America's Boating Course will be offered this spring at the West Islip Community Center, 90 Higbie Ln., West Islip, between Sunrise and Montauk Highways, beginning weekly, Tues., March 31, 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. by the United States Power Squadron - America's Boating Club. Pre-registration for the first 40 students will be online at www.gsbps.org and link to GSB Public Course Schedule. In person registration will take place on the first night of the course, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Tues., March 31 at the West Islip Community Center.

The course for adults and young boaters, age 10 and up, will meet on March 31 and April 14, 21 and 28 covering the following topics: You are the Skipper - what would you do? Boat Terms and Types, Aids to Navigation, Boat Handling, Navigational Rules, Adverse Conditions and Emergencies, US and New York state Regulations, Boat Trailering and Personal Water Craft. The final exam will then be taken on May 5. Optional Charting and Piloting classes on May 12 and 19 will then include Navigational Charts, Plotting a Course and the Mariner's Company, Calculating Distance, Speed and Time and Determining a Position.

For additional information on the Public Safe Boating Course, go to GSB Public Course Schedule at www.gsbps. org, send an email to seo@gsbps.org or call Michael Becker, Squadron educational officer at 631-472-7232.