Photo Credit: Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore/BoatUS
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Photo Credit: Stacey Nedrow-Wigmore/BoatUS
Download hi-res photo

SPRINGFIELD, Va., October 14, 2025 – The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water has launched two new boating safety microcourses to help boaters focus on issues important to safe navigation. Aids to Navigation Basics and Nighttime Boating Basics are the latest in a series of short microcourse offerings that help fit into any boater’s busy schedule. These courses are available at BoatUS.org/courses and are free to the public.

Aids to Navigation Basics is designed to help boaters understand the meaning of basic buoys and markers. The course also reinforces the importance of maintaining a proper lookout and consulting an up-to-date chart to navigate safely.

Nighttime Boating Basics addresses a common issue for recreational boat operators – operating after dark when navigation can be more challenging. The course teaches boaters how to prepare for evening outings, comply with boating regulations for reduced visibility, and recognize the proper use of navigation lights on recreational vessels.

“Annual U.S. Coast Guard statistics have shown that understanding AToNs and the challenges of nighttime boating are perennial issues for boat operators,” said Ted Sensenbrenner, Director of Boating Safety at BoatUS Foundation. “We’re excited to bridge the gap to help address operator inattention and improper lookout, which are some of the leading causes of boating accidents.”

The interactive courses, which each can be completed in less than 30 minutes, include engaging video quizzes, simulations, and modules that help enrollees learn navigational basics. Following course completion, boaters will be equipped with essential tools to navigate waterways confidently and responsibly.

The courses were produced under a grant from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by the U.S. Coast Guard to benefit national public boating safety. While the new courses do not meet any state education requirements, they provide additional in-depth learning opportunities that complement the information in the BoatUS Foundation’s NASBLA-approved free online boating safety course, which satisfies boating safety education requirements in 37 states.

To sign up for the new free micro courses or view BoatUS Foundation’s suite of online courses, please visit, BoatUS.org/Courses.

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About the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water:

The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water is a national leader promoting safe, clean and responsible boating. Funded primarily by donations from the more than 740,000 members of Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), the nonprofit provides innovative educational outreach directly to boaters and anglers with the aim of reducing accidents and fatalities, increasing stewardship of America's waterways, and keeping boating safe for all. A range of safe and clean boating courses – including the nation's only free online boating safety course – can be found at BoatUS.org/Courses.