i took my class from the US Coast Guarx Aux, it was a good idea, sailboats when uder sail always have the right of way, you learn what 1,2 or 5+ horn blasts mean, light signals, learn that if there is an accident on the water regardless of who hit who, both people are at fault, what to do when fueling with an inboard gas tank as pooposed to a external commonly found on smaller outboards, what bouys mean, i mean this is shit that people need to know, its like driving with out a license, and no idea of what to do, boating is fun, but safety is paramount. it costs 30 bucks to get into the class and it pays off and could save u thousands. also all boats need certain things depending on their sizes, and even if you meet the requirements, its a good idea to have redunancy, for example if you need 1 fire extingisher, have 2 1 in the front and 1 in the rear, and if you take a course you will know why. i a not a worry wart either, but i have been effected by a boating accident where a family member was paralized due to a mishap, so i preach it, but then seccondly have fun, also your states BAC level is usually the same for boating so dont get a DUI, and the beer, it can wait