It’s time for boaters to touch up their knowledge and skills for the summer season. A basic boating course is being offered by the Deception Pass Sail and Power Squadron, part of the U.S. Power Squadron, a nationwide nonprofit boating education organization.

The class will start March 7 and be Monday and Wednesday evenings from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. for five weeks in room 308 Oak Hall, Skagit Valley Community College, Oak Harbor Campus. This class will qualify participants for the Washington State Boater Education Card and provide a serious introduction to boating knowledge.

The course will include boat operation, docking, radio operations, seamanship, chart reading, knots, anchoring, navigation aids, coast guard regulations, trailering, navigation, piloting, rules of the road, types of boats, boating safety and more. The cost is $60 to cover books and room fees. Other family members without books pay $25.

For reservations or questions call John Hudson (360-240-2517), Claire Acorde (360-240-1235), Doug Bishop (360-678-2296) or email: johnahudson@comcast.net. Registration will take place the first night.