When Emergency Strikes, Will You Be Ready?

Suddenly in Command – U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary Emergency Preparedness Course

The Moment That Changes Everything

Picture this: You’re enjoying a perfect day on the water with family or friends. The sun is shining, the breeze is perfect, and you’re having the time of your life. Then, in an instant, everything changes. The captain falls overboard. The boat operator becomes injured or incapacitated. Suddenly, all eyes turn to you.

**You are Suddenly in Command.**

Don’t Be Caught Unprepared

Every year, countless boating emergencies occur where passengers must take control of a vessel they didn’t expect to operate. Medical emergencies, equipment failures, and accidents can instantly transform a relaxing passenger into the person responsible for getting everyone home safely.

The captain becomes incapacitated or falls overboard; you purchase a new boat for the first time. You are Suddenly in Command. This isn’t just a hypothetical scenario – it’s a reality that happens more often than you think.

Who Needs This Course?

**Perfect for Passengers and New Boat Owners**

– Spouses, family members, and friends who are typically passengers
– New boat owners who lack confidence at the helm
– Anyone who wants to be prepared for marine emergencies
– Boaters who want to be a valuable crew member, not just a passenger

This boating safety course is designed for those not generally at the helm and will help you to be prepared with the basics in case of an emergency.

Real Scenarios, Real Solutions

What happens if the person operating the boat is unable to continue for some reason such as broken glasses, tripping and getting injured, or not feeling well? Furthermore, sunset is not too far off. What’s the plan to get back?

This course prepares you for real-world emergency situations:

– **Medical Emergencies**: When the captain suffers a heart attack, stroke, or serious injury
– **Man Overboard**: When the person at the helm falls into the water
– **Equipment Failure**: When critical systems fail and quick decisions are needed
– **Weather Emergencies**: When conditions deteriorate rapidly
– **New Boat Situations**: When you’ve just purchased a vessel and need basic operational knowledge

Essential Skills You’ll Master

**Basic Boat Handling**

– Essential controls and how to operate them safely
– Starting and stopping the engine
– Basic steering and maneuvering
– Emergency anchoring procedures

**Communication & Rescue**
You may also need to understand some basics about boat handling/docking, VHF radios, and getting help.

– Using VHF radios to call for help
– Proper emergency communication protocols
– Coast Guard contact procedures
– Distress signal usage

**Critical Safety Procedures**

– Man overboard recovery techniques
– Personal flotation device deployment
– Emergency shutdown procedures
– Basic first aid considerations

Compact Yet Comprehensive

This course from the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary packs essential life-saving information into an efficient, focused format. You’ll learn the most critical skills without overwhelming detail – just what you need to know to handle an emergency and get everyone home safely.

Expert Coast Guard Auxiliary Instruction

Learn from experienced mariners who understand real-world boating emergencies. Our U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary instructors bring decades of combined experience and training to help you develop confidence and competence in emergency situations.

Free Training, Priceless Peace of Mind

This comprehensive emergency preparedness course is offered at no cost to you. The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary believes that every person who steps aboard a vessel should have the basic knowledge to respond in an emergency.

Don’t Wait for an Emergency to Learn

**The time to prepare is before you need these skills, not during an emergency.**

Emergencies don’t announce themselves. They happen suddenly, without warning, and often when you least expect them. When that moment comes, you’ll either be prepared or you won’t. There’s no middle ground.

Build Confidence, Save Lives

This course isn’t just about boat operation – it’s about:

– **Confidence**: Knowing you can handle an emergency situation
– **Preparedness**: Having the skills before you need them
– **Safety**: Protecting yourself and everyone aboard
– **Peace of Mind**: Enjoying your time on the water without worry

The Bottom Line

**You don’t have to be a victim of circumstance. You can be the hero who brings everyone home safely.**

Every passenger should have the basic knowledge to take command in an emergency. Every new boat owner should understand the fundamentals before they’re alone at the helm. Every family member should know how to operate the radio and basic controls.

Don’t let an emergency catch you unprepared. In just 90 minutes, you can gain the knowledge and confidence to handle the unexpected.

Ready to Take Command?

Enter your zip code below to find classes near you and register for a potentially life-saving course.  Because when you’re suddenly in command, you’ll be glad you prepared.