South Washington County Schools Community Education

Learn the fundamentals of boating from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. The Boat America course curriculum is a boating certificate class that offers an in-depth and interesting boating safety course, and provides the knowledge needed to obtain a MN or WI boating certificate. Some insurance companies will also offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete this course.

TOPICS INCLUDE

• Introduction to Boating – Types of power boats, boating vocabulary, sailboats, paddle boats, powering boats, and engine types.
• Boating Law – Boat registration, regulations, hull identification numbers, required safety equipment, Federal boating law, state boating law, and reporting accidents.
• Safety Equipment – Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment.
• Boat Handling and Navigation – Buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water.
• Boating Emergencies – Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather.
• Trailering – Types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer.
• Sports and Boating – Water-skiing, hunting and hunting gear, PWC operation, and other boating tips.

Families are encouraged to attend together