters, night activity, emergencies, weather, waterskiing, fishing & hunting, diving & snorkeling, paddle sports, hypothermia, propeller strikes.
• Trailering - Trailers, tow vehicles, hitching systems, pre-departure, trailer operation, launching & hauling out, sailboat trailering, maintenance, theft protection.
• PWC Operation - Characteristics of PWCs, how a PWC works, special regulations, navigation rules, safety, responsible operation.
• Knots & Lines - Types of rope, cleat hitch, bowline, coiling.
• Chapter 5:
• Introduction to Navigation - How GPS works, basic navigation concepts, chart basics.
• Charts - Chart characteristics, plotting, mariner's compass, calculating a steering course, distance/time/speed, 24-hour clock.
• Digital Charting - Digital charts, installing software, using Chart Navigator, working with digital charts.
• Appendices:
• Canada Rules & Regulations
• State Boating Law Agencies
• Coast Guard Districts
• Forms
• Glossary