February 10, 2023 Oak Harbor, WA – Registration is now open for America’s Boating Course, a two-day boating skills and certification course, to be held at the Oak Harbor Yacht Club on Saturdays March 18 and March 25 , 2023 by the America’s Boating Club of Deception Pass. Successful completion of the course, conducted over the two Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. will qualify individuals for the Washington State Boater Education Card now required for most boaters.
The introductory boating class will include:
- basic boat handling and docking
- safety considerations
- federal and state equipment and safety requirements
- nautical rules of the road
The cost to register is $50. For a spouse or partner sharing the course materials, it will cost an additional $30. Registration and payment can be done online at: http://www.deceptionpasssailandpowersquadron.com/square-payments.html . Registration deadline is March 11, 2023. For more information, contact Jerry Liggett at jliggett4@hotmail.com.
According to state law, most recreational boaters in Washington are required to complete a boating safety course and carry a Washington State Boater Education Card. You are required to have a Boater Education Card if you fit the following criteria:
- You operate a vessel with a 15-horsepower (or greater) motor.
- You were born after Jan. 1, 1955.
- You are 12 years of age or older.
According to instructor Jerry Liggett, this is the most comprehensive introductory boating course available, and will give novice boaters the skills needed to enjoy their time on the water and boat with confidence. The boating club offers free on-the-water training for participants.
America’s Boating Club of Deception Pass is a 44-year-old nonprofit organization, with more than 75 members from Whidbey and Fidalgo islands. We are part of the United States Power Squadrons, a non-profit boating organization dedicated to education & training of safe boating activities.