Lesson 1Bilge an' fuel safety: bilge operation, ventilation fi gasoline fumes, fuel spill kits an' containmentYuh wi learn how bilge systems work, how fi test pumps an' float switches, ventilate spaces to remove gasoline fumes, prevent an' respond to fuel spills, an' carry an' use absorbent pads, plugs, an' containment gear safely an' legally.
Manual and electric bilge pump operationTesting float switches and discharge hosesPre‑start ventilation and sniff test routineFuel system inspection for leaks and odorsFuel spill kits: pads, socks, and plugsReporting and cleaning up small fuel spillsLesson 2Anchoring equipment: anchor types (plow, fluke, mushroom), rode an' chain sizing, scope calculation, an' anchoring procedures fi swimming/holding in protected harborsHere yuh learn anchor types an' dem best bottom conditions, how fi size rode an' chain, calculate safe scope, set an' check di anchor, an' use anchoring procedures fi swimming stops an' holding in protected harbors or coves.
Plow, fluke, and mushroom anchor usesSelecting anchor weight for boat lengthRode composition: rope, chain, and shacklesScope ratios for calm, rough, and overnightSetting, backing down, and checking holdingAnchoring for swimming and crowded harborsLesson 3Pre-departure equipment checks: battery state, fuel system leak inspection, fire extinguisher service tags, PFD condition checks, lighting testDis section walk through a systematic pre-departure checklist, including batteries an' electrical systems, fuel an' ventilation checks, fire extinguisher tags, PFD condition an' count, navigation lights, an' documenting findings before leaving dock.
Battery charge, terminals, and shutoff switchesFuel level, lines, primer bulbs, and ventsVentilation blowers and odor checksFire extinguisher tags and access pathsPFD count, condition, and accessibilityTesting nav lights, horn, and electronicsLesson 4Visual an' sound signaling equipment: navigation lights requirements fi dusk/low visibility, daytime signals (whistle/horn, air horn), distress signals (flares, V-sheet guidance)Dis section cover required an' recommended visual an' sound signals, including navigation lights fi low visibility, sound signals fi meeting an' crossing, an' approved distress signals such as flares, V-sheets, an' orange smoke fi daytime use.
Navigation light configurations by vessel typeRules for lights at anchor and while adriftWhistles, horns, and sound signal meaningsTypes of pyrotechnic flares and expiry datesUsing V‑sheets, flags, and orange smokeStowage and safe handling of distress signalsLesson 5Fire extinguishers: classification, rating, inspection, mounting, an' location checksDis section explain marine fire extinguisher classes an' ratings, how many units are required fi yuh vessel, how fi inspect gauges an' seals, mount extinguishers fi quick access, an' use di PASS method while maintaining a safe escape route.
Fire classes A, B, C and marine rating labelsRequired number and size by vessel lengthMonthly inspection: gauge, pin, and corrosionMounting locations near but not on enginesPASS technique and safe firefighting stanceService intervals and replacement guidelinesLesson 6First aid kit contents specific to boating, seasickness remedies, an' waterproofing medical suppliesDis section detail boating-specific first aid kit contents, including trauma supplies, burn an' wound care, seasickness remedies, sun an' heat protection, an' methods fi waterproofing, organizing, an' periodically refreshing medical items.
Core trauma and bleeding control suppliesBurn, cut, and fishhook injury materialsSeasickness prevention and treatment optionsSunburn, dehydration, and heat illness careWaterproof boxes, bags, and desiccantsInventory checks and restocking scheduleLesson 7U.S. legal requirements fi safety equipment: personal flotation device (PFD) types an' carriage requirements by age an' type of vesselDis section explain federal an' state rules fi life jackets an' other wearable PFDs, including approved types, carriage an' wear requirements by age, vessel length, an' activity, plus enforcement an' documentation expectations fi operators.
USCG approval labels and PFD performance typesCarriage rules by vessel length and propulsionWear requirements for children by age groupSpecial rules for PWCs, towed sports, and kayaksState variations and checking local regulationsPenalties, inspections, and recordkeepingLesson 8Selection, sizing, an' fitting of life jackets; inflatable vs foam PFDs; assigning an' stowing PFDs fi three passengersHere yuh learn how fi choose, size, an' fit life jackets fi different body types, compare inflatable an' foam designs, assign PFDs to three passengers, label an' stow dem so dem are accessible, dry, an' ready fi rapid use in an emergency.
Reading PFD sizing charts and weight rangesFitting tests: strap adjustment and lift testInflatable vs foam: pros, cons, and limitationsAssigning PFDs to three named passengersLabeling, drying, and storage best practicesInspection intervals and replacement criteriaLesson 9Throwable flotation devices, when an' how fi use dem, an' proper stowageHere yuh learn di types of throwable flotation devices, when di law require dem, how fi deploy dem accurately to a person overboard, maintain a clear line, avoid entanglement, an' stow dem fi instant, unobstructed access pon deck.
Types IV devices: cushions and ring buoysLegal carriage and placement requirementsPerson‑overboard throw and aiming techniqueUsing heaving lines and avoiding entanglementInspection for damage, rot, and UV wearMounting brackets and grab‑and‑go storageLesson 10Emergency communication options: VHF marine radio operation an' channels, mobile phone best practices, PLBs an' EPIRBs, an' using dem correctlyYuh wi explore emergency communication tools, including VHF marine radios, key channels, DSC distress calling, backup use of mobile phones, an' how PLBs an' EPIRBs are registered, tested, an' activated during real emergencies only.
VHF radio basics and channel 16 monitoringRoutine, urgency, and distress call formatsDigital Selective Calling setup and MMSILimitations and best use of mobile phonesPLB and EPIRB registration and testingActivation steps and post‑rescue procedures
