USCG boating course starts April 22 in Lynn

LYNN – The Coast Guard Auxiliary will conduct a boating skills and seamanship course at the Volunteer Yacht Club, 68 Lynnway, from April 22 through June 3.Classes will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7-9 p.m. The cost is $55 per student, which includes a CD for home study and all necessary materials. Students will receive a Certificate of Completion at the end of the course.Following the basics course, the auxiliary will offer an optional three-night navigation course designed to teach the art of reading a nautical chart and navigating a route.According to David Leason, spokesman for Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 49 in Lynn, boaters planning to ply inland rivers and lakes in New Hampshire in 2008 must have a boating safety certificate. Many insurance companies also offer discounts to boaters who possess a safety certificate, he said.Anyone interested in taking the course should contact Maura Leason at 617-285-1409 or email her at [email protected]. Potential students can also contact auxiliary member Edie Garrant at 978-663-9355 or email her at [email protected] boating courses in the area offered through BOAT Massachusetts are free and designed for youth between 12 and 15 years old. This course is typically divided into five sessions and satisfies the state requirements for personal watercraft users who are 16 or 17 years olds.Information about additional boating courses can be found online at www.mass.gov/dfwele/dle/courselist.htm. Pre-registration is required for courses conducted by the state Department of Environmental Police.