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Become a Better Boater with America's Boating Course
Taking a boating class reduces your risk of accidents and injuries, saves you money on boat insurance, and qualifies you for an Ohio State Boat License or Operator Certificate in most states.
America’s Boating Course is the most comprehensive, single source, in-person boating course available to give you the skills you need to enjoy your time on the water and boat with confidence. Our boater safety class meets most states’ certification requirements.
What You’ll Learn:
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Information about Ohio State Boating Laws, regulations, boat registration, and licensing.
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Required boating safety equipment
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Do’s and Don’ts of boating safely
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Practical Knowledge of navigation and rules of the road
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How to handle medical emergencies onboard and mechanical problems on the water
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The basics of craft towing and trailering
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Special important information for boating hunters, anglers, and sports enthusiasts.
For the best, most comprehensive boating education available, take America’s Boating Course with our expert instructors.
Lunch will be provided | Limited to 25 persons
Classes are Forming | Register Today!
Get registered below for our next America's Boating Course. We are taking registrations for the two-day class starting on
Saturday, April 18, 2026 and finishing on Saturday, April 25, 2026
Email us for more details at r.e.rayburn@sbcglobal.net 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)
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 America's Boating 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.
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
This course is also listed on the Ohio Division of Natural Resources website.