Submitted by the US Coast Guard.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla is offering an opportunity for boaters to take an online, Washington State Basic Boater Education Course.

The course 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 who was born after Jan. 1, 1955.

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

Cost: $20 registration plus separate downloaded book for $4.99 – or $30 Registration and receive a printed book. 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 instructors will help attendees prepare for.

Dates are: Monday, Sept. 25 through Thursday, Sept. 28, 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.

(Class is Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday for two-hours)

More information is available at www.BLIaux.com. For reservations or any questions, please email boatingsafetyWA@gmail.com