If you might be a water enthusiast and enjoy spending time in your boat, there is more to motoring out and driving it than meets the eye. Not many people know that it is a law in many places that in order to operate your watercraft, you must take a boating course. There are many rules to follow while you are on the water; much like the rules of the road when you drive your car. Here are some important reasons why people have to take this program.

While operating a boat on the water is certainly different than driving a car, some of same rules apply for both vehicles. There are many things to take into consideration when you are in your boat. You must be aware of certain signals that are unique to the boating community, but have some of the same connotations that street signs have for cars.

The basic rules are covered in this class. Things like how to pilot your boat into a harbor, how to attach your boat to a mooring safely, and rules about right of way and speed limits are included. A short description of what some water bank flagging means and why you should know it can be taught as well.

The importance of running lights is stressed and gone over. What each light means, what the combinations signify, and when you should have them on will be taught. Your running lights often mirror your intentions, your crew, and your course so it is important to know exactly what their function is and why you need to use them.

In these courses, you will also be taught what the rules of the water are, and how they apply to the operator of a boat. Whether you operate on a lake, or in the ocean, you must abide by rules that are put in place for the protection of not only you and your property, but those who may happen upon you in the open waters. Without this education, you would not know how to conduct yourself.

The laws for operating a boat are very similar to driving a car as well. If you are caught speeding, you can be fined. The same laws about operating your car under the influence of alcohol apply when you are in your boat as well. You can be sent to jail and heavily fined if you are caught on driving your boat while you are drunk.

Other items you might be taught would be how to yield to certain government vessels while you are out in your boat or ship. Often things are going on in the waterway you are using, and you need information from these patrol ships for your own safety. Since a lot of communication is done with symbols and lighting, it is smart to know what they mean before you cast off.

Taking a boating course is a smart idea. You can get a lot of useful information from them. It can keep you and the people you have on your boat safe and operating your vessel properly; following the rules and knowing how to get yourself out a troubling situation.

Author Bio: Getting a pcoc and learning boating safety is now quick and easy, simply register for a boating course, then the online boating Exam and away you go.

Category: Recreation
Keywords: boats,boating,recreation,sailing,outdoors,family,travel,fun,leisure,licenses,hobbies,transportation