If your just starting to plan your ocean row but don’t have much experience of the sea then it’s a really good idea to do a basic boat safety course.  Race rules for the Pacific Rowing Race require each crew member to undertake a number of courses in order to take part.  However, you should be getting out to train in your boat a long time before the start of the race.  A basic foundation course like this can be really useful in teaching you the basics of boating and start the learning process so you don’t have as much to learn for the first time when it comes to your mandatory courses.

BoatUS foundation

The new BoatUS Foundation Online Learning Center is free, interactive, non-proctored course. The exam has been approved by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and is recognized by the U.S. Coast Guard as exceeding the minimum requirements for the National Recreational Boating Safety Program.

Of course you should always check with your state’s boating authorities for specific information on local boating license laws and boating safety certification requirements.  This course covers a broad range of topics that are appropriate for all boaters.  You will be able to print your BoatUS Foundation certificate upon successful completion of this NASBLA approved course.

Click here to visit the BoatUS Foundation course and start learning more about boating.

Although the Pacific Rowing Race will start and finish in US waters you may be training in another country and so we have found some other online courses to help those of you living in other countries to ensure you are abiding by your countries laws and boating reguilations.

Free Course Ca

This online boating safety course is fully approved and accredited by Transport Canada. Access to this five-module course (with practice quizzes at the end of each module) is free of charge.

This course covers all knowledge objectives from which questions are drawn for Transport Canada boater tests.

Click here to view the course material for the Operator Proficiency Exam.

Click here to download the free safe boating guide (containing about 70% of the content required to complete the Operator Proficiency Exam.)