America's Boating Course
Gain confidence to boat legally, safely, and smartly
What You’ll Learn
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State boating laws & requirements
Registration, licensing, and regulations explained in plain English
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Essential safety equipment
What you must carry and what you should carry to stay out of trouble
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Smart boating practices
Real-world do’s and don’ts that prevent accidents and costly mistakes
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Navigation & rules of the road
Understand markers, right-of-way, and how to avoid collisions
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On-the-water emergency response
Handle medical issues and common mechanical failures with confidence
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Towing & trailering basics
Launch, retrieve, and tow safely without damaging your boat or vehicle
You’ll leave prepared, confident, and ready to enjoy the water.
Thank you for such a thoughtful and well-organized review. The ABC/USPS presentation materials were excellent, and the course book proved to be a highly relevant and useful resource. The visual aids you brought really helped reinforce the material.
Revisiting information we had learned in the past — and discovering updates we didn’t realize had changed, such as fire extinguisher classifications — made the experience both engaging and valuable. It helped fill in gaps and reinforced important safety concepts.
We both left with renewed enthusiasm for the importance of safety on the water, and we hope your instructors know how impactful that was for us.
Date
Saturday • 04/25/2026
8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location
Cost
- America's Boating Course $25
- Course book $35
Register
Frequently Asked Questions
Our Instructors
Bruce brings decades of experience in leadership, planning, and instruction to the America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles classroom. He served as an Associate Professor at St. Cloud State University, where he taught graduate and doctoral-level courses.
Charles is a Classroom Instructor and Senior Navigator (SN-ON) with America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles, and a former Squadron Commander. He is also a recipient of the Charles F. Chapman Award for Excellence in Teaching, awarded by America’s Boating Club.
Cynthia currently serves as Executive Officer, Public Contact, and a Classroom / On-The-Water Instructor for America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles. She is also the Porthole Newsletter Editor, helping keep the community informed with timely safety guidance, local boating updates, and club activities.
Ed is currently a Classroom Instructor with America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles, where he is known for his clear, safety-focused approach to boating education. He is also Vessel Safety Check (VSC) Coordinator, overseeing FREE Vessel Safety Checks in support of our club's mission of increased boater safety.
Jerry currently serves as the Assistant Education Officer and a Classroom Instructor for America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles, and is a former Squadron Commander. He brings decades of senior-level engineering, leadership, and operational experience to our club.
John, a Classroom Instructor, brings decades of experience to the America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles. He holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Marine Sciences from Long Island University, with academic studies in Marine Biology.
Mike currently serves as the Education Officer and a Classroom Instructor for America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles, and is widely regarded as the backbone of the squadron’s educational program. A member of America’s Boating Club for more than thirty seven years, he is known for his unwavering commitment to boating education, safety, and student success.
Terry currently is a highly regarded Classroom Instructor for America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles. She has previously served in leadership roles including Lieutenant Commander and Administrative Officer. In recognition of her service and impact, she was honored as the club’s 2020 Member of the Year.
Vicky has been a member of America’s Boating Club – Golden Isles since 2008 and currently serves as both a Classroom Instructor and a Member at Large, helping represent the interests of the membership. She has also served the club in several leadership roles including Commander and Secretary.