I don't doubt the usefulness of the CGA but I've held them in low regard
since a few years ago. They were present at a boat launch giving out free
inspections. I was taking my boat out of the water and stated that I did not
want to participate and had all the required gear. They asked me if I had
flares. No. They asked if I had an anchor. No. They asked if I had a paddle.
No. They asked what I would do if my engine broke down on the lake (yes, I
was on a 3-5 mile lake). I mentioned that I would use the trolling motor. He
asked what would happen if the battery died. I informed that I would use of
the two others onboard. He asked what if they were dead as well. I informed
I would wait until I drifted ashore or someone pulled me in. Like I was
really going to paddle a 16' fiberglass boat into shore.. or I needed an
anchor for some reason. On the drive home I was a little disturbed as I was
certain I had spend my money and time to equip the boat as needed. I did
some checking and found out that the CGA had a different sent of rules then
the Coast Guard did. And included many things that were not required by law.
What I was upset at was the fact that the CGA did not mention this at all.
I'm sure they lead many people into thinking they were not in compliance
with the local boating laws.

"Bob La Londe" wrote in message
...
The Coast Guard Auxilary used to offer a small craft certification class.
When I took it in Ohio it was several hours once a week for several weeks.
It was a fantastic class with practical stuff like how to tie knots and do
marlin spike. There were whol classes dedicated to reading the weather,
and
of course all the regulatory stuff like how to signal, follow marker
buoys,
and what safety stuff you have to have along with things you should have.

I think it was well worth the time spent.