posted 03-25-2002 01:45 PM ET (US)
If you are truly new to boating, I recommend you locate and attend a public "safe boating" class. There are two organizations which provide them:The United State Power Squadron--a fraternal/education organization devoted to boating and boater education.
The United State Coast Guard Auxillary--a volunteer organization that works closely with the Coast Guard.
Depending on your location, you may have a choice of both organizations and several different "squadrons" within them. The nature and composition of the individual groups varies (like anything else), so you might find yourself better suited to one or the other.
Typically, both these fine organizations offer classes (at minimal cost, really only the price of the materials) to the general public. Completion of the course usually qualifies one for a slight discount on boat insurance and other minor perks.
After completing the public class, it is not unusual for the organizations to invite you to attend a meeting and consider joining them for more participation.
To make a very broad generalization, the Power Squadron may be a bit more social and cruising oriented. But that is not to say that their classes are not top notch and very well done.
Continuing with generalizations, the Auxillary is more involved with actual on-the-water operations in coordination with the real Coast Guard. They make voluntary safety inspections and participate in some Search and Rescue.
Each organization has a structure of classes and ratings which one can progress through. Many years ago I took all the navigation classes available in the Power Squadron, a ciriculum that took about five years to finish, and resulting in me being able obtain the NAVIGATOR rank. In the process I learned a great deal of information and met a large group of very great fellow boaters.
These days with DGPS available for modest money, you might think of manual sight reduction of celestial observations as not exactly a useful skill, but it was a very interesting process to learn and perfect.
If you are adverse to joining any organization, then I would recommend you get some good books at the marine store and hang around the dock, watching other boaters who seem to know what they are doing.
Boating is a complex process. I learn something new almost everytime I go out in a boat, and I have been going out in boats since I was five years old.