Boating Classes
Were you born on or after July 1, 1972 (Maryland), January 1, 1978 (Delaware), or January 1, 1982 (Pennsylvania)? If so, you MUST successfully complete a boating safety course before operating a motorized boat, including personal watercraft. America’s Boating Club Wilmington will be offering America’s Boating Course in June 2026.. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, you will be certified to receive the Delaware Boating Safety Card (DNREC Boater Safety Card). See below for course details.
Boating Educational Courses
In addition to the required Basic Boating Safety Course, ABC Wilmington also offers many other boating education courses including more advanced subjects such as Seamanship, Marine Navigation, Advanced Marine Navigation, Offshore Navigation, and Celestial Navigation
Other boating education courses include elective courses in Sail, Weather, Engine Maintenance, Marine Electronics, Cruise Planning, and Instructor Qualification. We also offer home study courses such as Compass Adjusting, Navigational Astronomy, and many more.
We welcome non-members into any of our classes.
Please contact our Education Officer at education@abc-wilmington.com if you are interested in any of our courses.
Basic Boating Safety Course (America's Boating Course, 3rd Ed.)
Boater Certification is required for operators of mechanically propelled vessels born after January 1, 1978 on Delaware waters , July 1, 1975 on Maryland waters, or January 1, 1982 on Pennsylvania waters, and is highly recommended for ALL boaters.
Our club offers the America’s Boating Courses 3rd Ed. The course is NASBLA approved and meets the educational requirements of all state and local authorities.
America’s Boating Course is the most comprehensive, single source, in-person boating course available to give you the skills you need to enjoy your time on the water and boat with confidence. Our boater safety class meets the State of Delaware’s certification requirements.
What You’ll Learn:
• Information about your Delaware’s Boating Laws, regulations, boat registration, and licensing.
• Required boating safety equipment
• Do’s and Don’ts of boating safely
• Practical Knowledge of navigation and rules of the road
• How to handle medical emergencies onboard and mechanical problems on the water
• The basics of towing and trailering
• Special important information for hunters, anglers, and sports enthusiasts.
This in-person course is taught by ABC-certified instructors in three 3-hour sessions with an exam at the end of the final session. End-of-chapter review questions will help prepare you for the final exam. Upon successful completion of the course and exam, you will be certified to receive the Delaware Boating Safety Card (DNREC Boater Safety Card)
To Register contact: education@abc-wilmington.com