The United States Coast Guard (USCG) Auxiliary in Ocean City, MD will now offer a special, one day, Maryland Safe Boating Class on Saturday, August 27. The organization has received a number of requests for a one day weekend class for individuals who are only here on extended weekends or can not take off three evenings from work for their standard three 6:00 to 9:00PM week night sessions.
Additionally, Virginia’s boater safety course law now requires everyone who operates a motorized vessel, including PWC (personal water craft) to be in possession of a certificate for a boat safety course. Many Maryland boaters travel from Maryland to Virginia and are unaware that they are not grandfathered to boat in Virginia even though they may not be required to take a basic boating course in Maryland.
The course will be held at the Library in Ocean City at Coastal Highway and 100th Street on Saturday, August 27, from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
If you boat in Virginia, beginning July 1, 2016, all PWC operators age 14 and older and all motorboat operators regardless of age need to take a boating safety course.
This course meets the requirements of the Maryland Boating Safety Education Act that requires anyone born after July 1, 1972 to possess a Maryland Basic Boating Safety Certificate to operate a boat in the state of Maryland. Those attending and passing will receive a Maryland Boating Certificate.
Perhaps you are starting out in boating, or coming back to it – this is a great chance to brush up on your general boating knowledge and get practical boating insight and advice from Coast Guard Auxiliary Instructors. Besides the Maryland boating regulations, learn about safely navigating and piloting our local Ocean City waters, basic nautical knots, trailering a boat, safety equipment and maintenance.
Cost for the course is $15.00 and includes all course materials. To register, or if you have questions, please contact: Barry Cohen at 410-935-4807 or by Email at CGAUXOC@Gmail.com.
