Submitted by U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary San Juan Islands Detachment is offering a free Washington Basic Boater Education Course on San Juan Island.

Everyone wishing to learn or share their safe boating skills as well as review our local boating regulations is invited to attend. Upon successful completion of the course, attendees may submit a copy of their individual “Certificate of Accomplishment” with $10 for the issuance of a Boater Education Card by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission.

All Washington state residents must carry a boater education card while on the water operating a powerboat greater than 15 horsepower. This includes people over 12 years of age and applies to anyone who was born after Jan. 1, 1955.

Anyone can take this course online, but by taking the class in person, boaters share their experiences and discover new aspects of boating. The in-person class provides attendees with an opportunity to explore and understand the challenges of boating in the Salish Sea.

If you plan on boating in jurisdictions outside of the State of Washington, you are encouraged to determine what the state, territory, and/or nation’s boater education/competency requirements need to be satisfied prior to get underway.

The two-day class will be held on Thursday evenings March 7 and March 14, at Skagit Valley College, San Juan Center. The center is located at 221 Weber Way (adjacent to the airport) in Friday Harbor. The classes will be held from 6–9 p.m. Pre-registration is required and the class is free.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed civilian component of the U.S. Coast Guard and supports the Coast Guard in nearly all mission areas. The Auxiliary was created by Congress in 1939. For more information, visit www.cgaux.org.