Presenting boating safety classes is a traditional civic service of the United States Power Squadrons. Since 1914, local squadrons have presented these classes to anyone who wished to attend. Attendees to date number more than three million. Learning boat safety is important as the knowledge you gain will assist you in being a safer boater and thus your enjoyment of the sport.

USPS offers safe boating instruction to the public using America's Boating Course. Pensacola Sail and Power Squadron offers the eight hour version which is taught in the classroom and includes a proctored examination. Those passing the exam will be issued: 1) a certificate of completion; and 2) a Boater Identification Card issued issued by the state of Florida. Boaters born on or after 01/01/1988 are required to have a boater identification card in their possession when operating a boat of 10 HP or greater in Florida waters.

The class includes sections on boat terms and types; marine radiotelephone (VHF); aids to navigation; boat handling; government regulations pertaining to safety equipment, lights, et cetera; navigation rules; adverse conditions and emergencies; trailering; personal watercraft (PWC) and Florida laws and regulations.

A longer version of this class includes instruction on reading a chart, plotting a course and using the mariner's compass. Although the longer version is not taught by the squadron, the material is included in the student manual should you be so inclined.

Contact John von Senden for more detail about current or future courses.