Welcome to the 9th District Western Region boating safety and navigation class schedules! To view the list of classes
available in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana or Michigan, choose the location located on the table below.
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary courses provide valuable instruction to boaters at all levels, from the fundamental to the advanced. Below are the
classes taught by our knowledgeable instructors. A brief description of the class is given.
Click on the state name to see classes offered in those area.
| Multi-Lesson Classroom Courses |
Length Of Class |
Audience |
About Boating Safely (ABS) - Multi-Session
If you are interested in an exciting, in-depth boating safety course, this beginner boating class will give you the knowledge
needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts
on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete About Boating Safely. |
6-7 sessions |
All Boaters |
Boating Skills & Seamanship (BS&S)
The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Boating Skills and Seamanship (BS&S) course is
a comprehensive course designed for both the
experienced and the novice boater. The course, now in its 13th edition published in 2007, consists of 8 core required two hour
lessons plus five elective lessons, providing up-to-date knowledge for handling boats in all conditions. |
8-13 sessions |
Power Boaters |
Sailing Skills & Seamanship (SSS)
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Sailing Skills and Seamanship Course (SS&S) is a
comprehensive course designed for both experienced and novice sailboat operators. The course is divided into parts: 10 core requirement two-to four-hour lessons plus 6 elective lessons
that will enhance the skills required for a safe voyage in all conditions. |
8-13 sessions |
Sailors |
Weekend Navigator (NAV)
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary’s Weekend Navigation Course is a comprehensive
course designed for both experienced and novice powerboat and sailboat operators. The course is divided into
two major parts designed to educate the boating enthusiast in skills required for a safe voyage on a variety of
waters and boating conditions. This course can be taught as a whole or as separate modules. |
8-13 sessions |
All Boaters |
| |
| Seminar (One-Day) Classroom Courses |
Length Of Class |
Audience |
About Boating Safely (ABS) - Seminar
Same as above |
8 hours |
All Boaters |
GPS for Mariners (GPSFM)
GPS for Mariners (GPSFM) is a modern learning experience that focuses on
the GPS equipment typically owned by the recreational boater. This course is the result of an exciting
synergy between textbook's publisher, the book's author, and the Auxiliary. |
4-6 hours |
All Boaters |
How To Read A Nautical Chart (HRNC)
This course will provide the navigator with the knowledge to interpret
the chart’s contents to navigate safely to their destination and return to port. Text and training
chart included. |
hours |
All Boaters |
Personal Water Craft Safety (PWC)
The U. S. Coast Guard Auxiliary's Personal Watercraft course is a very basic
introduction to the safety issues involved when operating a PWC. The purpose of the course and its associated text,
Personal Watercraft Rider's Handbook, is to teach that PWCs are boats and that their skippers have legal
responsibilities and should learn the "rules of the road." Individuals who successfully complete the course and
exam are awarded certificates and cards. |
1-2 hours |
All Boaters |
Suddenly In Command (SIC)
This 4-hour boating safety primer is designed for those not generally at the
helm, and will help you to “be prepared” with the basics in case of an emergency. You will learn about your vessel,
including nomenclature and operating principles including starting the engine. Also included are descriptions of
what causes boating mishaps and how to minimize them, basic boat handling and what equipment should be on board. |
4 hours |
All Boaters |
| |
| Classes For Kids |
Length Of Class |
Audience |
Boating Fun (BF)
Boating Fun - Adventure on the Water, was written in partnership with the U.S.
Army Corps of Engineers. It is a storybook/coloring book (targeted to children in Grades K-3) with pictures
that are suitable for making overhead transparencies. |
1 Hour |
4-9 Year Olds |
Waypoints (WP)
Targeted to youth in grades 4-6, Waypoints - A Guide to Boating Safely, was
written in partnership with the Army Corps of Engineers. Its look and reading style, as well as the "One Minute
Mysteries," which foster discussion, appeal to the 10-12 year old age range. |
1-3 Hours |
10-12 Year Olds |