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Public Courses and Seminars
For information and registration call 941-584-5993 or send e-mail to: education@AmericasBoatingClubPeaceRiver.org
For on-line registration go to: www.americasboatingclub.org/learn
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Course or Seminar |
Description |
Schedule and Location |
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12 hour course
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The 12 hour America's Boating Course is a traditional civic service of United States Power Squadrons®. Since the course began in 1914, local Squadrons have given it to anyone who wished to attend -- more than 3 million people. This ever-growing interest leads us to believe that it has helped many and we feel that you, too, will benefit. This course is taught in 6 sessions plus an examination. Instruction is free. There is a nominal charge for course materials. This course is designed to be useful to all boaters, from the fisherman in an outboard to the skipper in a family cruiser to the sailing enthusiast. All are subject to nautical rules and regulations. All should respect traditional courtesies of the sea. All are subject to the forces of nature. The course is meant to be of interest to the entire family; older children are welcome. We encourage your family to attend as a group. The 12 hour course includes instruction on reading nautical charts, plotting courses, and an introduction to digital charts and computer navigation. Charlotte Harbor Chart 11426 is used.
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When: TBD
Time: 0830 - 1230 3 Saturdays Where: Punta Gorda Boat Club 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL 941-584-5993 |
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8 hour course |
The 8 hour ABC3 Boating Course covers the basics of boat handling, aids to navigation, VHF radio, navigation rules and government regulations. A certificate of completion will be provided following an examination. This course is taught in two four hour sessions. Completion of the 12 or 8 hour course qualifies you for the Florida Boating Safety Education Identification Card issued by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Boater safety education is required for all persons born after January 1, 1988 |
When: 11 May 2024 13 July 2024
14 Sep 2024 Time: 0830 - 1200 Where: Punta Gorda Boat Club 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, Fl 941-584-5993 |
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Using Nautical Charts Seminar |
Charts provide information essential to your safety afloat. Even with GPS and electronic navigation, the chart is needed to tell you what is around you and between you and your intended destination. A system of symbols is used by cartographers to tell you what lies below the surface of the water and the depths of water. There is key information about visible landmarks and navigation aids to help you navigate your course. The chart also is your link with the GPS via its grid scale, compass rose, and distance scales. A brief introduction to latitude and longitude provides insight to the operation of GPS receivers. A basic course in the use of nautical charts, plotting courses, marine compass and positioning is offered following the 8 hour boating course The local Charlotte Harbor chart 11426 is used to familiarize students with the local waters, navigation aides and potential hazards. Students will plot a course from the mouth of the Peace River to the Intracoastal Waterway near Cayo Costa Island. |
When: TBD
Time: 1300 - 1600 Where: Punta Gorda Boat club 802 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL 941-584-5993 |
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Using GPS Seminar |
GPS has become a common tool for navigation. However using GPS on the water is distinctly different from a moving map display in your car. This seminar explains the principles of waypoint navigation which you will use. It then shows you how to relate the GPS to your charts which provide essential information about what is around you. The seminar also shows you how to operate your GPS – what the buttons do, what the screens show, and how to access the functions you need. A handheld GPS is used as the demonstration model, but all GPS receivers function similarly. By the time you have completed the seminar, you will be able to store waypoints into your GPS, activate them for navigation, and use GPS to keep you on a safe, pre-qualified course of your choosing.
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When: TBD
Time: 1330 -1630 Where: Bayfront Classroom 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL Instructor: Ron Jones, AP 941- 584-5993 |
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Cruise Planning Course |
There is something very special about the thrill of cruising in new waters and the sense of accomplishment upon completing an extended cruise. To go beyond what most boaters do on a weekend overnight or even a week or so marina hopping requires boaters to leave their normal cruising areas and comfort zones. The Cruise Planning course focuses on the planning and preparation necessary for safe enjoyable extended cruises on both inland and coastal waters. | When:
12 January 2023 Monday and Thursday Time: 1400 - 1700 Where: Bayfront Center Classroom 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL Instructor: Greg Wise, SN 941 - 584-5993 |
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Sail Course |
Sail 2009 is a complete sail course beginning with basic boat designs, rigging and sail processes for the non-sailor. The course proceeds into the physical aspects of sailing, sail applications, marlinespike, helmsmanship, and handling of more difficult sailing conditions, navigation rules, and an introduction to heavy weather sailing. | When:
12 January 2023 Monday and Thursday Time: 1830 - 2100 Where: Bayfront Center Classroom 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL Instructor: Greg Wise 941 584-5993 |
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Marine Radar Seminar |
This seminar covers how radar functions, radar selection, operation of the radar under various conditions including setting of controls, display interpretation, basic navigation, and collision avoidance using radar. The kit includes The Radar Book written by Kevin Monahan ($25 retail) and Student Notes with copies of slides. See the trifold brochure (1579KB, PDF) for more information.
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When:
13 February 2023 Monday and Thursday Time: 1900-2100 Where: Bayfront Center 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL Instructor: 941-584-5993 |
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Marine Weather Course |
The safety
and comfort of those who venture out-on-the water have
always been weather dependent. In this course students will
become keener observers of the weather, but weather
observations only have meaning in the context of the basic
principles of meteorology — the science of the atmosphere. |
When:
TBD Monday and Thursday- 5 weeks Time: 1300 - 1530 Where: Bayfront Center Classroom 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL Instructor: JoAnne Jamrose, AP 941-584-5993 |
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Marine Electrical Systems Course |
The Marine Electrical Systems course is presented in seven chapters that start with an explanation of what electricity is, followed by discussions on boat electrical wiring, DC and AC electrical systems, galvanic and stray current corrosion, lightning protection, and ends with troubleshooting of boat electrical problems. The course includes detailed instructions on how to use a multimeter, how to solder and crimp electrical wiring circuits, and how to read electrical wiring diagrams. This course can be used as a reference guide for anyone interested in properly maintaining their boat electrical system. |
When:
TBD Tuesday - 8 weeks Time: 0900-1130 Where: Bayfront Center Classroom 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL Instructor: Holles Dick, AP 941-584-5993 |
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Marine Communications Course |
Marine Communications Systems is an in-depth, nine chapter review of those systems available to the recreational boater, or to those with whom he/she shares the water. Radio history and spectrum definitions are presented along with definitions of radio circuits that the student should learn, to choose the best communications method for his/her situation. One chapter is devoted to the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) and another to FCC Rules and regulations to set the stage for instruction of radiotelephone operating procedures (both voice and digital messaging are covered). The remaining chapters cover High Seas radio (MF/HF and satellite communications) and other systems such as Family Radio Service transceivers. There is also a chapter on troubleshooting of radio installations. |
When:
TBD Wednesday - 7 weeks Time: 1300-1530 Where: Bayfront Center Classroom 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL Instructor: Holles Dick, AP 941-584-5993 |
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Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio Seminar |
VHF radio is the mainstay of coastal communication and essential for emergency communications. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) is rapidly becoming a reality as more Coast Guard Rescue 21 System operations go live. Currently, the mid Atlantic coast is operational with DSC. The Gulf region will be operational early next year and all Cutters will be DSC equipped by next year. DSC vastly simplifies and improves rescue and routine call signaling – making it easier to make a call while the system frees up Channel 16 for essential communications. However, you need to know how to use it. This seminar answers those needs and explains basic VHF operation. A CD is included with a DSC Simulator that allows you to practice on your computer at home. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s Quick Guide Using VHF is included with essential information that you should have aboard, which will explain to anyone on your crew how to use the radio. |
When:
TBD Time: 1300 - 1500 Where: Bayfront Center YMCA 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL Instructor: TBD
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Hurricanes and Boats Seminar |
Why take a hurricane and boats seminar? In less than two hours you will learn why and how: Check vessels and gear Hurricane anchoring Review marina/dockmaster contracts Be storm ready Make plans Your responsibilities Check your trailer Post hurricane efforts of USCG Prepare a storm plan and law enforcement Lessons learned from storms Insurance |
When: TBD Time: 1145 - 1315 Where: CHECC Instructor: Ronald Ludvig, SN 941-584-5993 |
 Engine Maintenance Course |
The Engine Maintenance Course stresses diagnosis of modern systems while
also teaching the basics of engine layout and operation. Gasoline
inboards, outboards, and diesel engines are taught in a way that
reinfrorces the common aspects of how engines work.
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When:
TBD Time: 0930 - 1130 Where: Bayfront Center Classroom 750 W. Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL Instructor: Rick Sluzewski, AP 941-584-5993 |
