Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla Offering Public Education Classes, Complimentary Vessel Inspections

OXFORD — The US Coast Guard Auxiliary, Flotilla 24-12, based out of Oxford, will be offering several public education courses along with complimentary vessel safety checks throughout the 2012 boating season.

Classes include a fundamental eight-hour course that meets the requirements for the State of Connecticut Safe Boating and Certificate of Personal Watercraft Operation. Classes dates are scheduled for Saturdays, April 21, May 19, June 16, July 21, August 25, September 15 and October 20. There will be a $60 registration fee for this class, which will run from 8 am until 5 pm with a midday break.

A second class will cover the understanding and proper use of charts, navigation and GPS. Classes will be completed in three sessions, each lasting two hours. Class dates are scheduled for Tuesday through Thursday, April 24–26 and July 24–26. There will be a $60 registration fee for this class, which will meet from 7 to 9 pm each night.

A paddle sports class will also be offered as a free public service. This will be a basic four-hour class acting as an introduction to meet boater education needs for operating a paddlecraft, specifically a canoe or kayak. These classes will be offered Saturdays, April 28 and September 8, from 8 am until noon.

All classes will be held at Flotilla Training Center, David S. Miles Post 174 — American Legion, 43 Oxford Road.

Applicants are encouraged to reserve a seat and may call Flotilla Staff Officer Bob Bowolick at 203-264-2719 or send e-mail to rlbowolick@charter.net.

The vessel safety check is a complimentary check of a boat conducted at numerous boat launches on Lake Zoar by members of the auxiliary, confirming that it meets both federal and state requirements for safety. No citations are issued and the results of the safety check are not reported to any enforcement agency, but a decal is awarded to display if the vessel has passed the examination.

An inspection date at the Southbury state boat ramp, with access at 210 Scout Road, is scheduled for Saturday, May 26. Inspection dates for Jackson Cove in Oxford are scheduled for Sundays, May 13, June 3 and 17, and July 8 and 28.

Additional information about these classes and the 2012 vessel safety check schedule can be found on the flotilla’s website, http://A0142412.uscgaux.info.