PR: Coast Guard Auxiliary Classes at the New York Boat Show

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: William C. Winslow
Public Affairs Officer
First Southern Region
212.722.4145

U.S. COAST GUARD AUXILIARY TO OFFER BASIC BOATING COURSE AT 2008 NEW YORK NATIONAL BOAT SHOW; FREE ADMISSION TO ATTENDEES

Course qualifies recreational boaters to operate in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut

NEW YORK – The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary will offer a basic boating course at the 2008 New York Boat Show that meets requirements for recreational boat operators under most state laws.

“America’s Boating Course” is designed both for new- comers to boating and more experienced boaters who might welcome a refresher session. It emphasizes practical skills like basic seamanship, safety on the water and nautical rules of the road. “It’s a wonderful way for the first time skipper to acquire a solid grounding before he or she buys that new boat,” says John Howell, public education staff officer of Division 5, First District, Southern Region.

The New York Boat Show runs from December 29, 2007-January 6, 2008 at the Javits Convention Center.

The course is divided into two four hour sessions:

Part 1 is offered Wednesday or Thursday, January 2nd or 3rd, from 3:00-7:00 PM.

Part 2 and the final exam is Saturday, January 5th, from 9:00 AM-1:00 PM.

Certificates for successful completion will be given at the end of the course. Such a certificate also is required for anyone operating a jet ski in New Jersey and New York.

The course is taught by certified instructors from the Coast Guard Auxiliary, 1st District, Southern Region.

The cost is $35 and includes the “America’s Boating Course” book and free admission to the Boat Show.

Advance registration is recommended as space is limited. Contact Helen Cohen, Helen.Cohen@Verizon.net or John Howell, 646.642.0737.

You can also register at the New York Boat Show. Look for signs posted outside the entrance to the exhibit hall.

The 103rd New York National Boat Show, the world’s longest running boat show, will be held at New York City’s Jacob K. Javits Convention Center from December 29, 2007 through January 6, 2008. For more information and online tickets, visit NYBoatShow.com. It is produced by the National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), the world's largest producer of boat shows. NMMA is the leading association representing a $37 billion per year recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers in the U.S. For more information, visit www.NMMA.org.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary is the uniformed, volunteer Component of Team Coast Guard who assist the active duty Coast Guard in all of its varied missions, except for military and direct law enforcement. These men and women can be found on the nation's waterways, in the air, in classrooms and on the dock, performing Maritime Domain Awareness patrols, safety patrols, vessel safety checks and public education.

The United States Coast Guard Auxiliary was founded in 1939 by an Act of Congress as the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve and re-designated as the Auxiliary in 1941. Its over 31,000 members donate millions of hours annually in support of Coast Guard missions.