| Public Education |
| Q: |
There is an online version of America's Boating Course, why does this not
count in New York State? |
| A: | New York
State imposes its own restrictions on boating, this includes mandatory
education for PWC operators and motorboat operators between 10 and 17 years
of age. The requirements includes a proctored exam as well as face to face
instruction of the New York State boating requirements. |
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| Q: |
I took an online version of a boating course, what can happen? |
| A: | In the event
that you are boarded by the Coast Guard or local law enforcement you will
receive a citation. In addition, if you are involved in an accident your
insurance may not cover the incident. |
| Q: |
Does the America's Boating Course meet the New York State requirements for
PWC operation? |
| A: | Yes,
America's Boating Course meets the educational requirements imposed by New
York State for operation of a PWC. This includes the requirements for all
adults, as well as children between 14 and 18 years of age. |
| |
| Q: |
I have a friend or relative that is visiting from out of state, do they
require a New York State boating class to operate a PWC? |
| A: | Depends: If
they have a valid National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
approved boating certificate or wallet card issued from another state then
the person meets the mandatory education requirements for New York State. If
not, then they must take and pass a NASBLA approved boating safety class in
their home state or in New York Sate before operating a PWC. |
| |
| Q: |
What is the minimum number of participants in a private group boating safety
class? |
| A: | We typically
require a minimum of 20 students to hold a private class. |
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| Q: |
Is my ten (10) to thirteen (13) year old child able to operate a PWC?? |
| A: | Only Until
January 1, 2009 those operators age ten (10) through thirteen (13) that have
a boating safety certificate may continue to operate a PWC if they are
accompanied by someone over 18 years of age and within 500 feet on another
personal watercraft or vessel and within sight of the personal watercraft
and holding a safety certificate of their own.
|
| |
| Q: |
Is America's Boating Class NASBLA approved and recognized in New York State? |
| A: | Yes,
America's Boating Class is NASBLA approved and recognized in New York State
for meeting the education requirements of New York State. |
| |
| Q: |
What is the minimum age that can operate a boat with successful completion
of a New York State recognized course? |
| A: | 10 years of
age is the minimum age that may operate a motorboat without supervision in
NYS with successful completion of an approved boating course. |
| |
| Q: |
What is the minimum age that can operate a PWC with successful completion of
a New York State recognized course? |
| A: | 14 years of
age is the minimum age that may operate a PWC without supervision in NYS
with successful completion of an approved boating course. |
| |
| Q: |
What is the minimum age that can operate a boat without completion of a New
York State recognized course? |
| A: | 18 years of
age is the minimum age that may operate a mechanically propelled vessel
without supervision in NYS without completion of an approved boating course. |
| |
| Q: |
What is the minimum age that can operate a PWC without completion of a New
York State recognized course? |
| A: | You may NOT
operate a PWC in NYS without successful completion of an approved boating
course. |
| |
| Q: |
What if I lost my wallet card or it is damaged beyond recognition? |
| A: | You must
provide a valid certificate of successful completion of the boating course.
Upon confirmation of the certificate and valid identification a wallet card
will be reissued for a fee of $5.00. |
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| Q: |
What if I lost my wallet card and my course certificate? |
| A: | It will be
necessary to contact the unit that sponsored the course. If you took the
course from USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 45 we have records that date back to
1999. If you provide a name and valid identification we can reissue a
certificate and wallet card for a $10.00 fee. If you took a course with our
unit prior to 1999, unfortunately the records do not exists and therefore it
will be necessary to retake a boating course to obtain a valid certificate
and wallet card. |
| |
| Q: |
Can I laminate my wallet card from a boating course? |
| A: | Yes, it is
highly recommended that you laminate your boating course wallet card, we
offer laminating services for an additional charge of $1.00 per card. |
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|
Online Class Registrations
|
| Q: |
Is online class registration secure? |
| A: | Yes, our
payment transactions are secured via SSL and uses the PayPal website for
processing. |
| |
| Q: |
What types of payments do you except? |
| A: | We only
except Cash or Check for in person registrations. For those registering
online we accept all major credit cards including: Visa, Mastercard,
Discover, and American Express. We also except PayPal when registering
online. |
| |
| Q: |
What is included in my ABC courseware purchase? |
| A: | Book,
CD-ROM, Reserved Seat (if registering for a class), Federal Boating
Regulation, New York State Boating Requirements, Final Exam, Course
Certificate and Wallet Card (upon successful completion) |
| |
| Q: |
Is there shipping and/or handling charges? |
| A: | Yes, We
charge a nominal fee to cover the additional cost of processing the orders,
the fee is based on the quantity of courseware purchased. |
| |
| Q: |
Does online class registration guarantee me a seat in the class? |
| A: | Yes, when
you complete the online registration process you are guaranteed a seat in
the class |
| |
| Q: |
What if I cannot make the class I am registered for? |
| A: | If the
course is a multi-session class you may attend the remaining sessions.
Please remember that we cover a lot of material and will not return to cover
previously taught lessons. If you miss an exam class you may schedule a time
to take the exam with our Public Education Officer. If you miss an entire
course, fail an exam, or wish to retake a class you may reschedule for an
open future session for an additional charge of $15.00, arrangements can be
made by communicating to our Public Education Officer. Additionally, the
courseware purchased may be used for independent self-study and the exam
scheduled via our Public Education Officer. |
| |
| Q: |
What does the class fee include? |
| A: | The course
fee includes a Book, CD-ROM, Reserved Seat (if registering for a class),
Federal Boating Regulation, New York State Boating Requirements, Final Exam,
Course Certificate and Wallet Card (upon successful completion) |
| |
| Q: |
I have a question regarding the course and not online registration where can
I get more information? |
| A: | Please view
our
Frequently Asked Questions regarding
our public education courses. . We look forward to seeing you at our
upcoming class. |
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|
Return to our Public Education Page...
Membership
|
| Q: |
How do I join the Coast Guard Auxiliary? |
| A: | Contact the
Personnel Services Officer on the
membership page by email or phone. Please include your
name, address, email and telephone number in your message and the officer
will get back to you. |
| |
| Q: |
Is the Coast Guard Auxiliary only for boaters? |
| A: | No! The
Coast Guard Auxiliary does NOT require you to have a boat. There are many
ways your services can be helpful and appreciated by the US Coast Guard and
Homeland Security. Some of the non-boating opportunities available to our
volunteers could require any of the following skills: Computing, Web
Development, Medical, Aviation, Media, Law, Human Resources, Marketing,
Cooks, and Skilled Trades. |
| |
| Q: |
Do you get paid for your efforts in the Coast Guard Auxiliary? |
| A: | No! The
Coast Guard Auxiliary is an all volunteer organization. Some things we do
can be reimbursable depending on the nature of the request. "BIG"
THANK-YOU's!, recognition and awards are our rewards! |
| |
| Q: |
How much time do I have to commit to the Auxiliary? |
| A: | There is no
minimum time commitment, however you are asked to participate as much as you
can based on what your personal schedule permits. |
| |
| Q: |
How much does it costs me to be a member? |
| A: | Annual Dues
of $36.00, new members are charged a one-time initiation fee of $15.00, and
finally the cost of uniforms, over time uniforms may cost a couple of
hundred dollars. The Uniforms do not have to be purchased all at once. In
some cases you may be eligible for tax deductions. |
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|
Return to our Membership Page...
Vessel Examinations
|
| Q: |
Why should I have a Vessel Exam performed on my boat or PWC? |
| A: | Yes, |
| |
| Q: |
How do I receive a free Vessel Exam? |
| A: | View our
schedule of location for vessel exams and choose one that is convenient for
you or contact our Vessel Examination Officer listed on our
Vessel Examination Page. |
| |
| Q: |
How do I schedule a Vessel Examination Booth at my business? |
| A: | Contact our
Vessel Examination Officer listed on our
Vessel Examination Page to discuss the details. |
| |
| Q: |
What are the requirements for a Vessel Examination decal? |
| A: | Your vessel
must meet the federal and state requirements. |
| |
| Q: |
Can I receive a law enforcement citation during my Vessel Examination? |
| A: | No, A vessel
exam is a courtesy inspection of your vessel that determines if you meet the
minimum requirements. |
| |
| Q: |
If I have a decal will I be exempt from boarding by law enforcement? |
| A: | No, |
| |
| Q: |
Can I get a Vessel Examination on a Kayak, Rowboat, Canoe, Paddle Boat, or
other non-powered vessel? |
| A: | Yes, |
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| Return to our Vessel Examination
Page... |
