US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-5

To Offer

 “America’s Boating Course” and “Boating Safely” 

Do you operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) such as a Jet Ski or Wave Runner? 

As of January 1, 2004, anyone operating a PWC in New York State waters will be required to have completed an 8-hour boating course.  Both America’s Boating Course (ABC) and Boating Safely ( BS) fulfills this requirement. 

ABC topics include :

v     Know Your Boat

v     Before You Get Underway

v     Navigating the Waterways

v     Operating Your Boat or PWC … Safely

v     Legal Requirements of Boating

v     Boating Emergencies … What to Do

v     Enjoying Water Sports with Your Boat.

The cost for America’s Boating Course class materials (including an instructional CD-ROM) is $40 payable to USCG Aux Flotilla 3-5.  There may be a custodial fee of up to $5 (payable to the school district) charged by the some school districts in addition to the course fee. 

The cost for Boating Safely class materials is $25 payable to USCG Aux Flotilla 3-5. 

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is a voluntary, civilian, non-military organization originally established by Congress in 1939 to promote recreational boating safety.  The Auxiliary offers Public Education courses, free Vessel Safety Checks, and assists the Coast Guard in Air and Water (Surface) Operations.  The Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary are now part of the Department of Homeland Security after spending many years with the Department of Transportation. 

Flotilla 3-5, which is one of five flotillas in the Western New York Region, is based on Grand Island and meets on the 4^th Tuesday of each month at the Buffalo Launch Club.  

A complete course listing may be found at www.uscgaux.org/~09203/pe.html