Nine-week boating class returns to Copeland Center in Wyandotte beginning Feb. 23

Published: Sunday, February 22, 2015
By Jim Kasuba
jimk@heritage.com

In the dead of winter and with yet more frigid weather firmly settled in, it would seem that boating would be the farthest thing from the minds of most Downriver residents.

With the Detroit Boat Show at the Cobo Center concluding Feb. 22, many area boaters are dreaming of warm days out on the water.

Like baseball fans gathered around the hot stove to discuss the national pastime, many boaters use the off-season to consider buying a new boat or equipment, while others like to sharpen their boating skills, or to learn pointers about how to stay safe while enjoying their favorite hobby.

A place to learn the “ABC’s” of boating is America’s Boating Course, which is returning to the Copeland Center, 2306 Fourth St., for a nine-week session beginning Feb. 23. The course will run from 7 to 9 p.m. Mondays through April 20.

Dennis McHugh, education class coordinator for the Wyandotte Power Squadron, said even though power squadrons are not well known outside the boating community, they’re an invaluable resource for those new to the recreational activity, as well as for more seasoned boaters who want to brush up on their skills.

“When you are out in the Great Lakes and Detroit River, you soon realize that there is a lot more that you should know to feel comfortable,” McHugh said. “We all think about driving a boat as similar to an automobile. There are a lot of rules on the roads, with a considerable amount of traffic enforcement as well. That is not the case out on the open waters.”

Water safety is a key feature of this course. About 700 people die annually in boating-related accidents, mostly from drowning in good weather and relatively calm waters. The U.S. Power Squadron is the country’s largest nonprofit boating organization dedicated to promoting safe boating through education.

“The class includes the latest information on boat types and terms, navigation rules, aids, lights and an introduction to marine charts,” McHugh said.

The proper use of marine VHF radio and communications afloat is important when on international waters. With southeastern Michigan so close to Canada, this information is particularly pertinent. The final exam includes state of Michigan safety certification required by the Ontario Provincial Police and Michigan county sheriffs out on the water.

The course costs $45 and is payable on the first day of class. Those wishing to sign up are asked to arrive early on the first day to register and pay the fee, which includes the class CD and a detailed illustrated reference book, which the student can keep upon completion of the course. The class begins promptly at 7 p.m. every Monday.

For more information about the class, call McHugh at 1-313-961-5330.