Educational Opportunities

The individual squadrons of District 22 offer public safe boating courses, seminars on a wide variety of boating topics, and advanced boating education. Advanced courses are offered to America’s Boating Club members, but are also often available to non-members at additional cost.

Our squadron Educational Programs teach boating skills which lead to safety on the water. The America’s Boating Club Educational webpage provides an overview of our programs. Not every squadron offers every course, but you should be able to find a course somewhere close to you.

We hope that as you take our classes, you will become aware of the advantages of membership in America’s Boating Club and you’ll join one of the squadrons in District 22. Snowbirds are always welcome to join as an associate member.

America’s Boating Course

If you’d like to have a Florida Safe Boater’s card, America’s Boating Club has the course for you! The Boater’s card is required for anyone in Florida born after January 1, 1988 operating a power boat (10 HP or more). The squadrons in Southwest Florida’s District 22 offer this course frequently throughout the year. The basic course takes 8 hours, includes a final exam, and meets the Florida requirements. Approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA), it includes four main chapters covering:

Boat Education: General information about boats and personal watercraft, and their maintenance.
Boat Safety: How to make your boating safer and more comfortable.
Boating Law and Regulation: Laws and regulations that you must follow.

Use the locator to find a course at a squadron near you that fits your schedule and learning style. Select America’s Boating Course and type in your location and the distance you’re willing to travel.

Advanced Courses

Take your boating education to another level by enrolling in our advanced grade courses. These courses typically run for 6 or more weeks. Click on each course title for a full description. Use the locator to find an Advanced Course near you.

Available Courses:

Boating Handling
Marine Navigation and Advanced Marine Navigation
Offshore Navigation and Celestial Navigation
Cruising and Cruise Planning
Engine Maintenance
Marine Electrical Systems
Marine Communication Systems
Electrical Navigation
Radar for Boaters
Sail
Weather

Seminars

America’s Boating Club has developed many seminars on topics connected to boat handling and techniques, navigation, electronics, safety, cruising, weather, tides and currents.