Online U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary boating safety classes

Submitted by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Public Affairs.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla is offering four opportunities this year for boaters to take an on-line Washington State Basic Boater Education Course.

The course for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card, issued by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission. All Washington state residents must carry a Boater Education Card while on the water operating a power-boat greater than 15 horsepower. This includes people over 12 years of age and applies to anyone who was born after January 1, 1955.

The class is National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) approved for mandated boater education. Successful completion qualifies participant for a WA State Boater Education Card- issued by WA State Parks Boating Program (separate application and $10 fee).

Cost: $20 registration plus separate downloaded book for $4.99 – or $30 Registration and receive a printed book. The books may be shared.

The eight-hour course, is broken into two-hour sessions over four days and will be online using Zoom. At the end of the final class, there is a closed book test which we will help you prepare for. There are three opportunities available for you to take this on-line class:

Monday, March 7 through Thursday, March 10, 2022

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for 2-hours)

Monday, April 11 through Thursday, April 14, 2022

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for 2-hours)

Monday, May 9 through Thursday, May 12, 2022

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for 2-hours)

Monday, June 6 through Thursday, June 9, 2022

6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for 2-hours)