Boating America Class meets N.C. State requirements

Any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1988, must complete an approved boating safety course before operating a vessel with a motor of 10 hp or greater on North Carolina waters. Even if not required by law to get the North Carolina boating license, many boaters take the boating safety course to save on their boat insurance.

Individuals who successfully complete the USCG Auxiliary Boating America (BA) course and exam are awarded U.S. Coast Guard certificates and cards. Taught by certified USCG Auxiliary instructors, the USCG Boating America course applies to all recreational watercraft including powerboats, PWCs, sailboats and paddle craft.

The course covers general information about boats and maintenance, preparing for safe and enjoyable outings, navigation rules and aids to navigation, guidelines for operating your boat or PWC safely, what to do in case of boating emergencies, and state-specific laws and regulations you must follow.

The course will be taught at the Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation, 795 Ocean Hwy. 17 West in Supply from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 25. Course fee is $35 per person or $30 for two or more attendees. You may pay by cash or check at the door; sorry, no credit cards accepted.

Seating may be limited. To register go to: CGAuxSafeBoating@ec.rr.com.