Midcoast Maine has one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world, but that beauty can hide hazards that can quickly ruin your day on the water. Geography, tides and weather can conspire to make even the most experienced mariner opt to stay ashore.

US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 2-5, based at Coast Guard Station Boothbay Harbor, is offering two courses that will make you a smarter and safer boater.

“Suddenly in Command” addresses issues that may arise if you encounter situations on the water that require a working knowledge of Emergency Communications, Basic Navigation, Boat Handling, Anchoring, and an overview of the items that are legally required to be aboard your boat.

“Suddenly in Command” will be held on July 6 and 7; 6:30 to 8:30 each evening via Zoom. Cost: $25.

“Navigating Mid Coast Maine” will introduce you to the basics of navigation and trip planning while taking you to the far corners of the local “Cape Small to Pemaquid” #13293 chart.

Local knowledge is an often recommend but sometimes difficult commodity to acquire; our experienced instructors have hundreds of hours plying the waters covered in this course. Both are certified CG Auxiliary Small Boat Coxswains and local residents.

Topics include Basic Navigation using both traditional paper charts and various electronic chart formats; understanding navigational aids; buoyage systems and markings.

Problem sets will help you understand the building blocks of course planning including exercises on: compass errors, tides, time/speed/distance, and course layout and labeling.

“Navigating Mid Coast Maine” will be offered for 5 nights, beginning July 14 through Aug. 11, from 6:30 to 8:30 each evening via Zoom. Cost: $30.

Registration

“Suddenly in Command”: Contact David Eastwood at 207-633-4748 (cell: 865-603-5106) or davidbeastwood@gmail.com

Registrations for “Suddenly in Command” must be received by Saturday, June 30 in order for materials to be sent to participants. Late registration is possible if you can make arrangements to pick up the reference materials in Boothbay Harbor. Cost: $25.

“Navigating Mid Coast Maine”: Contact David Eastwood a 207-633-4748 (cell: 865-603-5106) or davidbeastwood@gmail.com

Registrations for “Navigating Mid Coast Maine” must be received by Saturday, July 9 in order for materials to be sent to participants. Late registration is possible if you can make arrangements to pick up the reference materials in Boothbay Harbor. Cost: $30.

To take the course you need either a printed chart or an electronic chart of the Boothbay Harbor area. (Chart can be provided at our cost, approx. $25.)