Boating Safety
and
Boating Safety Courses Online

Any discussion about boating safety can be approached from several directions. Whether discussing specific equipment requirements, educational offerings like the Coast Guard boating safety course, navigation rules, or keeping an eye on the weather report. Each of these factors is related to boating safety.

Equipment Requirements

The subject of equipment requirements is really quite broad, and often related to the size of boat, location, and type of boating you take part in. Though the subject is too general for discussion here, the one piece of equipment common to all is the requirement to carry a sufficient number of "wearable" U.S. Coast Guard approved PFD's (personal flotation devices) for everyone aboard.

PFD's are available in five categories, or types. Each of the types is based on the specifications of the device, rather than its intended use.

• Type I - wearable
• Type II - wearable
• Type III - wearable
• Type IV - throw able such as cushions, life rings, and horseshoe style
• Type V - wearable, but inflatable or hybrid, and allowable subject to their individual design specifications

Before deciding which types are best suited for your application, be sure to check your individual state's laws for their requirements as well.

Safety Courses

Boating safety courses were, at one time, optional for the recreational boater. More and more states are now requiring mandatory safety classes in order to legally operate motor powered vessels (including jet skis). Class subjects will vary, but typically will address equipment requirements, distress signals and flags, navigation rules, navigational buoys and lights, and a variety of other subjects.

The age and course requirements vary by state, but be aware the U.S. Coast Guard is looking into the development of a mandatory, nationwide program. Additional information is currently available on this U.S. Coast Guard website.

At one time, taking the classes required attending a "classroom" environment. Over the last several years, more courses have become available online. With a little research using the following links, you can locate the requirements for your state. Then, if you decide, or are required, to take a course you can find one that best suits you needs.

Boat Ed

BoatSafe.com

BoatUS

SeaSchool

US Coast Guard

United States Power Squadrons

On a side note, some insurance companies will offer a discount on your boat insurance with the completion of an approved class. Depending on your policy, any premium reduction is going to be a plus.

High Performance Safety School

"High Performance" boat owners have an additional, and highly recommended option available as well.

As of this writing, there are three "Performance" boat schools available, which offer the necessary, hands-on training to safely operate your performance equipment. They are:

International Performance

and

The Ross' Offshore Racing Performance Centre

and

Tres Martin's Performance Boat School


Check them out, and find the one that's best for you!