About the Classes:
America’s Boating Course (ABC/PWC)
This beginner boating class will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete America's Boating Course.

PWC (Personal Watercraft)
2-hour course for folks that already have their CT Safe Boating Certificate and want to have fun with Personal Water Craft (Jet Skis) and upgrade their SBC to PWC status

ABC/PWC Topics Include:
Introduction to Boating - Types of power boats; sailboats; outboards; paddle boats; houseboats; different uses of boats; various power boating engines; jet drives; family boating basics.

Boating Law - Boat registration; boating regulation; hull identification number; required boat safety equipment; operating safely and reporting accidents; protecting the marine environment; Federal boat law; state boating laws; personal watercraft requirements.

Boat Safety Equipment - Personal flotation devices ("life jackets"); fire extinguishers; sound-producing devices; visual-distress signals; dock lines and rope; first aid kit; anchors and anchor lines; other boating safety equipment.

Safe Boating - Bow riding; alcohol and drug abuse; entering, loading, and trimming a boat; fueling portable and permanent tanks; steering with a tiller and a wheel; docking, undocking and mooring; knots; filing a float plan; checking equipment, fuel, weather and tides; using charts; choosing and using an anchor; safe PWC handling; general water safety.

Navigation - The U.S. Aids to Navigation system; types of buoys and beacons; navigation rules (sometimes referred to as right-of-way rules); avoiding collisions; sound signals; PWC "tunnel vision."

Boating Problems - Hypothermia; boating accidents and rescues; man overboard recovery; capsizing; running aground; river hazards; strainers: emergency radio calls; engine problems; equipment failures; carbon monoxide (CO); other boating and PWC problems.
Trailering, Storing and Protecting Your Boat - Types of trailers; trailer brakes, lights, hitches, tires, and bearings; loading, balancing, and towing a trailer; towing (and backing) a trailer; boat launching and retrieving; boat storage and theft protection; launching, retrieving and storing a PWC.

Water-skiing - Water-skiing safety guidelines and hand signals; water-skiing with a PWC and other boating tips.

Connecticut/New York - Boating regulations as they pertain to respective states.

Certification
Upon completion student is qualified to apply and receive the Connecticut PWC and Safe Boating Certificate. Classes are limited to 20 participants, starting at age 12.

Instructor Qualifications:

Chester Lowe, MD Ph.D. - Coast Guard Auxiliary Instructor, State of CT PWC Instructor, USCG Vessel Examiner, Sail and Power

John Hartwright - Coast Guard Auxiliary Instructor, USCG Crew Certification, Power