U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers boating skills and seamanship course

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering an eight-week course on boating skills and seamanship beginning Tuesday at the Del Rey Yacht Club in Marina del Rey.

Useful to both novice and experienced power- and sail-boaters, some of the topics that are to be covered include boat trailering, handling and powering, safety equipment, navigation, wind and weather, and federal and state boating requirements.

Classes will be held Tuesdays from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. through Oct. 26. At no additional charge, a lines and knots workshop will be offered at 7 p.m. beginning with the second class.

The course fee is $80 and includes a 400-page, fully illustrated boating skills and seamanship textbook. Registration can be completed online or by calling (818) 239-4770.

On passing an exam at the end of the eight weeks, students will receive a certificate that may qualify them for a discount on their boaters' insurance.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary assists the U.S. Coast Guard in non-law-enforcement programs such as public education, vessel safety checks, safety patrols, search and rescue, maritime security and environmental protection, as well as Coast Guard Academy introduction programs for youth. Auxiliary members also serve side-by-side with active-duty members of the Coast Guard team at their stations and in times of disaster.

-- Kelly Burgess
twitter.com/latimesoutposts

Photo: U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary member Cheyne Scoby teaches a lesson on knots. Credit: Steve Lee / U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

Comments

[SafeBoater]

There really is no reason NOT to take a course like this. Insurance companies discount boaters who have this kind of education. Even if you can't control all the factors out on the water, having some specific training can help boaters really handle the unexpected much better.

[Hobie Sailor]

Best boating class I ever took.