OBX U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary to launch Boat America Boating Safety course, vessel safety check

Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. (Submitted)

The OBX U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary has announced two upcoming events appealing to boaters, including their all-day “Boat America” Boating Safety course and Vessel Safety Check event both happening Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center.

All-Day “Boat America” Boating Safety Class

Registration is now open for the OBX U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s first-ever all-day “Boat America” boating safety course, being held on Saturday, October 12, 2024, at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center (8770 Oregon Inlet Rd, Nags Head, NC) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

All boaters born on or after January 1, 1988, must have a North Carolina Boater Education Card to operate a motorized watercraft of 10 HP or more.  Successful completion of this course satisfies that requirement.

All classes taught by certified Coast Guard Auxiliary Instructors.

Tuition is $30 for 1st family member, $25 for each additional family member and includes all materials.

Course topics include:

  • Introduction to Boating – Types of boats, boating terms and boating equipment.
  • Boating Law – Registration, regulations, and State and Federal requirements.
  • Safety Equipment – Life jackets, fire extinguishers, sound-producing devices, visual distress signals, anchors, and other safety equipment.
  • Safe Operation and Navigation – Buoys and beacons, aids to navigation, navigation rules, docking, and the dangers of alcohol on the water.
  • Boating Emergencies – Hypothermia, boating accidents, man overboard, capsizing, emergency radio calls, carbon monoxide dangers, and weather.
  • Trailering – Types of trailers, lights, hitches, towing a trailer.
  • Sports and Boating – Water-skiing, personal watercraft operation, and other boating tips.

Go to CGAUXOBX.org  for more information and to sign up.


Vessel Safety Check Event

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer free Vessel Safety Checks for recreational boats of all kinds. You will receive a Vessel Safety Check decal recognized by all government agencies. In addition to power and sail boats, we will inspect and discuss helpful safety issues for kayaks and other paddlecraft. You can find us at the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center’s boat launch and fueling station. The event will be held from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 12, 2024.

To learn more about our Vessel Safety Check program or to schedule a home visit go to our website at cgauxobx.org and click the Vessel Safety Check link!

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