There’s no such thing as being too prepared — especially when you’re out on the water. This is why, no matter your level of expertise, it’s essential to take a boat safety course if you plan on spending any amount of time out on the water.
That said, with so many options available to budding sailors and aquatic adventurers across the world, choosing the right boating safety course is generally easier said than done.
Want to take a boat safety course but aren’t sure where to start? We’re here to help! Here’s everything you need to know about a few of the best boat safety courses available today.
What are You Sailing?
If you’re not planning on sailing a sea-worthy sailboat through crowded channels, then you probably don’t need to waste your time learning about sailboat safety. The type of craft you plan on taking on the water, and where you plan on sailing, can also dictate what type of boating safety course you take.
If you plan on sticking to small, paddle-powered crafts, like kayaks, then you should check out boat-ed’s Paddlesports Safety Course. This course will teach you the ins and outs of staying safe on the water, whether you prefer an old-fashioned canoe or a stand-up paddleboard.
However, if you do dream about sailing out on the open sea on a proper, wind-powered sailboat, then NauticEd’s Safety at Sea Clinic might be a better fit for you. This course covers the gamut of potential sailing mishaps and emergencies, from rigging failures to evacuating a sinking vessel in the middle of open water.
What’s Your Budget?
Fortunately, you don’t need a yacht budget to afford a solid boating safety course. That said, there are plenty of perks that come with paying a little extra!
For those who are looking for a much more affordable way to learn the ins and outs of boating safety, it’s hard to beat the BoatUS Foundation’s online course. While this course isn’t NASBLA-approved, it is completely free and, because it’s online, you’re free to complete it at your own pace.
If you’re willing to spend a bit more on your safety education, then you may want to check out boat-ed. While this course can be a little costly depending on where you live, it’s fully NASBLA-approved and available in an easy-to-use mobile format, so you can learn on the go!
Are you ready to start learning about boating safety? Click here for more information.
How to Choose a Boat Safety Course
Now that you know a bit more about how to choose the right boat safety course for you, it’s time to make a decision and get learning!
Are you looking for more tips on how you can stay safe while out at sea? We’ve got you covered! Check out the rest of our blog for more helpful articles and advice today!
