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Learn Boating Skills & Safety
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Connect with our Columbus Boating Family
America's Boating Course
Learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation plus basic piloting in this comprehensive classroom course. This newly-revised course will give you the basics of line throwing, knot tying, boat handling, anchoring, navigation rules and aids, emergencies on the water and more.
Instructors have many years of boating experience shared between inland waters and Lake Erie. An Ohio Department of Natural Resources officer will present Ohio laws and rules.
With the successful completion of our ABC course, you receive your operating license and certificate of safe boating from the State of Ohio. You also qualify for the opportunity to take our advanced courses.
Lunch will be provided | Limited to 100 persons
Classes are Forming | Register Today!
Get registered below for our next America's Boating Course. We are taking registrations for classes offered on
Saturday, February 21, 2026 & Saturday, April 25, 2026
Email us for more details at r.e.rayburn@sbcglobal.com or americasboatingclubcentralohio@gmail.com
$75 Non-Members | $45 Members | Add a Family Member for $30
To complete your registration, download and complete this interactive PDF form. Please email the completed form to americasboatingclubcentralohio@gmail.com.
America's Boating Course - 3rd Edition (ABC3)
Course Covers:
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Required Safety Equipment
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Navigation Rules & Aids
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Finding Your Way
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Knots & Lines
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Ohio Department of Watercraft Regulations
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Trailering
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Anchoring
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Communications Afloat
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Lights and Sound Signals
Our ABC course covers four crucial stages
Chapter 1:
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Getting Started – nautical terms
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Required Safety Equipment – life jackets, fire extinguishers
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Going Boating – fueling, casting off, underway
Chapter 2:
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Navigation Rules
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Navigation Aids
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Lights and Sound signals
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Government Regulations
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State and local Regulations
Chapter 3:
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Finding Your Way – nautical charts, electronic navigation
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Anchoring
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Adverse Conditions and Emergencies
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Communication Afloat
Chapter 4:
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Water Sports Safety – water skiing, hunting/fishing, paddling
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Trailering
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PWC Operation
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Knots and Lines
Course completion qualifies you for the following:
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Operator Permit License from the State of Ohio
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Ability to take advanced courses
