Boat operated aged 10 and over for power vessels, and age 14 or older for personal watercrafts, are hereby expected to complete the state-approved boating safety course, according to a news release provided by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary out of East Moriches.
“The US Coast Guard Auxiliary is committed to helping boaters stay safe,” said Jim Agals, East Moriches Flotilla Staff Officer for Boating Safety.
Those who do not comply with the new ruling will be subjected to fines and penalties imposed by state and local marine law enforcement agencies. If a certification of completion is not presented upon inquiry, sanctions will be levied.
The Coast Guard Auxiliary is the 35,000-member nationwide volunteer arm of the U.S. Coast Guard. Just like its brother and sister chapters, the East Moriches-located “Flotilla” outfit of the Auxiliary supports promoting maritime safety, aiding boaters, and fostering safe boating practices through public education, vessel safety checks, and other initiatives.
The absolute goal? To reduce the number of boating accidents on U.S. waters.
“Operator inattention, inexperience, and improper lookout are among the leading causes of boating accidents,” Agals added. “Our classes are designed to provide operators the knowledge and skills needed to help prevent accidents and to stay safe on our local waters.”
Eight-hour courses are being offered to boaters on March 8 (Westhampton Library, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — part 1 of 2); March 15 (Westhampton Library, 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. — Part 2 of 2); April 12 (Brookhaven Library, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.); April 19 (Moriches Library, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.); May 10 (Quogue Library 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.); May 16 (Mattituck Library, 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. — Part 1 of 2); May 17 (Patchogue-Medford Library, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.); and May 23 (Mattituck Library, 3 p.m. To 7 p.m. — Part 2 of 2).
More classes are to be announced. For further information on Flotilla and how to join, contact MorichesAuxiliary@gmail.com. Members must be 17 years old or older.