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Community Corner

About Boating Safely

Learn how to safely operate your boat and get your Connecticut Safe Boating Certificate in an 8-hour class provided by the Norwalk Flotilla of the USCG Auxiliary.


Many boat insurance companies offer discounts for successfully completing this course.


Topics include:

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  • Boat and Personal Watercraft Handling

  • Using Charts

  • Buoys and Beacons

  • Rules of the Nautical Road

  • Docking, Mooring, and Anchoring

  • Checking Tides and Weather

  • Marine Radio Operation

  • Safety Equipment and Precautions

  • Boating Laws and Regulations

  • Trailering and Launching 


The About Boating Safely (ABS) course is completed in one Saturday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. Sign-in starts at 7:30 am. Be certain to present your Connecticut Conservation ID Number (now required by Connecticut) before starting the class ... you can get your number online at no charge. 


The fee of $70 includes study materials and lunch. Parking is free.

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Sessions are held at the USCG Auxiliary Training Center on Calf Pasture Beach in East Norwalk which is about two miles south of I-95 Exit 16. 


Choose a class date of February 23, March 16, or March 30. To register, contact Joe at jdefranco@snet.net or at 203-853-4615.

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