Now that the New Year is here, let’s get busy with those resolutions. Did you say you wanted to go back to school? If you love the water and boating, the Coast Guard Auxiliary has just what you want. Some of the courses we offer are —

• Communications (AUXCOM)
• Navigation (AUXNAV)
• Patrols (AUXPAT)
• Search Coordination & Execution (AUXSC&E)
• Seamanship (AUXSEA)
• Weather (AUXWEA)

We’ll make you a better sailor.

If you are interested in any of these courses and more, join the Coast Guard Auxiliary by contacting your local Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla at http://www.cgaux.org/units.php.

Refresh Boating Skills During Winter Season

Your boat may be out of the water and properly winterized, but you don’t have to wait until spring to begin planning for the next season of enjoyment on the water. Why not take advantage of the winter lull to refresh your boating skills — or learn new ones — in courses conducted by the local flotilla of the U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary?

Coast Guard Auxiliary flotillas throughout the country conduct a variety of courses to help keep you knowledgeable and safe while operating your boat on the nation’s lakes and rivers — and offshore as well.

Typical courses are as follow:

About Boating Safety — an eight-hour, in-depth boating safety course necessary to obtain a boat license of safety certification in many states.

GPS for Mariners — a modern learning experience that focuses on the GPS equipment typically owned by recreational boaters and helps an individual learn how to use a GPS for practical recreational boating.

How to Read a Nautical Chart — a course designed for use at sea to provide the navigator with the knowledge to interpret a chart’s contents, navigate to a destination and return safely to port.

Weekend Navigator — a comprehensive course designed for both experienced and novice powerboat and sailboat operators to help the boating enthusiast learn of hone the skills required for a safe voyage on a variety of waters and under a variety of conditions.

Not all courses are conducted by all Auxiliary flotillas, so be sure to check with your local flotilla to find out what is being offered in your area.

Editor’s Note: Also, check page 3 of this issue for courses offered by the Arizona Game & Fish Department and Phoenix Sail & Power Squadron.