Students learn airboat safety. - FWS photo

U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter completes water rescue as part of open water training. - FWS photo

Students take part in open water training. -FWS photo

The Region 3 Watercraft Safety Program had a very successful 2006 field season and certified or recertified 122 Service employees, volunteers, and partners from January to September. 

The Department of Interior mandated coses were held at Marquette and Ludington, Biological Stations, Michigan; Osceola, Wisconsin Park Service Station, Alpena FRO, Michigan, and the Resource Center in Onalaska, Wisconsin. 

A total of 46 Service employees, volunteers and partners were MOCC certified. 

There were 42 MOCC refreshers completed with eight “on-the-water” practical re-certifications. 

Airboat Courses were held at Onalaska,  Winona, Minnesota, and Horicon NWR, Wisconsin, with a total of 23 employees and partners certified. 

The advanced Open-Water Course was held at the DNR and Coast Guard Station in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin with 11 employees and partners certified.