Lesson 1Bilge and fuel safety: bilge operation, ventilation for gasoline fumes, fuel spill kits and containmentYou learn how bilge systems work, how to test pumps and float switches, ventilate spaces to clear gasoline fumes, prevent and handle fuel spills, and carry and use absorbent pads, plugs, and containment gear safely and by law.
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 and chain sizing, scope calculation, and anchoring procedures for swimming/holding in protected harborsHere you learn anchor types and their best bottom conditions, how to size rode and chain, calculate safe scope, set and check the anchor, and use anchoring steps for swimming stops and 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 testThis part walks through a systematic pre-departure checklist, including batteries and electrical systems, fuel and ventilation checks, fire extinguisher tags, PFD condition and count, navigation lights, and noting 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 and sound signaling equipment: navigation lights requirements for dusk/low visibility, daytime signals (whistle/horn, air horn), distress signals (flares, V-sheet guidance)This part covers required and suggested visual and sound signals, including navigation lights for low visibility, sound signals for meeting and crossing, and approved distress signals like flares, V-sheets, and orange smoke for 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, and location checksThis part explains marine fire extinguisher classes and ratings, how many units needed for your vessel, how to check gauges and seals, mount extinguishers for quick access, and use the PASS method while keeping 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, and waterproofing medical suppliesThis part details boating-specific first aid kit contents, including trauma supplies, burn and wound care, seasickness remedies, sun and heat protection, and ways for waterproofing, organizing, and refreshing medical items now and then.
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 for safety equipment: personal flotation device (PFD) type and carriage requirements by age and type of vesselThis part explains federal and state rules for life jackets and other wearable PFDs, including approved types, carriage and wear requirements by age, vessel length, and activity, plus enforcement and documentation for 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, and fitting of life jackets; inflatable vs foam PFDs; assigning and stowing PFDs for three passengersHere you learn how to choose, size, and fit life jackets for different body types, compare inflatable and foam designs, assign PFDs to three passengers, label and stow them so they are handy, dry, and ready for quick use in 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 and how to use them, and proper stowageHere you learn the types of throwable flotation devices, when the law requires them, how to throw them right to a person overboard, keep a clear line, avoid tangling, and stow them for instant, clear access on 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 and channels, mobile phone best practices, PLBs and EPIRBs, and using them correctlyYou explore emergency communication tools, including VHF marine radios, key channels, DSC distress calling, backup use of mobile phones, and how PLBs and EPIRBs are registered, tested, and activated only in real emergencies.
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
