Northshore Conifer posted on April 22, 2010 15:26
The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary in Slidell, Louisiana, will be conducting a boating education course on Saturday, May 22, 2010 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The “About Boating Safely” (ABS) course will cover choosing the right vessel, trailering, navigation rules, boat and personal water craft handling, legal requirements, boating emergencies, enjoying water sports, lines (ropes), and tying many types of knots. By passing this course, you may qualify for boat insurance discounts with many cooperating insurance providers. Please contact your insurance agent to see what they offer.
NOTICE: New Louisiana boating laws went into effect on August 15, 2009. Please see the La. Wildlife & Fisheries web site at www.wlf.louisiana.gov/boating/. After July 1, 2010, anyone born after January 1, 1984 wishing to operate a 10 horsepower or greater motorboat must have successfully completed a boating education course approved by the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). If you were born between January 1, 1984 and December 31, 1987, you have until July 1, 2010 to complete a boating education course. Regardless of age, if you pass an ABS class given by the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, you will be presented with a certificate of completion. The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries will then mail a vessel operator certificate to your home. Those born after January 1, 1984 must possess this certificate when operating a powered vessel or are monitoring the operation by someone younger than 18.
COURSE INFORMATION: The course will occur at First United Methodist Church located at 433 Erlanger Street in Slidell, La. (near Sgt Alfred and 3rd Streets). The cost of the ABS textbook and final examination certificate is $30.00 per person. You can register and get the textbook by calling Gus Maggiore (Public Education Officer) at 985-781-1220 or 985-290-3565, Ronald Martin (Vice-Commander) at 985-641-9337, or Walter Ybos (Commander) at 985-502-4170. You can also register and pick up the ABS textbook at GUS’ TACKLE AND NETS, located at 726 Old Spanish Trail in Slidell, La. You must register no later than the Friday before the class. FREE VESSEL SAFETY CHECKS: You can have your vessel safety-checked by a qualified member of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary by contacting Jerry Ashker (vessel examiner) at 985-788-5770. There is never a consequence for failing a vessel safety check and the results of the safety checks are not reported to any enforcement agency. Passing vessel owners will be awarded a certificate and decal. Failing vessel owners will be briefed on pertinent safety issues and will be told what needs to be done to obtain a passing inspection.