The Martha’s Vineyard Detachment of the Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering a 10-week boating skills and seamanship course starting Wednesday, March 22.

The course will meet on Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. through May 24 at Martha’s Vineyard Regional High School.

The course is approved by the Massachusetts Environmental Police and covers topics and techniques for recreational boaters to foster safe boating on near-shore waters. Subjects include choosing and equipping a boat, legal considerations, boat handling, aids to navigation and navigation rules, nautical charts and basic piloting, knots and lines, weather, marine radio, and safety issues.

Upon completion of the course those 12 to 15 years of age are eligible to apply for licensure under state boating regulations to legally operate a power boat alone.

Pre-registration is required. To register or for more information contact auxiliary instructor Chris Scott at 774-930-0921. Instruction is free but there is a $50 fee to cover textbooks, charts, and course materials.