ANACO-RB

Recreational Boating Safety Group

Overseeing Public Education, Vessel Exams & RBS, and Recreational Boating Safety Outreach programs nationwide.

About ANACO-RB

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.

E-DIRECTORATE

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.
V-DIRECTORATE

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.
B-DIRECTORATE

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

ANACO-RB — Associate National Commodore, Recreational Boating Safety

Christopher Sewell

Christopher Sewell serves as the Associate National Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety, overseeing Public Education, Vessel Exams, and RBS Outreach.

ANACO-RBd — Deputy ANACO, Recreational Boating Safety

Thomas Niles

Thomas Niles serves as the Deputy Associate National Commodore for Recreational Boating Safety.

Directorates

Resources

Other National Groups