America's Boating Course
The foundation. Federal and Texas boating safety requirements, basic seamanship, terminology, navigation rules, and emergency procedures.
Get notified →
Education & classes
Education is our anchor.
When someone wants to learn boating skills on Galveston Bay, we want them to think of this squadron first. Our classes are taught by certified, peer instructors — practical, engaging, and accessible.
Course catalog
From your first weekend to celestial navigation.
Course offerings rotate through the year. Use the sign-up form below to be notified when a class you want is scheduled, or ask the Education Officer about a private session.
Seamanship
The next step after ABC. Handling lines, anchoring, docking, marlinespike, weather basics, and rules of the road in practice.
Get notified →Piloting & Advanced Piloting
Real-world chart navigation, position fixing, dead reckoning, GPS, and electronic charting for Galveston Bay and offshore boating.
Get notified →Junior & Celestial Navigation
Offshore navigation with sextant and tables, and the math behind it. Ask about partnership sessions with local yacht clubs.
Get notified →Marine Electronics
Radar, AIS, MFDs, instrument networks, VHF/DSC, and how to configure and troubleshoot systems aboard your own boat.
Get notified →Weather
Reading the sky, marine forecasts, sea breezes, frontal passages, tropical systems, and how to plan a Galveston Bay outing.
Get notified →Marine Communications
Half-day seminar covering VHF, DSC, MMSI, EPIRBs, and best-practice radio procedure on Galveston Bay.
Get notified →Boat Handling & Docking
Single- and twin-screw handling, slow-speed maneuvers, springing off a piling, and recovering a person in the water.
Get notified →Vessel Safety Checks
A certified examiner inspects your boat dockside to confirm it meets safety requirements. No charge, no judgement.
Request a check →
Class calendar
Upcoming education dates.
Update this list every Bay Breeze cycle so members can quickly see training deadlines, seminars, and scheduled courses.
First Saturday monthly, except July
America's Boating Class
America's Boating Class meets the first Saturday of every month, except July, at Stein Hall.
April 18, 2026
Incoming Officers Meeting
District 21 officer training hosted by Galveston Bay. Registration deadline is April 15.
June 11, 2026
Virtual Instructor Recertification Seminar
Interactive instructor recertification seminar with a limit of 25 participants.
By June 30, 2026
Vessel Safety Check Workshop
Mandatory VSC update workshop for Vessel Examiners who need to retain certification.
How we teach
Small classes. Peer instructors. Practical first.
Most classes meet at Stein Hall, St. John's Episcopal Church (815 S. Broadway, La Porte). On-water sessions take place at member marinas across Galveston Bay. Instructors are members who have taught and tested at the national level.
- Materials and digital resources provided. No surprise costs.
- Class fees are kept low; many seminars are free for members.
- Boating-casual dress code. Bring a notebook and a question.
- Ask about youth-friendly courses for the next generation of boaters.
Class sign-up
Tell us which course interests you.
We'll add you to our notification list and let you know when the next session is scheduled. You won't be charged anything until you confirm enrollment.