The Vineyard Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer an in-depth safety and training course for recreational boaters, beginning April 11. Subject matter will include choosing and equipping a boat; legal considerations; trailering; boat handling; aids to navigation; navigation rules; nautical charts and basic piloting; powering a boat; knots and lines; weather; use of a marine radio; and safety practices.
The Martha’s Vineyard Detachment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary’s eight-session class will meet Tuesdays from 6 to 8 pm, through May 30, at the Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.
The course is approved by the Massachusetts Environmental Police. Upon completion, youths 12 to 15 years of age are eligible to apply for a license under state boating regulations so they may legally operate a powerboat alone.
Preregistration is required. For additional information and to reserve a space, call Chris Scott, Auxiliary instructor, at 774-930-0921. The instruction is free, but there is a $25 fee to cover materials used in the course.Boating