Coast Guard Course?

Please take some kind of course

What course do you mean exactly? Are you talking about for a USCG license, or a USCG auxillary safe boating course?

You ALWAYS benefit spending time with an experienced person. And, your insurance will like it too. Depending on the size of your vessel that can be quite a few $$.

Yes, it can always be a benefit. There are a lot of situations I see with long term boaters that don't understand the basic rules of the road. Things like right of way, who goes through a bridge first (those with the current behind them), and these people can create a lot of havoc. What one whistle is and in which situation. Just studying the USCG nav rules book can be beneficial. Getting your USCG license is also beneficial, but several hoops to jump through aside from the course.....physical....drug test....twic card.....etc. etc.

Yes, It is still done. Are you referring to a course like at MPT? You learn some things. The course is a little rushed, but you do get books that you can study through thoroughly later.

Yes, a first time user will benefit. You will also benefit because you will make friends and contacts from the course. But yes, you will learn a lot of things, from plotting courses, to rules of the road, a lot of skills, and on and on. It is well worth it. Go for the 100 ton master course instead of the OUPV if you're going to do it.

If 15 years ago qualifies as recent then yes. It was a 2 week course that was challenging for me, but I left with a 50 ton near coastal license. Yes there was a definite benefit for me. The requirements are somewhat burdensome. The TWIC card is a PIA and you have to pass a CPR course and get a physical every 5 years. The course was for 2 weeks so that is a factor as well. But no doubt I benefited. I didn’t retain all that I learned but I now know where to look to answer questions, etc.

Beau,
Yes, I guess I have my 6 pack license for three years now (will never use it in an official capacity, but I have it). I took the course and got my license before I got my new boat. All of my "time" was on friends boats or my previous boat. Motoryacht lover is correct, the TWIC card and drug test and ... is all a PITA but you are not required to get all that crap if you just take the class for knowledge. As a new boater (larger size) i felt that the information was invaluable. I would hope that when we meet in the harbor channel that you have some knowlege of the Rules of the Road, radio etiquette and general boating knowledge. Makes it easier and safer for those of us who play by the rules.

You're not here for answers are you?