The Friday Harbor Chapter of the U.S. Power Squadron has offered to teach their two-day basic boating safety class on Lopez Island, April 8 and 9.

Subjects include: understanding boat design and propulsion, required safety equipment, checklists and techniques for getting underway and back to the dock, navigation rules of the road, navigation aids, lights and sound signals, government regulations, anchoring, adverse conditions and emergencies, communications afloat, water sports safety, trailering, personal watercraft operation, knots and lines. Passing the course qualifies the student for the Washington State Boater Education Card, which is required for all boaters born after 1955 and over 12 years old to operate a vessel with a 15hp or greater.

The course will be at the Lopez Fire Hall. The fee is $15 per person to cover state registration, plus materials, which can be downloaded for free from the Washington Department of Recreation and Parks at www.nwboatertraining.com.

To register for this course, email Paul Henriksen at paulh@centurytel.net. You can learn more about the Friday Harbor Power Squadron at www.fridayharborpowersquadron.com and courses taught at other locations at www.nwboatertraining.com.