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Local Recreational Boater Safety Courses

Jul. 1 2017 News By Island Watersports

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Whether you own a boat now, are looking to purchase a boat in the future, or just enjoy being on the water we highly recommend taking a boaters safety course.

In Maryland, the law states that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a certificate of boating safety education in order to operate any motorized vessel. In Delaware, the law states that anyone born on or after July 1, 1972, must possess a certificate of boating safety education in order to operate any motorized vessel.  This also include personal watercraft (PWCs).

Safety on the water is every boater's responsibly and knowing what to do is key to having fun and developing a culture of safety on the water.  Perhaps the best choice of training available is offered by the local Coast Guard Auxiliary.  Participants will learn local boating regulations, safely navigation the local waters, basic nautical knots, trailering a boat, as well as safety equipment and maintenance.  The basic boating course is taught by trained instructors and must be a minimum of 8 hours in length. These courses normally consist of 3 evenings or 1 long day.  All students are encouraged to ask question as the class moves along. Students must attend all classroom sessions and achieve a score of 80% on the final exam in order to pass. Some agencies require that youngsters under a certain age attend with a participating adult.

The basic boating course is also available on-line. However, there is no opportunity to ask questions since there is no instructor.  For this reason, we strong encourage everyone to attend an in-class boating course.

Here is a listing of local classes be offered for 2019:

Ocean Pines Library:

  • March 5, 6, & 7
  • April 23, 24, 25
  • May 11 (full day Saturday)
  • June 4, 5, 6
  • July 9, 10, 11
  • August 3 (full day Saturday)
  • September 3, 4, & 5

Delaware Classes Coming Soon!

All classes require registration.  To register for MD classes please contact Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807.  To register for DE classes please contact Bob Adams at (610) 507-7526

For more information on classes stop in Island Watersports, call us a (302) 537-BOAT, or e-mail us through the website.