Recreational Boating Safety Group
The Recreational Boating Safety Group (ANACO-RB) is the heart of the Auxiliary's public-facing mission. It oversees three directorates responsible for educating the public about boating safety, conducting vessel safety checks, and reaching boaters through outreach programs across the country.
Public Education
The Public Education Directorate (E) manages Coast Guard-approved boating safety courses taught by certified Auxiliary instructors to the public nationwide.
-
▸
Boating Safety Courses — Delivers Coast Guard-approved courses on navigation, rules of the road, and emergency procedures.
-
▸
Instructor Certification — Certifies and supports Public Education Instructors at all levels.
-
▸
PE Class Finder — Maintains the national database of public boating safety classes.
-
▸
2025 Instructor Workshop — Annual workshop available for members seeking to refine teaching skills.
Vessel Exams & RBS Visitation
The Vessel Exams & Recreational Boating Safety Visitation Directorate (V) manages the free Vessel Safety Check program and RBS visitation activities.
-
▸
Vessel Safety Checks — Free inspections covering life jackets, fire extinguishers, navigation lights, and emergency equipment.
-
▸
Vessel Examiner Certification — Certifies Auxiliary members as Vessel Examiners.
-
▸
RBS Visitation — Coordinates recreational boating safety visits to marinas and boat shows.
RBS Outreach
The Recreational Boating Safety Outreach Directorate (B) manages public outreach campaigns, partnerships, and boating safety information distribution.
-
▸
Public Outreach Campaigns — Coordinates national boating safety awareness campaigns.
-
▸
Partner Organizations — Manages relationships with boating industry partners and safety organizations.
-
▸
Boating Safety Information — Distributes boating safety materials to the public through multiple channels.
Group Leadership
Christopher Sewell
Christopher Sewell serves as the Associate National Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety, overseeing Public Education, Vessel Exams, and RBS Outreach.
Thomas Niles
Thomas Niles serves as the Deputy Associate National Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety.