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Boating safety course in Crafton Saturday

 By Becky Shetler

With Pittsburgh smack in the middle of three rivers, it is imperative that area boaters obey the rules of the waterways.

The Unites States Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 7-8 is holding a boating course in Crafton this weekend.

The course, titled “America’s Boating Course,” is set for this Saturday at the Craftonian Hall on Division Street.

The course will be offered from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., and the cost is $30 (including lunch).

“America’s Boating Course” is a joint project between the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary and the United States Power Squadrons.

The auxiliary itself is totally volunteer, composed of civilian members, and it has been in existence since 1939.

The non-profit organization specializes in search and rescue, public education, vessel examinations and examinations of privately owned vessels. Flotilla 7-8 is an individual unit within the auxiliary.

Jim Feeny, of Coraopolis, who will be teaching the upcoming class, is an instructor and vessel examiner for the Flotilla division 7-8, which is based on the Beaver River.

Feeny, originally of Chicago, started boating in 1947 on Lake Michigan. He moved to Coraopolis in 1966.

The beginner class offers the knowledge needed to obtain a boat license or safety certification in many states, including Pennsylvania.

Many boat insurance companies will offer discounts on boating insurance to boaters who successfully complete the course.

Feeny, who obtained his instructor certification in 1993, has instructed classes of 20 to 60 people in various areas, including the marina in Glenfield and local schools. Flotilla 7-8’s area of responsibility is from Sewickley down to Steubenville, Ohio.

“We teach the ‘Rules of the Road,’” Feeny said.

“There are traffic signals and signs on the rivers and this is what we teach the people. We also teach people how to go through the locks. You can’t go into the chamber unless you have a line. The lock tender has to let you in.”

The boat and water safety course topics include boating law, boat safety equipment, safe boating and navigation.

By law, anyone born since Jan. 1, 1982 needs to obtain a boating safety education certificate issued by Pennsylvania’s Fish and Boat Commission in order to operate anything with more than 25 horsepower or any wave runner, jet ski, or personal watercraft.

Anyone born before that date, still needs a certificate, but only if they are going to operate a personal watercraft.

“People need the basic knowledge of boating,” Feeny said.

A second “America’s Boating” course is scheduled for April 26 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., at the Craftonian Hall.

To register for either upcoming class or for further information, contact Jim Feeny at 412-269-1892.

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Posted In: Boat Safety on March 19, 2008 Comments (759)

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