Second thing I wish the course had stressed more...BOAT & EQUIPMENT
CONDITION.

They stressed over and over what was required to be on board. Things like
life jackets of the
proper type, throwable PDF, fire-extinguisher, horn, etc. Ok, great.

And there was a section describing mechanical things like the generator,
batteries, how
galvanic action can destroy parts etc.

But what didn't make it into my head (and I'm always open to the idea it
could just
be my own damned fault...but I do think they could stress it more) is how
important
it is to VERIFY that everything on your boat works well. And to KNOW how
each
thing works and how to test it. And not to ASSUME that it works.

People in these basic courses are almost probably all just buying a boat.
(Except
maybe younger kids whos folks already have a boat but are making them now
take the course) And there is a tendency, I think, for someone with a new
boat
to assume the systems work.

My own example: I'm somewhat mechanically inclined. Had done work on cars
before
like changing water pumps, batteries, etc. I go to buy my first boat. It's
about $2000
used. I check it out. I don't feel a surveyor is necessary at this level of
purchase. I go out
for a sea trial with the seller. Everything seems fine. ~~ Turns out the
altenator was not
putting out any juice. The guy had probably charged up the batteries at
home.

Ok, of course a Safety Course can't cover and tell me every single thing to
check. Of course
something can and still will go wrong. But, unlike a car, if there is a
mechanical failure on
a boat it can be life threatning. If your car breaks down, usually you just
pull over and
are inconvienienced. If your boat breaks down you could be in a world of
hurt.

This is all different for me that was going to be using the boat in Boston
harbor and not
some calm and small lake. But the course was taught right on the base in
Boston....

Again, I want to stree that I still think taking a safety course was and is
a great idea. And
I in no way blame them for any lack in my knowledge.

All I'm saying is for new boaters.....

#1 - Know that weather is MUCH mort important on a boat than on land.
#2 - Know that equipment is MUCH more importandon a boat than in a car.