Back To School

As the kids are back in classrooms this fall, there’s no reason we boaters can’t join them in the spirit of learning new skills or refreshing our knowledge while our boats are hibernating. The off-season isn’t just about covering the boat and winterizing the engine; it’s the perfect time to invest in our own education.

That’s where the BoatU.S. Founda–tion’s online boating courses come in. Of course, there’s the Foundation’s flagship online boating safety course, which is approved in 36 states and the District of Columbia. (There are courses for other states, too, which are excellent to use as study guides or refreshers.) And there are a number of other free and paid courses on specific topics. However, our online boating course catalog has recently expanded with three new “microcourses” designed to strengthen key safety and navigation skills. Think of them as short, manageable, interactive lessons that keep your skills current and boost your confidence.

What’s A ‘Microcourse’?

Over the last decade or so, bite-sized online courses have exploded in popularity. These focused learning experiences break down complex subjects into manageable lessons on a single topic. Studies back up the benefits of this type of learning, which include increased engagement, improved knowledge retention, and a faster time to proficiency.

“Breaking down expansive concepts into smaller, more digestible chunks allows boaters to focus on mastering one thing at a time, avoiding information overload,” explains Ted Sensenbrenner, BoatU.S. Foundation’s director of boating safety, who helped create the courses. “We’ve found the quizzes and interactive elements really reinforce learning, boost retention, and add to students’ overall satisfaction with the courses.”

To support those aims, each course offers video simulations, interactive quizzes, and practical scenarios. Plus, there’s access to tools and resources that encourage deeper exploration of each topic. Here’s a quick introduction to each of the new on-demand courses:

• “S.C.A.N. Your Way To Safer Boating” is designed for boaters looking to enhance their situational awareness at the helm. Students will learn how to maintain a proper lookout, understand and apply the nautical rules of the road, and master the S.C.A.N. technique (Search, Concentrate, Analyze, Navigate) to stay focused. The accident-avoidance course covers common distractions and practical strategies to mitigate them, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.
• “Aids To Navigation Basics” helps new boaters learn the meanings and significance of the various buoys and markers, aka nav aids or AtoNs, they may encounter on the water. The course also reinforces the importance of maintaining a proper lookout and consulting an up-to-date chart to navigate safely.
• “Nighttime Boating Basics” teaches the essential skills and awareness needed to navigate safely after dark or in reduced visibility. The course introduces the basics for how to prepare for evening outings, comply with boating regulations for reduced visibility, and recognize the proper use of navigation lights on recreational vessels.

How Is It Free?

The three new courses were produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard to benefit national public boating safety. While the microlearning curriculums don’t fulfill any state boating education requirements, the courses provide additional in-depth learning opportunities that complement the information in the state boating safety courses – as well as stand on their own. While there’s no charge for the microcourses, donations to the Foundation are always welcome and allow the Foundation to continue providing valuable programs that benefit all boaters.

By taking advantage of these resources during the fall and winter, you’ll be ready to launch next season with more knowledge and confidence for a safer experience on the water. Access the new courses as well as the entire BoatUS Foundation online course catalog.