Contributor: Carefree Boat Club of Southern CT
We were so happy to see some of you in our first Zoom class last week! If you missed it we have the recording hosted on our YouTube channel. There is a button below that you can click to access the channel. Check it out when you have a chance!
I wanted to take this opportunity to discuss how we are revamping our training program and process to make this boating season the best ever. We are introducing a mandatory navigation quiz, don’t worry — it will be fun, as well as adjusting the focus of our on the water training sessions for new members. Of course, if you have been a member and would like any sort of retraining or additional practice feel free to reach out to your dock master in the spring.
Boating can be great fun, but it can also be dangerous. That is why we are implementing a mandatory quiz that all members, old and new, must pass before they can make reservations and enjoy the water. This 18 question multiple choice quiz focuses on Carefree’s policies, general navigation and chart reading. Members taking the quiz must score an 80% or better to pass. Those that do not pass will be contacted for further training, and will then take a second quiz which they must pass in order to reserve a boat.
The object here is to not penalize our membership, but to further educate and to identify weaknesses in our training program. You can expect to receive an email with a link to the quiz next week.
We are not going to throw you in the deep end and expect you to pass without some brief and straightforward study materials! Below you can find links to our YouTube channel as well as links to other 3rd party videos that focus on chart reading and navigation.
Below are a few things that you may find on the quiz:
- Carefree boats generally draw 3’ of water
- Carefree requires that boats be operated in 5+’ of water unless in a channel
- The average tidal change in CT and NY is 7′
- Entering a designated no-go zone will result in a $250 fee and 2 weeks of suspension from reserving a boat. See pictures of no-go zones on the charts below
- Beaching a boat will result in termination of membership
Safe Boating Class
If you are new to boating and need to get your CT boating license the next online boating class is March 13th. Check out the details below. We encourage you to get this out of the way during the off season so that you can get your on the water training done and not miss a single nice day on the water in the Spring.
You can also register for an online class to get your Ny State Safe Boating Certificate. For more information click HERE.
On The Water Training
Our on the water training focuses heavily on navigation. Reading the GPS and knowing how to use it is crucial to having a safe and fun time on the water. You will also learn the proper way to anchor and navigate in close quarters, along with how to dock. Keep in mind, should you feel that you are uncomfortable, or could use more practice, at any time, let your dock master know and they can accommodate additional training at the dock.
Popular Destinations
We want to hear from you! We are looking to create blog posts and videos discussing popular boating destinations on Long Island Sound. If you have a favorite restaurant, beach, anchorage, water skiing spot, etc let us know and give us a brief description of what makes it great.
