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{{ wiki:Sea Scouts attending Coast Guard Auxiliary training.jpg?155|Sea Scouts attending Coast Guard Auxiliary training}}
======Auxiliary boater education for Scouts======
The Coast Guard Auxiliary offers a wide range of boater education courses to the general public. Coast Guard Auxiliary boater education is particularly well suited for [[boy_scouts_of_america|Boy Scouts]], [[sea_scouts|Sea Scouts]] and [[venturers|Venturers]]. For Boy Scouts who are planning a trip to the [[preparing_for_trip_to_florida_sea_base|Florida Sea Base]], taking a Sailing and Seamanship course beforehand should be a priority. 

Scouts, Venturers, and Sea Scouts participating in a canoe trek at the Charles L. Sommers Wilderness Canoe Base or a river closer to home should include A Paddler's Guide To Safety as a part of their trip preparation. Sea Scouts would want to attend one of following that best meets their needs:

=====Auxiliary courses for Scouts=====
  * [[http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/classes/about_boating_safely_multi_session.html|About Boating Safely]] -- This beginner boating class gives you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat safety certification in many states. Many boat insurance companies offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete About Boating Safely. This is a six to eight hour course.
  * [[http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/classes/boating_skills_and_seamanship.html|Boating Skills and Seamanship]] -- This is a comprehensive course designed for both the experienced and the novice boater. It consists of eight core required, two hour lessons plus five elective lessons, providing up-to-date knowledge for handling boats in all conditions. 
  * [[http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/classes/paddlesports.html|A Paddler's Guide To Safety]] -- This four hour seminar course provides outstanding safety information just for canoeists and kayakers.
  * [[http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/classes/sailing_skills_and_seamanship.html|Sailing Skills and Seamanship]] -- This course is comprehensive and designed for both experienced and novice sailors. The course is divided into parts: 10 core requirement two-to-four-hour lessons plus six elective lessons that will enhance the skills required for a safe voyage in all conditions.

====Find a nearby course====
  * [[http://www.cgaux.org/boatinged/class_finder/|Public Education Classes]]
  * [[http://cgaux.org/units.php|Finding An Auxiliary Unit]]

=====Resources=====
  * {{wiki:pdf.gif|PDF available}} [[http://bdept.cgaux.org/pdf/BSA-PE_brochure-2010-08-07.pdf|Learn Safe Boating Practices from the Coast Guard Auxiliary]]
  * [[http://www.scouting.org/HealthandSafety/GSS/toc.aspx|Guide to Safe Scouting]]

=====Contributed by=====
Ron Tvorik, BC-ESS - Flotilla 06-01, 9th District (Eastern Region)

=====See also=====
  * [[boy_scouts_of_america|Boy Scouts of America]]
  * [[cub_scouts|Cub Scouts]]
  * [[sea_scouts|Sea Scouts]]
  * [[venturers|Venturers]]
  * [[coast_guard_auxiliary_boater_education_for_scouts|Auxiliary boater education for Scouts]]
  * [[canoeing_and_kayaking|Canoeing and kayaking]]
  * [[preparing_for_trip_to_florida_sea_base|Preparing for a trip to Florida Sea Base]]
  * [[vessel_safety_checks_of_scout_camp_boats|Vessel Safety Checks of Scout Camp and Sea Scout boats]]
  * [[youth_protection_training|Youth protection training]]