This page contains links to variety of online boating education resources. Some links will take you to video presentations and others will take you to interactive learning tools and other sites that promote safe boating through education. Students who are currently taking our courses may be referred to these links to enhance their boating education. Both members and non members are invited and encouraged to use the materials on this page.
Take The Boating Quiz
Take a safe boating quiz
Clicking the link at the left will take you to the US Power Squadron's National Safe Boating Test. See how much you know about safe boating. The link will take you to a general 20 question multiple-choice test that is immediately graded. From this link you can also navigate to specialized tests in Boating in Coastal and Tidal Waters; Boating forHunters, Campers, and Anglers; Boating on Lakes and Rivers; And Boating for Personal Watercraft. You can even create your own test. This is also a powerful review tool for our students taking the Squadron Boating Course.
Learn to Tie Knots
Click on the "Cleat Hitch" icon to the right and you'll be taken to Animated Knots by Grog. This is a great interactive site to learn the basics of how to tie knots and hitches.
Grog's Amimated Knots
Online Boating Safety Study Guide
This is a comprehensive online study guide in the fundamentals of safe boating. This study guide is presented by BoatU.S. Foundation and can be used in conjunction with our Squadron Boating Course. Each section contains a quiz to test your boating knowledge and to show you areas where you need to study.
Personal Flotation Device Video
Click the icon on the right to watch an excerpt from the USPS 2nd National Safe Boating Test. This informative video features information and demonstrations of inflatable personal flotation devices (life jackets) now that they have been approved by the United States Coast Guard. You can watch how inflatable life jackets work when submerged in water.
Inflatable Life Jacket Movie
VHF/DSC Video
VHF/DSC Interactive Video
Clicking the radio icon to the left will bring you to an interactive audio-video presentation on the use of VHF/DSC marine radios. This excellent educational tool is presented by BoatUS Foundation. You will learn about the proper use and installation of VHF/DSC radios. Digital Selective Calling (DSC) ,now available in our area, is explained in detail. The presentation also includes sample "Mayday" and "Pan Pan" calls and even contains a VHF/DSC simulator for you to use. This is an outstanding interactive presentation on marine radios.
Summary of Connecticut Boating Laws
This is a summary of Connecticut boating laws issued by the Department of Environmental Protection. It provides a good overview of Connecticut boating laws, required safety equipment, licensure requirements, and other important information.
Connecticut Boating Laws
Aids to Navigation Video
Learn about Aids to Navigation
Click on the lighthouse on the left to watch an excerpt from the United States Power Squadron's 2nd National Safe Boating Test. This video discusses aids to navigation including buoys, ranges, day markers and the rules of the road.
Learn about Vessel Safety Checks
United States Power Squadron and the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary provide free vessel safety checks aboard your vessel. The link on the right will take you to a short movie on Vessel Safety Checks. This movie is an excerpt from the United States Power Squadron's DVD 2nd National Safe Boating Test.
Vessel Safety Check
America's Boating Course Website
Take America's Boating Course
America's Boating Course (now a product of the United States Power Squadron) is a comprehensive introduction to boating course available online and is similar to the Squadron Boating Course. Clicking the link to the left will take you to the America's Boating Course website. You will be able to learn about the course, purchase a course online ($34.95), receive a CD and other materials and take the course online at your own pace. This is a great way to obtain the fundamentals of boating or to refresh the memory of experienced boaters. Please note: The taking of this course online or self study does not qualify you for a Safe Boating Certificate inConnecticut. Connecticut requires eight hours of classroom instruction.
