Boating Safety Course
Whether you are a seasoned mariner or a new boater just trying to find their sea legs, we believe that boating is a fun activity, but it does demand an understanding of safety procedures. At America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons, we promote boating safety across our 260+ squadrons. That is why we have dedicated over a century to providing the most comprehensive boater safety courses in the country. From our local squadrons to the convenience of a boat safety class online, we have an array of boating education options available to navigate with confidence.
Why America’s Boating Club
Since 1914, the United States Power Squadrons have provided premier maritime education. We aren’t just a boating school; we are a community of nearly 20,000 members organized over 260 local squadrons in the US. When you take a boating safety course with us, you aren’t just checking another box for a certificate, you’re joining and learning from a network of expert boaters who are passionate about the cause.
Choose Your Learning Path
We understand that every boater has a different schedule and skill level. Our curriculum is specifically designed to have flexible offerings:
- America’s Boating Course: Is our flagship boater safety course that is NASBLA-approved and meets the educational requirements for boat operation in almost every state.
- Boat Safety Class Online: Can’t make it to a local squadron? Our boat safety class online will allow you to learn at your own pace and from the comfort of your environment.
- Specialized Seminars: Looking to sharpen specific skills? We offer seminars on topics such as Confidence in Docking, How to Use a GPS, and Rules of the Road. Plus many others.
- Advanced Courses: For those who are ready to explore offshore, we offer an in-depth training in marine electronics, engine maintenance, and even celestial navigation.
Stay Informed with Boating Safety News
The world of maritime regulation and technology is always evolving. Part of being a responsible captain is staying up to date with the latest boating safety news. Whether it’s changes in life jacket requirements or updates on new electronic charting tools. America’s Boating Club | United States Power Squadrons keeps our members and the public informed through our local squadrons and national resources.
The maritime landscape is always evolving with stricter enforcement of federal safety standards and a significant push toward new technology as well. The U.S. Coast Guard and local authorities have increased their focus towards mandatory use of Engine Cut-Off Switches (ECOS) and transition of electronic visual distress signals over traditional flares. Furthermore, several states have also updated their boating safety course certificate requirements depending on the year born. Our squadrons stay at the forefront of these changes, providing members with timely alerts on new regulations as well as free vessel safety checks to ensure that your gear meets the latest compliance standards.
Join a Local Squadron Today
The heart of our organization lies within our local squadrons. Beyond the classroom, our members enjoy on-the-water raft ups, group cruises, and hands-on training sessions. By joining a squadron, you gain access to local boating knowledge and a local and national community of passionate boaters. If you’re ready to gain confidence out on the water join a squadron or take a boat safety class today! We have resources that can help you master boating out on the water.