Public Boating Courses

​America's Boating Club volunteer certified instructors of America's Boating Club provide many courses, seminars, and advanced boating studies each year. Most recognizable is America’s Boating Course which is an excellent introductory course. 

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All our educational offerings are available to the public and to our members who enjoy a discount on the materials. Instruction is free. 

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Ours is a supportive and fun learning environment where experts share best practices and friends are made.

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Vessel Safety Checks

​Our Squadron has several certified Vessel Safety Examiners who log several hundred hours of volunteer time providing courtesy vessel checks.  Our red-shirted examiners are routinely available at marinas and launch ramps. 

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Is your vessel properly equipped with all currently required safety gear?  Know before you go. Call us or use the web link to schedule a courtesy Vessel Safety Check.  They are free and there is no risk of a reported violation.

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Columbus Squadron has been a leader in implementing this program. We have an on-going training program to qualify our members to conduct free safety inspections. Look for our members at marinas and local launch ramps this summer

Encouraging A Safer Boating Environment

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Each May, during National Safe Boating Week, we work in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Watercraft Division, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, the city of Columbus Watershed Officers, the Red Cross, and others to spread the word about boating education and safe boating practices.

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Months of planning and coordination of efforts result in a high-profile presence throughout this special week.

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You’ll see our members along with representatives of all the above organizations all over central Ohio, passing out free information packets, conducting demonstrations, providing free safety inspections, etc. Watch for us on television and listen to us on the radio.

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Updating NOS Navigational Charts

Squadron members throughout America's Boating Club take part in cooperative charting. Through this effort, we work in conjunction with the National Ocean Service to update nautical charts and save taxpayers millions of dollars by reporting corrections.

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We observe and document errors in charts as we navigate the country’s waterways, and send in reports so that the corrections may be confirmed and included in the next printing of the charts, as well as posted in Notices to Mariners, where applicable.

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Boat Show

Members also volunteer their time at boat shows.  We provide course and seminar information, answer questions or give you a fun quiz about safe boating knowledge.