Basic Boating Safety Course
I - Introduction
Course Contents
I
 star.gif (333 bytes) Introduction
II  Educational Objectives
How to Get Your Certification
III  The Boat
1. Terminology
2. Boat Types
3. How to measure length
4. Hull designs and uses
5. Types of hulls
6. Propulsion
7. Boat Capacity Plate
8. Engine Systems
9. Semi-Annual Safety Checklist
Review Quiz-3
IV  Legal Requirements
1. Registration and numbering
2. Required Equipment
2a. Personal Flotation Devices (PFD's)
2b. Navigation Lights
2c. Fire Extinguishers
2d. Ventilation
2e. Sound Signals
2f. Pollution Regulations
3. Recommended Equipment
Review Quiz-4
V  Preparation
1. Vessel Check List
2. Trailering
3. Awareness of environmental conditions
4. Float Plan
5. Preventive Maintenance
6. Fueling
Review Quiz-5
VI  Operations
1. Operator responsibility
1a. Courtesy
1b. Alcohol
2. Navigation Rules
2a. Definitions
2a. Seamanship
2a. Sound Signals
2b. Rules of the Road
2b. Meeting, Crossing & Overtaking
2c. Restricted Visibility
3. Aids to Navigation
Review Quiz-6
VII  Getting Underway
1. Line Handling and Marlinespike
2. Docking/Undocking Plan
3. Maneuvering Underway
4. Anchoring
5. Water Sports
6. Personal Watercraft
Review Quiz-7
VIII  Accidents
1. Fatal Vs Non-fatal
2. Accident Reports
3. Crew Overboard
4. Assistance from shore
5. Hypothermia
6. Fires on Board
7. First Aid
8. Rendering Assistance
9. Going Aground
Review Quiz-8
IX  Special Items
1. Vessel Emergency Repairs
2. Locks
3. Dams
4. Security
5. Sailing
Review Quiz-9
X  State Specific Requirements
Final Exam

Boating Basics
Glossary of Terms

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Introduction

There is an interactive version of this course that requires the Flash plug-in. To access that version and download the free plug-in, please click here. This version meets Section 508 accessibility requirements.

This course covers basic boating safety concepts that you need to know if you intend to participate in water sport activities. It has been designed by marine educators to provide information to people who might not otherwise have the opportunity to receive it. You can progress at your own pace and on your own time schedule.

Please choose the state in which you reside (where your certificate and ID card will be mailed) so that we may include state-specific information as you progress through the course. If you also boat in other areas, you will have the opportunity to review other state regulations at the end of the course.

Please choose a state


Welcome Aboard!

This Basic Boating Safety Course gives only the minimum requirements for safety equipment and general information. To obtain a greater knowledge of boating skills and seamanship we encourage you to attend more in-depth boating courses.


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