Coast Guard to Offer Boating Courses

The public can sign up for three courses offered by the Coast Guard Auxiliary Floatilla of Santa Monica Bay: How to read a nautical chart, suddenly in command and about boating safely. 

The nautical chart reading course is a 3-hour boating seminar that will meet on two consecutive Tuesday evenings from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. starting Sept. 18. Topics covered include buoys, markers, shoreline features, water depth and bottom type and magnetic compass variation. The cost for this course is $40 per person or $50 per couple. 

About boating safely is a four-week course beginning Sept. 10 from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. This is a basic course that will teach students about safety equipment, legal requirement, handling boating emergencies and using marine electronics. Course fees are $45 per person or $55 per couple. Many insurance companies offer discounts for passing this course.

Suddenly in command, the third course offered, will run only one night on Sept. 11 from 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is designed for those unfamiliar at the helm, but often onboard a boat. It will help students prepare for an emergency in case the captain suddenly becomes incapacitated or falls overboard. It will cover essentail boating safety as well as how to use first aid and boat repair kits. Fees are $35 per person or $45 per couple.

To learn more about these courses, email classes@uscga1242.org or call 424-248-7190. To register, visit www.uscga1242.org/classes. Classes are taught by Flotilla 12-42 at the California Yacht Club, located at 4469 Admiralty Way.