EDUCATION COURSES

We teach boating skills which lead to safety on the water. If you are a new or experienced boater and would like to learn more about safe boating, consider taking a boating course.

AMERICA'S BOATING COURSE

The America’s Boating Course (ABC) is a boating safety skills course that is Florida state and NASBLA approved. The course is designed to build your boating skills for where you do your boating, whether freshwater lakes and rivers or coastal and offshore waters. Our instructors specialize in the Clearwater, Florida coastal area. Successful completion of the course qualifies a person for a Boating Safety Education ID Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. This card plus a photo ID is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1988 to operate a vessel powered by 10 horsepower or greater. Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who have successfully complete the course. Students can register for a class course on-line and purchase a class using the link in the below table.

America's Boating Course

The course covers 16 essential topics designed to make you a safe, prepared, and confident boater:

Getting Started and Nautical Terms
Required Safety Equipment
Going Boating (Fueling, Casting Off, Underway)
Navigation Rules
Lights and Sound Signals
Anchoring
Navigation Aids
Government Regulations
State and Local Regulations

Finding Your Way with Nautical Charts and Electronic Navigation
Adverse Conditions and Emergencies
Communications Afloat
Water Sports Safety (Skiing, Fishing, Paddling)
Trailering
PWC Operation
Clearwater Coastal Area Boating Tips and Local Information

Upcoming Classes

Important Note: Course purchases are non-refundable. Register online using the links below.

Date

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Date

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Questions? Contact Our Education Officer

America's Boating Course

Start with a class, stay for the community. Here’s what members get access to year round.

A Real Boating Community

Monthly meetups, group cruises, social events, and a network of fellow boaters who share your passion for life on the water around Clearwater and the Gulf Coast.

Boating Course & Education

Members get discounted access to our America’s Boating Course, the essential class designed to help you earn your Florida Boater Safety Education ID Card and build a strong foundation for safe boating.

Free Vessel Safety Checks

Our trained volunteer examiners inspect your boat at no cost, helping you meet federal and state requirements so you can head out with confidence.

Why Take a Course with Us?

The course is taught by local Clearwater boaters who specialize in the Gulf Coast, Tampa Bay, and the Intracoastal Waterway. You’ll learn from people who actually navigate these waters, not just read about them in a textbook. Our instructors bring years of real world experience from this unique coastal environment.

Florida state and NASBLA approved boating safety education

Completion qualifies for Florida Boating Safety Education ID Card

Learn Clearwater coastal area boating tips from experienced local instructors

Course completion qualifies you for boat insurance discounts

Required certification for boaters born on or after January 1, 1988

Members receive discounted tuition on every course

America’s Boating Course

America’s Boating Course is a classroom-based boating safety program that prepares you to meet Florida’s legal requirements while building confidence on the water

Course Materials:

Complete study guides, charts, and reference materials included with every course enrollment

Official Certification:

Every student is invited to join our club and discover what membership has to offer

Expert Instructors:

Experienced local boaters who know Clearwater waters and teach with real world examples

Club Community:

Every student is invited to join our community events and discover what membership has to offer

America's Boating Course Topics:

Nautical terms, required safety equipment, fueling, casting off, underway operations, navigation rules, lights and sound signals, anchoring, navigation aids, government regulations, state and local regulations, nautical charts and electronic navigation, adverse conditions and emergencies, communications afloat, water sports safety, trailering, PWC operation, and Clearwater coastal area boating tips. Next classes: April 4, 2026 and May 2, 2026.