Education
If you are a new boat owner and would like an experienced boater to help familiarize you with your new boat,
take a look at our Jump Start program!
One of our main goals is boating safety through education – we believe that an educated boater is a safer boater.
In addition to America’s Boating Course, we teach a series of outstanding courses that cover advanced seamanship, navigational techniques, boat handling, maintenance, and enhancement topics. We also teach shorter seminars throughout the year on various topics.
Our courses are usually scheduled from September through May. We also occasionally hold public boating courses during the summer. We teach seminars throughout the year.
If any of these topics interest you, click on the schedule buttons at the top of this page for more information. We hope to see you soon!
America's Boating Course
This introductory course teaches the fundamentals of safe boat handling and operation over three 4 hour sessions, plus an optional fourth session covering charting. These sessions may be taught in a single day or over a series of weeks.
Advanced Grade Courses
These 5 courses teach skills ranging from safe boat handling through ocean-going celestial navigation, to increase your skills as a boater. They are designed to be taken in sequence, because each builds on skills and knowledge taught in the previous courses. The courses are:
Seamanship Piloting Advanced Piloting Junior Navigation Navigation
Elective Courses
These 8 courses cover separate and independent topics and therefore may be taken in any order according to a person's interests and time.
Marine Communications Systems Marine Electrical Systems Electronic Navigation Engine Maintenance Sail Weather Cruise Planning Instructor Development
Seminars
Short (2-4 hour) classes that cover diverse topics such as Anchoring, Trailering, VHF Radio, Radar, and Paddle Craft. Seminars are scheduled periodically based on interest and availability, so check back often for updates.
On-the-Water Training
We offer numerous skill-based training sessions designed for boaters of all different experience levels, from first-time boat owners to long-time boaters ready to try a different kind of boat.
CPR/AED & First Aid Training
This 8-hour course teaches the proper technique for performing CPR on adults, children, and infants; safe and effective utilization of Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs); and essential first aid skills. Passing this course awards a 2-year certification from the American Heart Association.
Certifications
The grade of Senior Navigator (SN) is given to those who have completed all of the Advanced Grade courses and at least 6 Elective courses.
Boat Operator's Certification (BOC) is given to those who have completed a combination of on-the-water demonstrated abilities in addition to applicable Courses and Seminars, and other skills, such as extinguishing fires and CPR.
Go to the National site for more details.