BATH — The Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer five boating safety classes this spring and summer.
About Boating Safely
This course is an introduction to boating. Topics covered include types of boats, trailering, required safety equipment, legal requirements, navigating waterways, safe operation, boating emergencies and water sports.
The course is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. Successful completion of an optional exam at the end of the class leads to a certificate, which is required to operate a boat in most states and Canada.
Many boat insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to those who have a certificate.
Bath Adult Education will offer the course in sessions that run from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. on March 26 and 28, and April 2 and 4.
The Wiscasset EMA Center will offer the course in sessions that meet from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on July 7 and 14.
Navigating Mid-coast Maine
This course shares three ways to make boating more enjoyable:
— Learn the basics about the information found on nautical charts.
— Have your charts out where you can use them when enjoying Maine’s beautiful Mid-coast waters.
— Learn about navigation aids so you can use them to cruise safely.
The class offers an introduction to navigation using a chart of the Boothbay area. Learn how to read a chart and become familiar with the coastal waters between Small Point and Pemaquid.
True and magnetic headings, variation, lines of position, chart symbols, piloting, latitude and longitude, and dead reckoning are explained. The Three Rivers chart and a copy of a chapter on navigation principles are included. A parallel ruler and dividers are needed and can be purchased separately.
Sessions meet from 6: 30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. June 4, 11, 18 and 25 at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath.
The Wiscasset EMA Center will host classes from 6: 30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. July 3, 5, 10 and 12.
Paddle sports safety
This introductory course presents information needed to operate paddle craft safely. Materials developed by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and the American Canoe Association are provided.
An optional certification exam can be taken at the conclusion of the class.
Sessions meet from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. May 14 and 16 at Boothbay Adult Education.
The Wiscasset EMA Center will offer the class from 8:30 a.m. to noon on Aug. 4 and 11.
Sailing skills and seamanship
This course is designed for both experienced and novice sailboat operators. Topics include types of sailboats, equipment, how a boat sails, reading the wind, points of sailing, sail controls, running, close-hauled, reaching and sail adjustments.
Basic maneuvers of tacking and jibing are explained, along with picking up a mooring, leaving and approaching a dock, and anchoring.
In addition, aids to navigation and an introduction to the rules of the nautical road are covered.
Passing an optional exam at the end of the course leads to a certificate that can be used to show you have taken a boating safety course. The certificate is required to operate a boat in most states and Canada. Many boat insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to boat owners who have a certificate.
Sessions run from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on March 6, 8, 13, 15, 20 and 22 at the Maine Maritime Museum on Washington Street in Bath.
Suddenly in command
This course covers some essential boating information about what to do in emergency situations. Topics include things to know before you go and while under way and what to do in emergencies.
Sessions meet from 6: 30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on May 15 and 17 at the Maine Maritime Museum.
The Wiscasset EMA Center will host a session from 8:30 a.m. to noon on June 23.
To find out more or to register, contact FSOPE@cgauxbbh.org via email or call 633-4748.
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