Flotilla 98 Charlotte Harbor - Boat Safety Course

BOAT AMERICA (Boating Safety Course)  This course is required by law for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988, to operate a powerboat or PWC.  This is a seven to eight hour course from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.  Upon completion of the class instruction there will be a sixty question examination, and upon successful completion of the examination in approximately two and half weeks you will receive a permanent lifetime plastic card from Florida Fish and Wildlife.  The course is an introduction to safe boating, boating laws and regulations, personal safety and the safety of your passengers, the type and use of safety equipment, trailering, storing of your boat, protecting your boat, recreational usage, ability to identify the Aids to Navigation (ATON) and the rules of the road and proper techniques of anchoring and securing your boat at the dock.  If you own a boat, take the plastic card or certificate to your boat insurance agent for a possible discount on your boat insurance.

Classes are held at the Military Heritage Museum, 900 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, Florida in the Museum Library.  Parking is in the lot under the building, take the elevator to the second floor, turn right and right again to the library.  For those who are attending a Boat America class, you should bring lunch and eat it in the outside dining area or on the first-floor cafe area.  All drinks must be covered.  You will be given a 45-minute lunch break.