Learn public boating at UWF this spring

The University of West Florida Division of Continuing Education will offer maritime education courses for the spring semester. These courses, taught by the United States Power Squadron, will be offered in Pensacola and Fort Walton Beach and range from $40 to $85 per person.

"USPS Public Boating Course" introduces students to boat types, marine radiotelephone, aids to navigation, boat handling, navigation rules, as well as Florida boating laws and regulations. Participants often receive insurance discounts after taking this class. Course text includes, "The Squadron Boating Course" and Maptech CD. For session dates and times, contact the UWF Division of Continuing Education at (850) 474-2914 or visit ContinuingEd.uwf.edu.

"Seamanship Online Coursework for USCG Licensing Exam" builds on the basics of recreational boating, facilitates knowledge development for increased safe operation of recreational boats and provides the basis for completion of the United States Coast Guard (USCG) licensing examination. Emphasis within the course has been placed on higher level boating skills. This course lasts approximately eight weeks or 24 hours of class time. Students can specify their own start date. The cost of the course is $85. Participants must be a United States Power Squadron (USPS) member to take this course. To become a member, contact 1-888- 367-8777, Ext. 229.

"Anchoring" addresses the technical details of effective and safe anchoring under many conditions. Technical details include information on types of anchor systems, anchor types, anchor methods and holding power calculations. The course will be held Feb. 18 at 7 p.m. in Fort Walton Beach. The cost of the course is $40.

"GPS Usage for Navigation" shows how Global Positioning Systems (GPS) have become a common tool for navigation. However, using GPS on the water is distinctly different from using it in a car. This seminar explains the principles of waypoint navigation and also shows how to relate GPS to charts. The course will be held Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in Fort Walton Beach. For more information or to enroll, contact the UWF Division of Continuing Education at (850) 474-2914 or visit ContinuingEd.uwf.edu.