May 14. The civilian component of the U. S. Coast Guard is offering two types of courses this year, with the registration deadline for one of them 5 pm today.

North Carolina requires any person born on or after Jan.1, 1988 to have a boating safety card/certificate when operating a vessel of greater than 10 horsepower. Successful completion of the Boat America class results in certification

Boat America

This NASBLA-approved course, leads to a boater safety card and certificate that the meets requirements for NC and all other states that require a Boating Safety Card/Certificate. NASBLA is the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators, a national nonprofit that works to develop public policy for recreational boating safety. NASBLA represents the recreational boating authorities of all 50 states and the U.S. territories.  

The Boat America class is  6 – 8 hours, including a test. Registration is required and the $35 cost includes lunch and must be paid in advance.

Boat America classes will be held at the Joshua Murray Boating, Safety, Education and Awareness Initiative at Blythe Landing next to boat ramps, 15901 NC Hwy 73, Cornelius, at 8 am June 21, July 12 and Sept. 1 and 10 am Aug. 16. Registration is open now for the June 21 class.

Boat America classes are also  scheduled for 8 am July 19, Sept. 10 and Nov. 15 at the Denver Fire Dept., 3956 North NC 16 Business Hwy., Denver.

Suddenly in Command

The other class, Suddenly in Command, arms the student with some basic knowledge and encourages planning in case of an emergency that debilitates the primary operator. The two-hour class does not result in a boating safety certificate.

The class is free. Class size limited and registration closes the Thursday before the Saturday class. Classes are scheduled for 11 am May 17, and 10 am June 14 and July 26 at the Joshua Murray Boating, Safety, Education and Awareness Initiative at Blythe Landing next to boat ramps, 15901 NC Hwy. 73, Cornelius.