The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Bellingham and San Juan Islands Flotilla is offering three opportunities for boaters to take an online Washington State Basic Boater Education Course.

The course for anyone wishing to learn safe boating skills and qualify for a Boater Education Card, issued by the Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission. All Washington state residents must carry a Boater Education Card while on the water operating a power-boat greater than 15 horsepower. This includes people over 12 years of age and applies to anyone who was born after Jan. 1, 1955.

The eight-hour course is provided over Zoom. The course fee is $20.00 and the on-line course handbook costs $5.00 to download. Upon successful completion of the eight-hour course, attendees may submit a copy of their individual “Certificate of Accomplishment” with a $10 fee to be issued a Washington State Boater Education Card.

There are three opportunities available for you to take this online class. All sessions are two hours long and held Monday-Thursday, with an open-book examination at the end of the Thursday sessions. The dates are April 5-8; May 24-27; and June 7-10.

For more information and reservations, visit www.BLIAUX.com, menu tab “Boating Classes”; or email BoatingSafetyonSalishSea@gmail.com.