Boater Education
This is a big topic - a HUGE topic. And obviously the Frugal Mariner is not the venue for formal boater education. But we hope we can be of help to get you started in the right direction.
First, while you are here, you can study some of the topics on this website. And check back with us from time to time, we are always adding more.
Second, and much more importantly, we strongly urge you to join your local United Stated Power Squadron. Their courses are excellent, and very reasonably priced. They include both an On-Line Boating Course and a Public Boating Course through your local chapter of the power squadron. Once you have taken and passed either of these courses, you qualify to join the Power Squadron. As a member you have many, many courses available to you. Below is a list:
First, while you are here, you can study some of the topics on this website. And check back with us from time to time, we are always adding more.
Second, and much more importantly, we strongly urge you to join your local United Stated Power Squadron. Their courses are excellent, and very reasonably priced. They include both an On-Line Boating Course and a Public Boating Course through your local chapter of the power squadron. Once you have taken and passed either of these courses, you qualify to join the Power Squadron. As a member you have many, many courses available to you. Below is a list:
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Seamanship |
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Piloting |
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Advanced Piloting |
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Junior Navigation |
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Navigation |
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Cruise Planning |
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Engine Maintenance |
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Marine Electronics |
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Sail |
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Rules of the Road |
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Marine Radar |
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Paddle Smart |
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Partner in Command |
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Anchoring |
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Trailering your boat |
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Using GPS |
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Weather |
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Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio |
Click on any of the above courses for a course description.
U.S. Coast Guard Auxilliary
While we are both long standing members of the U.S. Power Squadron, we do not wish to slight the other fine boating organization, the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary. They not only offer excellent boating courses to the public, their members are often out patrolling our waters to help all of us boat safely. Below are listed several of their courses. Click on the link for a description.
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About Boating Safety - Multi-Session |
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Boating Skills and Seamanship- Multi-Session |
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Sailing Skills and Seamanship- Multi-Session |
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Weekend Navigator- Multi-Session |
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About Boating Safety - Seminar |
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GPS for Mariners - Seminar |
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How to read a Nautical Chart - Seminar |
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Personal Watercraft Safety - Seminar |
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Suddenly in Command |
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Boating Fun - For Children 4-9 |
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Waypoints - For Children 10-12 |
Official Required Safe Boating Courses
Many (if not all, by now) States are requiring that boaters under a certain age must have a Boater Safety Certification or a license before they are allowed to pilot a boat.
These above two are the only FREE online boating safety courses accepted by any states. Neither is accepted by ALL states. Check out to see if your state accepts, and save yourself some bucks if it does.
If you find that in your state, at your age, you need a boating certificate or license, click on the sites below to find a course accepted by your state.
Your Boating Education Never Ends
I have been boating for about half a century. I hold a Captain's License. I have taught courses through the U.S. Power Squadron. Saltwater Suzi and I have cruised on our boat many thousands of miles. And we are still learning. We hope to continue to learn for many more years.
Never, ever think you know everything there is to know about boating. That is just when the fates will slap you down and teach you a thing or two. As we research the information we put up on this website, we discover things which either we did not know or maybe knew but have forgotten.
We occasionally encounter new boaters with the 'dream.' And they feel they know enough to go out on the 'big' waters. They don''t know their boat. They don't know the Colregs, they aren't sure what all the running lights mean, they aren't even aware of just how big the ocean really is and how small their boat really is by comparison. They call charts maps, and say things like, "Well, how difficult can it be, really?"
Please, please, please. Learn all you can. Take small voyages. Make your mistakes where you still have a good chance of getting back. Then take a little bigger voyage. Learn from your experiences. Learn from other boaters. Learn from books. Learn from boating courses. Be prudent.
DON'T BE COCKY! Those waters can be awfully unforgiving. They don't care at all about you.
Never, ever think you know everything there is to know about boating. That is just when the fates will slap you down and teach you a thing or two. As we research the information we put up on this website, we discover things which either we did not know or maybe knew but have forgotten.
We occasionally encounter new boaters with the 'dream.' And they feel they know enough to go out on the 'big' waters. They don''t know their boat. They don't know the Colregs, they aren't sure what all the running lights mean, they aren't even aware of just how big the ocean really is and how small their boat really is by comparison. They call charts maps, and say things like, "Well, how difficult can it be, really?"
Please, please, please. Learn all you can. Take small voyages. Make your mistakes where you still have a good chance of getting back. Then take a little bigger voyage. Learn from your experiences. Learn from other boaters. Learn from books. Learn from boating courses. Be prudent.
DON'T BE COCKY! Those waters can be awfully unforgiving. They don't care at all about you.
ON THE OCEAN, THERE ARE NO OFF RAMPS.
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Notice: While we make every effort to ensure that the information provided on this website is accurate, we can not be held responsible for any mishaps which may occur as a result of your using information found in this website without verification through other, more authoritative sources such as the U.S. Coast Guard. |
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The Frugal Mariner
Saltwater Suzi and Cap'n Larry's "Boating on a Budget"
How to's, Information, Education & Fun Stuff about Boats, Sailboats, and Cruising
How to's, Information, Education & Fun Stuff about Boats, Sailboats, and Cruising
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