Boating education is crucial for safety
on the water. Many states in the U.S. have mandatory boat operator
licensing for younger boaters, and there is a growing movement to expand
that to all boaters. The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary recently
passed a resolution urging state legislatures to require mandatory boating
safety education, regardless of age.
There are many safe boating
courses offered throughout the country. Organizations such as the
U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary
and the U.S. Power Squadron
sponsor many courses which satisfy requirements for State certification
where required. Visit their websites to find a boating course near you.
Boatwise offers
NASBLA, MA and USCG approved Safe Boating Classes. The Massachusetts Environmental Police also maintain a
course schedule.
NASBLA
(the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators) sets
standards which serve as a guide for state, non-profit and commercial
providers to follow in developing boating education materials.
Here are some online courses which are NASBLA approved and are
recognized in many states:
Boat U.S.
Foundation Online Boating Safety Course - Our free, interactive,
non-proctored course and exam has been approved by the National
Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by
the U.S. Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the
National Recreational Boating Safety Program.
Boat Ed Boating Safety
Courses - All of Boat Ed's state-specific boating safety courses are
approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
(NASBLA) and recognized by the United States Coast Guard Office of
Boating Safety
Boat Massachusetts
- Boat Massachusetts is a recognized safety course that meets the
National Boating Education Standards and is approved by the National
Association of State Boating Law Administrators.
BoaterExam.com
- A leading provider of safe boater education and certification across
the United States and Canada. Our online boating safety course allows
boaters to meet mandatory education requirements and to obtain their
official boater education card or boating license online.
America's Boating Club - America's Boating Club® is a registered
trademark of United States Power Squadrons®, a 501(c)(3) non-profit
organization dedicated to boating safety and education. Members are
boating families who boat together, learn together, and contribute to
their communities by promoting safe boating through education. United
States Power Squadrons has over 24,000 members organized into more than
350 squadrons across the country.
U.S. Powerboating - U.S. Powerboating, an affiliate of U.S. Sailing,
offers the nation's best and most comprehensive on-the-water training
and education courses for recreational boaters. Our hands-on courses are
taught by Certified Powerboat Instructors who empower students with the
skills and confidence they need to get more out of their boating
experience and become safer powerboat operators. US Powerboating's
courses are offered through approved schools, community programs, clubs,
and marinas.
Sailing Courses
U.S. Sailing Programs offer instruction in small and large sailboats,
windsurfers, and powerboats. All levels of instruction are available
around the country for beginner to advanced skills. Information on courses
and instruction is available on their website.
Most yacht clubs also offer boating or sailing
courses for juniors and adults. For a list of yacht clubs worldwide, click
here.
NauticEd Sailing Courses - Over a dozen multimedia online and mobile device
sailing courses for complete beginners through advanced training. All
surpassing international standards.
U.S. Coast Guard License Training
Boatwise offers
US Coast Guard approved Captain's license courses. For information on U.S. Coast Guard License requirements click
here.
