Lesson 1Bilge and fuel safety: bilge operation, ventilation for gasoline fumes, fuel spill kits and containmentYou will learn how bilge systems work, how to test pumps and float switches, ventilate spaces to remove gasoline fumes, prevent and respond to fuel spills, and carry and use absorbent pads, plugs, and containment gear safely and 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 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 procedures 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 section 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 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 and sound signaling equipment: navigation lights requirements for dusk/low visibility, daytime signals (whistle/horn, air horn), distress signals (flares, V-sheet guidance)This section covers required and recommended visual and sound signals, including navigation lights for low visibility, sound signals for meeting and crossing, and approved distress signals such as 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 section explains marine fire extinguisher classes and ratings, how many units are required for your vessel, how to inspect gauges and seals, mount extinguishers for quick access, and use the 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, and waterproofing medical suppliesThis section details boating-specific first aid kit contents, including trauma supplies, burn and wound care, seasickness remedies, sun and heat protection, and methods for waterproofing, organizing, and 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 for safety equipment: personal flotation device (PFD) types and carriage requirements by age and type of vesselThis section 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 expectations 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 accessible, dry, and ready for 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 and how to use them, and proper stowageHere you learn the types of throwable flotation devices, when the law requires them, how to deploy them accurately to a person overboard, maintain a clear line, avoid entanglement, and stow them for instant, unobstructed 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 will 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 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
