Boaters can take the Weekend Navigation and GPS Charting class and complete the practicals on the same day in the same location at the US Coast Guard Auxiliary Milford Flotilla on Saturday, June 28 at 8 a.m. at its training center located at 1 Helwig St. in Milford.
The course is designed to provide both a basic and advanced navigation course that includes the use of GPS and charts, parallel rulers, dividers and compass to ensure safety if your electronics go out. It provides students with the rudiments of navigation by using GPS along with the backup skill of navigation using charts, plotting tools and dead reckoning. The intent is to provide the student with a solid foundation with emphasis on technique without a blind reliance on electronics. Family participation is encouraged.
The cost is $70 per person. For advance registration prior to the class date, go to a0142403.uscgaux.info/. You can sign up there for the navigation course and pay by credit card online. After you register for the course, instructions for the navigation course will be emailed to you. To pay at the door by check or cash, arrive at 7:30 a.m.
All students must obtain a Connecticut conservation ID number before taking the class. To register for a free ID number, go to ct.aspirafocus.com/internetsales.
Boat America boating safety classes are also set for Saturdays from 8 a.m. to approximately 4:30 p.m. for July 12, Aug. 9 and Sept. 6 at the training center. The cost for these courses is $70 per person. For more information on U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary safe boating classes, visit cgaux.org/boatinged/.