Submitted by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla offers boaters four opportunities to take an online, Washington state Basic Boater Education Course.

The course is for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card, issued by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission. All Washington state residents must carry a Boater Education Card while on the water operating a power boat greater than 15 horsepower. This includes people over 12 years of age and applies to anyone born after Jan. 1, 1955.

The class is National Association of State Boating Law Administrators approved for mandated boater education. Successful completion qualifies the participant for a Washington state Boater Education Card issued by Washington State Parks Boating Program (separate application and $10 fee).

Cost is $15 registration plus $10 printed book, totaling $25. The books may be shared.

The eight-hour course is broken into two-hour sessions over four days and will be online using Zoom. At the end of the final class, there is a closed-book test which we will help you prepare for.

Classes

Monday, March 9, through Thursday, March 12

6:30-8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours)

Monday, April 6, through Thursday, April 9

6:30-8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours)

Monday, May 11, through Thursday, May 14

6:30-8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours)

Monday, June 8, through Thursday, June 11

6:30-8:30 p.m.

(Classes are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two hours)

More information is available on our website: www.BLIaux.com. For reservations or any questions, please email boatingsafetyWA@gmail.com.