The About Boating Safety Course (ABSC) has been designed by the U.S. Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary to educate new and experienced recreational boaters about boating safety. It is approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators(NASBLA) and qualifies a person to receive a Florida Boaters ID Card. The ABSC is an eight hour program and may be delivered in one or more sessions by local Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas.

ABSC covers many topics that boaters must be familiar with in order to operate their vessels in a safe manner. Some of the topics include proper boating terminology, required safety equipment, boat handling, fuel dock procedures, anchoring, navigation aids like channel markers and regulatory signs, emergency procedures, and boating regulations by both the federal and state governments. Students also learn how to tie the bowline knot and how to tie to a cleat.

Flotilla 3-7 of Lighthouse Point, Florida generally schedules the About Boating Safety Course every other month on a Saturday. Specific dates are announced in local newspapers, by flyers at marine stores and marinas, and in other public locations. The next scheduled class is shown on the home page of the 3-7 website along with a contact phone number and email address.

Boating can be a dangerous hobby if operators do not know the rules, regulations, and proper procedures when on the water. Ignorance of the law is no excuse and boaters can be held liable for damages or injuries caused by improper operation of a vessel. Boating education can help prepare a boater for a safe and enjoyable time on the water.

 

For additional information, or to order a copy of ABSC

contact Public Education (PE) Eugene Cain by e-mail

or phone (954) 557-0582