Basic Weather and Forecasting Seminar
Materials Fee: Determined by Local Squadron
Date: Saturday, March 16
Time: 10:00 - 12:00
Location: R H Stafford Library (8595 Central Park Place, Woodbury) or Online via your computer
Instructor: Al Harmon, St. Paul Squadron
“A veering wind will clear the sky; A backing wind says storms are nigh.”
"Red sky at night, sailors' delight. Red sky at morning, sailors take morning."
All boaters have heard these mariners' proverbs or similar ones. They have a salty flavor that takes us back to the era of sailing ships. In this Basic Weather and Forecasting seminar, students will learn the meteorological basis for them. The safety and comfort of those who venture out on the water have always been weather dependent, and this two-hour session is a must for boaters who have never taken a weather course. The complex subject of weather is presented in a way that is both understandable and useful. Topics include:
Air Masses & Fronts, Winds, Storms, Clouds & Thunderstorms, Fog and Forecasting.
For more information, please contact the St. Paul Squadron Education Officer: education@stpaulsquadron.org
To Register for this seminar:
* Email education@stpaulsquadron.org to confirm your participation in the class; include your contact information.
* Copy your Squadron Educational Officer - or send a separate message - to be contacted regarding cost and process for ordering materials. (Note: This is an important step. Your seminar materials must be ordered by your own squadron!)
America's Boating Course
Materials Fee: $35.00
Dates: Saturdays, April 13 and 20, 2024 (2 sessions)
Time: 8:30 to 4:30
Location: St Croix Yacht Club (6435 St Croix Trail North, Stillwater) or Online via your computer
Hosted by: St Paul Squadron
Become a safer, more confident boater!
America’s Boating Course is the most comprehensive, single source, in-person boating course available to provide both new and experienced boaters the skills needed to safely enjoy time on the water. Topics include: rules of the road; required safety equipment; navigation aids, lights and sounds; anchoring; communications; adverse conditions; water sports and personal watercraft safety; trailering; local and federal laws; and knots & lines. This course is perfect if you are a new boat owner or just want to freshen up your knowledge. Local information, discussion with other boaters, and ample time for questions expand on the course curriculum to broaden students' boating knowledge.
This course is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard and approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators. It meets all Minnesota and Wisconsin requirements for obtaining boating license and operator certification. Instructors are NASBLA-certified and members of the local St. Paul Sail and Power Squadron.
We strongly recommend taking this class in person to maximize your investment of time and resources. However, it will be available online as well. The link will be published weekly to registered participants.
NOTE: The test required for NASBLA certification must be taken in person - on Saturday afternoon, April 20.
This course is considered the first step in joining America's Boating Club. If you know of people considering membership, please refer them to this course, and this website.
For more information, please contact the St. Paul Squadron Education Officer: education@stpaulsquadron.org
Boat Handling (formerly Seamanship)
Materials Fee: Determined by Local Squadron
Dates: Wednesdays, May 1 through June 12, 2024 (7 weeks)
Time: 7:00 to 9:00
Location: Bayport Marina Clubhouse (200 5th Ave So, Bayport, MN) or Online via your computer
Hosted by: St Paul Squadron
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Boat Handling, which replaces Seamanship, is the next course to take if you’ve already taken an introductory boating class such as America’s Boating Course. The class is conducted in six sessions:
* Rules of the Road
* Confidence in Docking
* Handling Your Boat Underway
* Anchoring
* Emergencies on Board
* Knots and Line Handling
The seventh week (June 12), there will be a written test. Members who complete the course and pass the test will be granted the advanced grade of "Seaman."
We strongly recommend taking this class in person to maximize your investment of time and resources. However, it will be available online as well. The link will be published weekly to registered participants.
NOTE: The test required to certify course completion must be taken in person on June 12.
For more information, please contact the St. Paul Squadron Education Officer: education@stpaulsquadron.org
To Register for this class:
* Email education@stpaulsquadron.org to confirm your participation in the class; include your contact information.
* Copy your Squadron Educational Officer - or send a separate message - to be contacted regarding cost and process for ordering materials. (Note: This is an important step. Your course materials must be ordered by your own squadron!)
America's Boating Course
Materials Fee: TBD
Dates: TBD
Location: TBD
If you are interested in an exciting, in-depth boating safety course, check out America's Boating Course. You can take this course as a classroom course (find a local course here) or as an interactive, PC-based home study course for people whose schedule and obligations would make it difficult to attend a classroom course.
Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete America's Boating Course. And, this beginner boating class will give you the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states.
Learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation plus basic piloting in this comprehensive classroom course. This newly-revised course will give you the basics of line throwing, knot tying, boat handling, anchoring, navigation rules and aids, emergencies on the water, and more. Instructors have many years of boating experience shared between inland waters.
This course is recommended because of its detailed course study. With successful completion of our ABC course, you receive a certificate of safe boating from the State.
Topics include:
- Required Safety Equipment
- Navigation Rules & Aids
- Finding Your Way
- Marlinspike (knots!)
- State Vessel Registration & Regulations
- Trailering
- Anchoring
- Communications Afloat
- Lights and Sound signals
Contact wkoplitz@aol.com to register for this class.