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More about Boating
EDUCATION: Boating becomes more fun as you learn more about it. A good
place to start is at one of the many free boating education classes offered
throughout the country.
Boating courses are offered at thousands of locations across the U.S.
Instruction is free by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and Power squadrons, but
there is a small fee for books and materials. To find the course nearest your
home call toll free: 1-800-336-BOAT (In VA, 1-800-245-BOAT)
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers several courses: basic skills and sea-
manship, sailing and coastal navigation. To contact this group directly con-
tact U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, Commandant (G-NAB), 2100 Second St. SW,
Washington, DC 20593; 202/267-0972.
U.S. Power Squadrons offer two courses, one on general boating, another
on basic sailing. USPS is headquartered at 1504 Blue Ridge Rd.,
P.O. Box 30423, Raleigh, NC 27622; 919/821-0281.
Local chapters of the American Red Cross offer instruction in canoeing,
outboard boating, rowing and sailing for both children and adults. National
headquarters are 17th & D Sts. NW, Washington, DC 20006; 202/639-3686.
Many state boating offices have boating safety textbooks available, in-
cluding information on state and local boating regulations. Located in state
capitols, these agencies are often part of departments of natural resources,
conservation, wildlife, parks or law enforcement bureaus.
The U.S. Coast Guard maintains a toll free Boating Safety Hotline to answer
consumer questions about boating safety recall information, to report
possible safety defects in boats, and for answers to boat safety questions:
1-800-368-5647
CHARTS & MAPS: The National Ocean Service (NOS), a division of the
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), is the principal
government chart agency for U.S. waters. NOS distributes free chart
catalogs covering the four U.S. recreational boating areas (No.1 Atlantic &
Gulf Coasts, NO.2 Pacific Coast Inc. Hawaii, NO.3 Alaska, NO.4 Great Lakes
and adjacent waterways). Catalogs will tell you which chart(s) you need and
include ordering instructions. Contact NOAA/NOS, Distribution Branch,
(N/CG33), Riverdale, MD 20737; 301/436-6990.
In addition, many federal agencies publish recreational maps, including the
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Department of the Interior (U.S. Fish &
Wildlife Service, National Park Service, Forest Service, others), and the
Tennessee Valley Authority. State tourism offices are also good sources of
information on boating and fishing sites and public access boat launching
ramps.
