US Coast Guard Boating Safety Class

About three years ago I went through the Oregon online training course to achieve my boater education card and at that time I took what I thought was the actual test.  However I ended up taking a practice test that even gave me a passing certificate of completion. So of course I went ahead and sent it in with my $10 to get my card.   They sent my check and practice certification of completion test back to me stating that I had sent them the wrong one.      So I gave up on that whole mess.   

So now I have been out on the Columbia River a few times on the yak and even though I took that training course online I still felt uncomfortable with the rules of the river.  Little kayak and big Barge = disaster!!!

Recently (Last Saturday) I attended the boater education class put on by the US Coast Guard Auxiliary (Flotilla 78 – Vancouver, WA Serving Clark and Skamania Counties).  The class was fantastic!  The class ran from 08:30 - 17:00 there were two Sheriffs and 4 Coast Guard Auxiliary who were teaching the class.  All of which were experienced and well rehearsed with all of the training materials that were presented.   I was able to real time get many questions answered.  I probably even extended the class about 1/2 hour with questions.     I took my two older boys with me and they had a good time even with the class being 8 hours long.  Both of them aced the test.   I got a little nervous when my older boy finished the test about 5 min before me and got his results back with a 100%.   I was definitely sweating it, but luckily I ended up with the same 100%   I would have never lived that one down.     

Anyway,  they are planning on putting one on in December.  I would highly recommend this to anyone that needs the Boater Education Card,  or if you just want to have a great safety refresher course.     

Contact info,
Gay Sipes, FSO-HR
Flotilla 78 - Vancouver, WA
360-256-2991 or 503-799-5250

Flotilla 78 – Vancouver, WA
Serving Clark and Skamania Counties
http://a1300708.wow.uscgaux.info

Great information DTS. I meant to be at the one held this past Saturday (22OCT11) as I live about three miles from where they're held, but totally spaced it. I noticed at their Web-site they also list a Paddle Sports option which would be of interest (for obvious reasons). I'm going to plan on the December class. Thanks again. 

Great information DTS. I meant to be at the one held this past Saturday (22OCT11) as I live about three miles from where they're held, but totally spaced it. I noticed at their Web-site they also list a Paddle Sports option which would be of interest (for obvious reasons). I'm going to plan on the December class. Thanks again. 

You bet!  I got so much more out of this class than I expected.  These folks are also a great resource for other more advanced classes that are out there. 

Sounds like a great class.  I'll have to poke around and see if there any up closer to me.  Should be something in Anacortes or Bellingham I'd think.