Boating Courses — 2026
Venice Auxiliary · Certified instructors · Same content online and in person
Most 2026 courses are offered virtually via Zoom. Two sessions of Boating Skills and Seamanship / Boat America — March and October — are offered in person. Online and in-person classes use the same certified instructors and materials.
⭐ Flotilla 8-6 is the only Public Education flotilla in the area offering an Intra-Coastal Waterway (ICW) presentation — included in every Boating Skills and Seamanship / Boat America course at no extra charge.
Questions or to arrange a youth or weekend group class, call Judi Bidwick: 941-544-1741
⭐ Flotilla 8-6 is the only Public Education flotilla in the area offering an Intra-Coastal Waterway (ICW) presentation — included in every Boating Skills and Seamanship / Boat America course at no extra charge.
Questions or to arrange a youth or weekend group class, call Judi Bidwick: 941-544-1741
Boating Skills and Seamanship / Boat America (includes ICW presentation)
Virtual · Zoom
5 sessions per class · Mondays and Thursdays, 6–9 pm
Certified USCG Auxiliary instructors · Same materials as in person
Fee: $40 class + $20 book
2026 class dates
Note: In-person classes (March and October) run 6 sessions instead of the usual 5.
Jan58121519
Feb2591216
Mar259121619In person · 6 sessions
Apr69131620
May47111418
Jun1481115
Jul69131620
AugNo class
Sep710141721
Oct5812151922In person · 6 sessions
Nov2591216
Additional courses
Virtual · Thursdays
Suddenly in command
Single session · Thursdays, 7–9 pm
What to do if the captain is incapacitated
What to do if the captain is incapacitated
2026 dates
Jan 22
Apr 23
Sep 24
Fee: Free
In-person
GPS for mariners
2 sessions · 6–9 pm each night
$40 plus the cost of the book
$40 plus the cost of the book
2026 dates
Feb 25–26
Nov 18–19
Fee: $40 + book
Dates TBA
Coming soon
Boat America — 8–12 hrs, multi-day
Paddling America — kayak, canoe, SUP
Basic coastal navigation
Weekend navigator
Youth classes and weekend group sessions available by request
Paddling America — kayak, canoe, SUP
Basic coastal navigation
Weekend navigator
Youth classes and weekend group sessions available by request
Good to know
Payment and refund policy
All classes are $40 per person. No refunds for missed classes — but you may attend the same class at a later date at no additional charge.
Pay by check: Make payable to Venice USCG AUX Fl 86 and mail to:
Judi Bidwick
547 Park Estates Square
Venice, FL 34293
About our courses
- All instructors are USCG Auxiliary certified
- Virtual and in-person classes use identical materials
- Online sessions are interactive Zoom classes — not videos
- Youth classes held by request
- Weekend group sessions can be arranged
- Call Judi for any questions or special arrangements
Questions about registration, courses, or scheduling?
941-544-1741 Judi Bidwick · USCG Auxiliary Flotilla 8-6Venice, Florida · Division 8 · District 7