Conditions on the water can change quickly after sunset, making preparation and awareness even more important. As part of a complimentary basic BoatU.S. Membership included with West Advantage Gold, members have access to free boating education courses from the BoatU.S. Foundation. These courses are designed to help boaters build confidence and improve safety skills. The Nighttime Boating Basics course focuses specifically on navigating in low visibility and understanding how to operate safely after dark. Here’s what you’ll learn:
- Navigation lights and regulations: Understand how to properly use and identify lights on recreational vessels
- Operating in low visibility: Learn how to navigate safely at night and in restricted visibility conditions
- Situational awareness: Build skills to recognize hazards and respond confidently in reduced-light environments
Course Details
- Self-paced, online format: Learn at your own pace with video simulations, quizzes, and real-world 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
To enroll in the Nighttime Boating 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 enjoy a complimentary basic BoatU.S. Membership that includes a free subscription to BoatU.S. Magazine, plus access to educational resources—like this Nighttime Boating Basics course—to help you boat more safely and confidently in any conditions. To enroll in West Advantage Gold, click here.