KIHEI – The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary is offering an introductory, two-day About Boating Safely course this week.

The course will be held on Friday, Oct. 2, from 6 to 9 p.m. (registration starts at 5:30 p.m.), and Saturday, Oct. 3, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The classes will be held at the NOAA/whale sanctuary building at 726 S. Kihei Road.

This introductory course includes general information about choosing and maintaining a boat, operating a boat or PWC safely, navigation rules and aids to navigation, handling boating emergencies and much more.

Completion of both Friday and Saturday are required to hold a boat operator license. The cost of the class is $40, payable the first night by cash or check. Books are provided by the state Department of Land & Natural Resources.

Boat insurance may be discounted with completion of this course; check with your carrier. The instructors are all trained by the Coast Guard Auxiliary and volunteer their time to promote safe boating.

This course fulfills the new Hawaii requirements for the licensing of boat operators, which are now in effect. Upon completion of this course, you will receive a card with a DLNR endorsement, which is your proof of completion of the boat operator education requirements.

Pre-registration for this class is recommended. To register for the class online, go to www.mauiboatclass.com. For any questions, e-mail Denise Ankrum at mauiboatclass@gmail.com or call her at (808) 986-0023, extension 9.