The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla of Dunedinpresents this in-depth boating-safety course, which covers the topics needed to obtain a boating license or safety certification in many states. (Some boat-insurance companies also will offer discounts to boaters who complete this course, organizers say.)
Topics include identifying the different kinds of boats; boat registration; required safety equipment; federal and state boating laws; docking, undocking and mooring; knots; steering with a tiller and a wheel; navigation; handling problems such as capizing, a passenger overboard, and equipment failures; trailering, storing and protecting your boat; and family boating basics.