SEATTLE – The Coast Guard Auxiliary is scheduled to conduct a boating safety class Saturday, Oct. 25, 2008, and Saturday, Nov. 1, 2008, from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the second floor training room at Englund Marine Supply, 29 Portway Drive in Astoria, Wash.
This introductory boating course will emphasize recreational boating safety in the Pacific Northwest and address hazards unique to the lower Columbia River and the Columbia River Bar. Many insurance companies offer discounts to graduates of the boating education course.
The course fee is $30.00, which includes a course book and CD of all the course materials. For more information or to register for the course students should contact Matthew Carter at (503) 481-6648 or Ron Colman at (503) 861-1368. Day-of registration will be accepted at the door.
Graduates of this boating safety class will meet the educational requirements for the mandatory Washington and Oregon State Boater’s Education Card.
In Oregon, boaters, age 70 and under need to have a Boater Education Card to operate or supervise youths operating a vessel greater than 10 horsepower. Children ages 12 to 15-years-old operating a boat up to 10 horsepower and all personal watercraft operators also need a card.
Currently in Washington, a Boater Education Card is required for all operators under the age of 20. Starting Jan. 1, 2009, boaters 25-years-old and younger must have their Boater’s Education Card.
