US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 3-5

To Offer America’s Boating Course

v     Do you operate a Personal Watercraft (PWC) or jet ski?

v     Will a boating course reduce your insurance premiums?

v     Are you new to boating?

v     Do you want to brush up on boating rules and regulations?

 If you answered yes to any of these questions, then this course is for you.  The one day class is set for Saturday, October 18, 2003 from 8:00 AM – 4:45 PM at the Grand Island Connor Middle School Little Theater.

Topics include:

v     Know Your Boat

v     Before You Get Underway

v     Navigating the Waterways

v     Operating Your Boat or PWC … Safely

v     Legal Requirements of Boating

v     Boating Emergencies … What to Do

v     Enjoying Water Sports with Your Boat.

NOTE: As of January 1, 2004, anyone operating a PWC in New York State waters will be required to have completed an 8-hour boating course. This course fulfills that requirement.

Cost of course materials (including an instructional CD-ROM) is $30 + $10 testing fee payable to US Coast Guard Auxiliary.  To register, call Grand Island Community Education at 773-8864 between 9 AM and 4 PM.  You may also register by calling Steeg at 632-7353 or Perry at 773-3078.

The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is a voluntary, civilian, non-military organization originally established by Congress in 1939 to promote recreational boating safety.  The Auxiliary offers Public Education courses, free Vessel Safety Checks, and assists the Coast Guard in Air and Water (Surface) Operations.  The Coast Guard and the Coast Guard Auxiliary are now part of the Department of Homeland Security after spending many years with the Department of Transportation.

Flotilla 3-5, which is one of five flotillas in the Western New York Region, is based on Grand Island and meets on the 4^th Tuesday of each month at the Buffalo Launch Club.