boating courses

[Old Lion]

I am moving up from a 205 to a 255 this Spring and am thinking about taking one of the Coast Guard or other courses to brush up on my skills. I live in the Northern NJ/NYC ara and do my boating out of Nantucket. Any recommendations?

 

[Average Joe]

I believe there is an online course offered for free through the Boat U.S. website.

 

[JeffN]

You might try adult ed night school classes in your area. I would think there should be some available. Do power squadrons still exist? They used to offer courses IIRC. The online stuff is probably fine but a I find having a good instructor in front of me makes it more enjoyable. I took a night school course at our high school years ago and it was a lot of fun and very well presented.

 

[lgusto]

Consider taking a USCG captain's course. For about $750 and once a week classes for a few months you can learn just about everything possible without shipping out. Even if you don't apply for your license the education is very satisfying and a real confidence builder. Plus, you get to spend time with other boating folks who have decades of varied experience.

 

[jaydub]

There are several on line courses. The Power Squadron offers one at http://www.usps.org/ . I'm sure in the area you live there are courses offered especially this time of year when no one is boating. Check with your local Power Squadron or Coast Guard Auxiliary. There are also courses they may offer beyond boating safety such as navigation, GPS use, etc.

Captain's School is great but it's a heck of a time commitment. Just went through it and finally got my license. School was every day for 2 weeks including weekends. Sure learned a lot though.