BANGOR – Boaters and prospective boaters are invited to attend the United States Power Squadrons Boating Course, which provides essential information for every type of boater: inboard, outboard, sail and personal watercraft. The course also instructs in boat handling, safety, seamanship, equipment needs, rules of the water, lines and knots, charts and aids to navigation, engine troubleshooting, and hauling boats by trailer.

The boating course instruction is free. There is a $30 charge for the manual, and $15 for dividers and a plotter. Materials are for sale at the first class if the student does not have them.

There also is a nominal adult education fee in Bucksport. Dates for the boating courses are:

. 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 30- March 20, Bangor High School. Register with Bangor Adult Education at the high school. For information, call 941-6310.

. 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 25-April 8, Bucksport High School. Register with Bucksport Adult Education at 469-2129.

These classes are offered by the Penobscot Bay Sail and Power Squadron. For more information on sail and power-boating classes and other activities, call 866-2511, or contact Jay Johnson at johnson@maine.edu.

The Penobscot Bay Sail and Power Squadron is the USPS squadron in Greater Bangor involved in safe boating education.

Maine has more than 6,000 waterways with boating opportunities ranging from canoes and kayaks to large sailing vessels and powerboats; from tiny streams and ponds to rushing rivers and coastal waters with ever changing winds and tides.

Officials said that such variety calls for a more knowledgeable boater; one who uses common sense and courtesy toward others, one who understands that education is the key to boating safety. National statistics show that most accidents can be attributed to operator inexperience or inattention, they said, adding that boating safety through education is important.

With more than 60,000 members in 450 squadrons nationwide, United States Power Squadrons is America’s largest family boating organization dedicated to boating education, civic service and just plain fun. Maine has four squadrons with more than 500 members statewide.

For more information on the United States Power Squadrons, check www.usps.org or call (888) FOR USPS, (888) 367-8777.