Curious - How Many Have Done A Boating Course?

[Dan in Alaska]

I took an online course, about six years ago, and the following year I took the "Boating Safety & Seamanship" course taught by the CG Aux folks. Last winter, I took the 100T Master's Course, and I just renewed the first aid stuff a couple of weeks ago.

[Passman]

I took USCGA 13 week deal with my dad when I was 16. I know it made me a better boater over the years. When stuff happens out there it just kicks in and my mind goes into navy mode.

[johnob]

Using the latest USCG accident statistics:

Total Accidents Deaths Injuries

6942

[johnob]

Using the latest USCG accident statistics:

Total Accidents Deaths Injuries

6942

[johnob]

Using the latest years USCG Boating Statistics:

Accidents Deaths Injuries

TOTAL 6,942 685 3,673

No Boater Education 5,190 83% 591 86% 2,738 75%

US Power Squadron 112 1 38

USCG Course 333 12 151

State Course 663 24 342

Now tell me that boater education does not work and is not worthwhile!

[rondebmar]

Debbie & I each completed the USCGA "Boating Skills & Seamanship" course (the long one) about five years ago...then their "GPS For Mariners" course more recently...I do the on-line FL FWC course about every five years or so...got their "Lifetime" certificate!!

Personally...I feel the appropriate educational courses should be a state requirement...and licensing mandatory...because of what I observe (and encounter!) while fishing/boating in the FL Keys. That said, the knowledge level at our local USCGA is poor! Once argued with the Commandant at one of their public PR displays re DSC...gave up upon his stubborn insistence the DSC system was "satellite" oriented...he "knew" it all...I "knew" nothing...gave it up.

I find it handy to annually review all the test booklets/pamphlets/etc I keep around.

[jamisjockey]

The missus and I both took the basic course offered here in VA. It is required by all PWC operators and will soon be required to operate a boat in the state.

I find it crazy that one must have a driver's license to drive, but often nothing in many states to operate a boat.

[cabojon222]

Menzies,

To answer your question, I took the 13 week course offered by the USCG Aux. I was amazed at how much I didn't know. After taking it I realised how little other boaters know.

[oneill469]

Wife and I both took Power Squadron.

[Rich]

That said, the knowledge level at our local USCGA is poor! Once argued with the Commandant at one of their public PR displays re DSC...gave up upon his stubborn insistence the DSC system was "satellite" oriented...he "knew" it all...I "knew" nothing...gave it up.

You're certainly going to run into that. The Commander (Commandant is Adm. Allen, not an auxie) has a point though IF one is counting on DSC to transmit your POSITION in an emergency - As I'm sure you know, DSC capable radios take your position from your GPS. This is probably what he meant by saying it was "satellite oriented". If he was arguing that the VHF signal was "satellite oriented" he'd be absolutely wrong, but I have yet to encounter anyone that believed that. But you never know......

Kudos to you though for taking and promoting the course in spite of your experience with one individual.

BTW: I forgot to mention that teaching the Aux courses is how I met my wife Sheila.