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, Sea Scouts, and Venturers. For Boy Scouts who are planning a trip to the 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 the new Paddlesports America as a part of their trip preparation. Sea Scouts would want to attend one of following that best meets their needs:

• [[http://www.cgauxed.org/elib/courses/desc/sss%20descr.htm Sailing Skills and Seamanship is a terrific course for Scouts going to Florida Sea Base]]
• 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 6-8 hour course.
• Boating Skills and Seamanship – The BS&S course is a comprehensive course designed for both the experienced and the novice boater. It consists of 8 core required two hour lessons plus five elective lessons, providing up-to-date knowledge for handling boats in all conditions.
• Paddlesports America – This four hour seminar course provides outstanding safety information just for canoeists and kayakers. New in 2010.
• Sailing Skills and Seamanship – The SS&S course is a comprehensive course designed for both experienced and novice sailors. The course is divided into parts: 10 core requirement two-to four-hour lessons plus 6 elective lessons that will enhance the skills required for a safe voyage in all conditions.
• Waypoints – A guide to boating safely is targeted to youth in grades 4-6 and appeals to the 10-12 year old age range. It includes many of the main points of our adult 8-hr Boating Safely Course.

• Public Education Classes
• Finding An Auxiliary Unit

• Learn Safe Boating Practices from the Coast Guard Auxiliary
• Guide to Safe Scouting

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