At West Marine, we believe confident boaters make safer boaters. Through a complimentary basic BoatU.S. Membership included with West Advantage Gold, members receive access to a variety of free boating education courses from the BoatU.S. Foundation. One of those courses, Aids to Navigation (ATON) Basics, helps boaters better understand buoys, markers, and channel indicators so they can navigate waterways more safely and confidently. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Buoys and markers explained: Identify common navigation aids and understand what each one signals
- Safe decision-making on the water: Learn how to respond when you encounter different markers and channel indicators
- Visual navigation skills: Reinforce the importance of staying alert and using charts to guide your route
Course Details
- Self-paced, online format: Learn at your own pace with interactive modules and short video scenarios
- Completely free: No cost to access or complete the course
- Trusted provider: Developed by the BoatU.S. Foundation, a leader in boating safety education
Start Course
Ready to begin your Aids to Navigation (ATON) Basics course? Click here.
Explore More Free Courses
The course described above is but one of many free courses available through the BoatU.S. Foundation. For complete course listings, click here.
West Advantage Gold Benefit
As a West Advantage Gold member, you’ll receive a complimentary basic BoatU.S. Membership that includes a free subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine, plus access to trusted boating education resources—like this ATON Basics course—to help you navigate confidently and stay safer on the water. To enroll in West Advantage Gold, click here.