An in-person Safe Boating Course will be presented at Darien’s Middlesex Middle School beginning at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, January 5, continuing on consecutive Wednesday evenings for six classes, a review, and an exam.
The course will be presented by members of the Darien Sail & Power Squadron.
"The focus of this course is basic coastal boating skills, which is significantly more than the minimum requirements set by the State in their shorter classes. This is a 'course' and not just a 'class' on State regulations," notes Squadron Commander Mark Dam, who is also a course instructor.
"We can say it covers the State requirements for the Certificate, but then it also covers "Radio, Ropes, and Charts" - which is a short way of saying that there are many major topics that can be covered when you have a course that meets over a period of weeks. We use "Radio, Ropes and Charts" to call attention to the fact that while these topics are not covered in the short State classes, the Squadron believes they are vital to good seamanship in our area of Long Island Sound."
The course covers basic boat handling and seamanship, equipment and regulations, an introduction to charts and aids to navigation, basic piloting, and navigation rules. The course is directed at general, practical issues of interest to all boaters, and is not targeted to either power or sail. Graduates of the course are awarded a diploma that qualifies for the Safe Boating Certificate, along with the Coastal Boater Endorsement and the new Safe Water-skiing Endorsement.
The Coastal Boater Endorsement recognizes students who complete courses that are more comprehensive than the minimum requirements.
The State’s Safe Boating Certificate regulations apply to all operators of vessels registered in the state, regardless of age.
The cost of the class ($95) includes the textbook, charts and plotting equipment, with significant discounts available for multiple members of the same household.
Registration and reservation of course materials are through the Squadron's website at dsps.ct.org
Payment is by an easy click on PayPal.
Questions and a request for the night-by-night schedule of topics should be sent to dsps.ct@gmail.com
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