The South Bend Sail and Power Squadron will conduct a Safe Boating Course in Mishawaka beginning Feb. 4.

The five-week class meets one night a week at the Battell Center, 904 N. Main St. The first spring class will begin at 6:30 p.m. Class instruction is free; however, students are charged $39 for texts, registration and other materials if necessary.

Participants who successfully complete the American Boating Course 3 (ABC3) and exam will be awarded a certificate of completion recognized by the National Association of Safe Boating Laws Administrators. This certificate is also recognized by Indiana and complies with the new Michigan operator regulations for boats and PWCs (personal watercrafts).

Course content includes boating safety and operation, rules of the road, equipment requirements, basic navigation, navigational aids and other topics relating to safe boating.

For additional information, visit www.sbsps.org, or contact the Squadron Education Officer, Anita McCollester, at seo@sbsps.org.

Vessel Safety Checks: Free inspections by certified SBSPS members are offered to recreational boaters to insure that the vessel meets all Federal and State requirements. If the requirements are met, a sticker for the boat informs all enforcement agencies that the boat has passed inspection. Contact SBSPS for details.