| When you decide to take up boating as a hobby, | | | | nearby. Check with your local marina and ask about |
| there's nothing better you can do for yourself than | | | | what type of boating courses they offer. |
| taking a boating course to learn everything you need | | | | Their boating professionals will often conduct the |
| to know about before you get on the water. | | | | courses at many times throughout the season. It can |
| A good course will teach you more than just how to | | | | be the most responsible thing you do as a boater |
| steer a boat, it will teach you everything you need | | | | when you take one of these courses. |
| to know about safe and responsible boating. | | | | Many boat dealers will have the "inside track" into |
| Here are several basic steps you need to follow: | | | | courses that are offered in your area. They'll be |
| 1.A good course will, of course, begin with a lesson | | | | happy to share this information with you. All you |
| on operating your boat. It should show you all of the | | | | have to do is ask! |
| major parts of your boat, your boat's engine, and | | | | Look online for some courses that you can do from |
| your trailer. | | | | the comfort of your own home. Most of these |
| 2.The boating course should take you through how | | | | boating courses will have you study different |
| to haul your boat and safe ramping procedures. | | | | modules that have to do with all aspects of boating. |
| 3.Rules of the water are essential in all courses. Just | | | | At the end of each section, there will usually be a |
| like on the roadways, you need to practice safe | | | | quiz. At the end of the course, you will have to pass |
| procedures when you go to pass a slower boat and | | | | a comprehensive exam on all material at which time |
| be able to signal appropriately. | | | | you will be deemed a certified boat operator. |
| 4.You should know how to boat at a safe speed and | | | | Taking a boating course will make it easier for you to |
| how to dock as well. | | | | obtain your boat license. You probably wouldn't go |
| Boating safety is the most important part of an | | | | and take a driver's license test without studying a |
| effective boating course. Most boating accidents are | | | | little bit first. |
| caused because captains have not taken the course. | | | | The same holds true of getting a boating license. |
| These courses will show you all aspects of boating | | | | Take a boating course, and the test will be a piece |
| safety and how to practice this at all times for the | | | | of cake! |
| good of yourself as well as your passengers and | | | | Boating courses are valuable troves of information |
| others on the water. | | | | that will help make you a better boater. Seek one |
| You can find certified courses in many places - often | | | | out and reap the benefits. |