us powerboat training

• Safe Powerboat Training
• Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

Get out of the classroom and behind the wheel!

US Powerboat Training offers the nation’s best and most comprehensive hands-on powerboat courses. Whether you’re looking for your first experience at the helm or aiming to improve your skills, we can help. As the National leader in on-the-water powerboat training and education, our goal is to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to get more out of their boating experience and become more comfortable behind the helm.

Whether you are looking to operate a powerboat under or over 26 feet, we have a course to cover it.

The best on-the-water powerboat instruction available, our courses.

Whether you are a lifelong boater looking to brush up on your skills or have never been on the water before, we have opportunities available for you! We offer a range of boating courses for individuals of all skill levels. Our hands-on, on-the-water courses get you out of the classroom and behind the wheel for an educational experience unlike any other!

Search & Rescue Training

Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

Happy Boaters

“We had the best boating experience!!! Kevin was so helpful and great to work with!! He went above and beyond expectations. He took us to the sandbar to search for sand dollars!! We also saw two dolphins in the intercostal. One of the best days ever!!”

COLLEEN STEPENSON RETTINGER

“I couldn’t have been more lucky to be out on the water learning and experiencing sailing, power boating, rules of the water, and knots with such a great instructor. Kevin is very knowledgable and calm on the water. If you haven’t been on the water this would be the best way to start. Kevin has great people to help him out when needed. I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. These courses gave me the confidence and skills to take my boat out.”

“If you’re looking for the best instruction on how to sail or operate a power boat, Kevin is your guy. Through his relaxed and calm demeanor and detailed instruction, I gained the confidence I needed to dock a boat and change tack to dodge the ferries. He will practice with you until it becomes second nature.”

Meet The Team

Capt. Kevin Hennessey

Kevin has been boating for 25 years. His love and passion for teaching and boating awarded him Instructor of the year from American Sailing Association for 2015.

Capt. Al Noble

Al has over 25 years on the water and tens of thousands of cruising hours under his belt. He maintains his 100 Ton Captians license and when he isn’t sailing can be found kayaking or fishing for trout in western North Carolina with his wife. Al has a passion for the sea that is unrivaled and experience that surpasses most.

OUR MISSION

Our mission aligns closely with the strategic objectives of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division. We aim to support them in their mission to make America’s water ways safer for all and to minimize property damage, personal injury and loss of life by creating a new generation of educated and experienced recreational boaters.

[email protected]

606 W West St, Southport, NC 28461

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WELCOME TO THE RPBA

POWERBOATING - MAKE YOUR PASSION YOUR LIFESTYLE! The Recreational Powerboating Association is the leading authority for hands-on powerboat instruction, powerboat certification & powerboat schools in the United States. Take powerboating instruction through our network of certified powerboating schools with certified powerboat instructors . Through our powerboat courses , the RPBA will help you learn powerboating and achieve powerboating certification safely & with confidence. RPBA Certified Students can go from basic powerboat maneuvering to advanced powerboat courses, then enjoy powerboat vacations around the world. EARN POWERBOAT CERTIFICATION WITH THE RPBA The Recreational Powerboating Association is committed to helping you understand, appreciate and fully enjoy the incredible world of powerboating. Whether you need to fine-tune your existing powerboat handling skills, meet your state’s safe boating requirements or learn basic powerboat handling as someone completely new to the world of powerboating, the RPBA’s comprehensive set of powerboat training courses , network of professional powerboat training instructors and powerboat training schools provides the solution. The RPBA will do much more than simply show you the basics; our affiliated schools can teach you everything you need to be a skilled and experienced powerboater, including helping you earn your powerboat certification. If you'd like to learn more, the best way to start your journey is to explore TheRPBA.com for more information on learning to powerboat.

Polish up your docking skills!

The Recreational Powerboating Association will be conducting “Close Quarters Powerboat Handling” clinics using its newly developed training simulator at 5 indoor boat shows during January and February to promote awareness of its training programs and kick off its instructor development efforts.

Close Quarters Powerboat Handling

Close Quarters Powerboat Handling is an intensive, 12-hour powerboat handling course that is designed to provide the skills necessary to maneuver a powerboat confidently, competently and safely in tight spaces. Successful completion of the program indicates the student has demonstrated competence in handling either a twin inboard, single inboard or outboard/stern drive vessel in close quarters in light wind and or currents.

The goal of this course is to teach safe, efficient use of radar for small-craft navigation in any condition of visibility. Radar teaches safe, efficient use of small-craft radar for piloting, chart navigation, and collision avoidance, including radar principles and practical matters of radar operation as well as using a realistic PC based radar simulator to illustrate radar measurements. This course covers a broad range of topics related to radar. Specific topics to be learned include, how radar works, interpreting the screen, position navigation, radar and navigation rules.

Boater Education Card

By taking a boating safety course with the Recreational PowerBoating Association's partner, BoaterExam.com™, you help make our waterways safer and more enjoyable. Your boater education card may help you avoid fines from states where mandatory boater education laws are in effect, and may also entitle you to a reduction on your marine insurance.

Boating Safety Tips

The captain’s first and primary responsibility is for the safety of the vessel, passengers and crew. A prudent skipper always conducts a safety briefing prior to departure, because the best preparation for emergencies is a well trained crew. Crew training is the responsibility of the skipper and it is prudent to conduct drills with the crew to include: man overboard recovery, fire and abandon ship procedures.

RPBA Schools

• Boating Safety
• Twin Inboard
• Single Inboard
• Stern Drive / Outboard

Welcome to Topside Boat Training

Novice to Navigator

​ Private on-the-water powerboat training and certifications, covering the journey from novice to navigator with a Certified  Licensed  Captain. Our vision is to create an exceptionally serene and nurturing environment for newcomers to boating, allowing them to learn at their own comfortable pace while having FUN . Navigate the waters with confidence under the expert guidance of a proven series of courses (NASBLA - 50 State) to empower operators. Enjoy customized training, tailored to address both your individual needs and those of your boating partner. 

(925) 899-9448

ON-THE-WATER-TRAINING

Topside Boat Training is certified US Powerboating and SaferBoater.org  training School.

We are the the operating arm for SaferBoater on the West Coast (California, Oregon, Washington, Nevada, Idaho)

If you are looking for the right Boating Certifications to keep you compliant for both your  Boat US  &  International Travel Adventures , then you are in the right place.

We proudly partner with :

US Sailing & US Powerboating

National Safe Boaters Council

By earning these certifications and growing your boating experience, your aptitude will be recognized by charter companies, sailing schools & insurance companies worldwide.

We look forward to helping you advance your boating skills.

Powerboat Courses

Basic Cruising

Coastal Cruising

Night Operations

Destination Cruising

Vessel Maintenance

Destinations

Instructors

Yacht Rentals

Register Now

Newport Coast Maritime Academy

The leader in powerboat training, our training guarantee upon successful completion of our certification courses you will qualify for owner/operator insurance coverage or we’ll refund your course tuition..

BASIC CRUISING COURSE

Learn to maneuver your vessel in close quarters, docking, rules of the road, aids to navigation, chart reading, anchoring, emergency procedures & VHF radio operation.

COASTAL CRUISING COURSE

Learn to plan and execute an overnight cruise, utilize radar, recover a person in the water, anchor outside a harbor, pick up a mooring and navigate into an unfamiliar harbor during daylight.

NIGHT OPERATIONS COURSE

Learn to operate your vessel at night or in limited visibility using radar, chart plotter & GPS, identify other vessels on radar, recognize light configurations and safely enter an unfamilar harbor.

DESTINATION COURSE

Learn to plan, weather route and navigate a 100NM+ cruise with you at the helm. Accompanied by a professional instructor, a 100% real-world long-distance passagemaking cruise.

NAVIGATION COURSE

Learn advanced skills to navigate your vessel using an electronic chart plotter, GPS and radar. Build confidence and skills to safely navigate in unfamiliar waters, at night or in limited visibility.

MAINTENANCE COURSE

Learn to identify, maintain, troubleshoot and repair basic vessel systems and mechanical equipment. What you learn can potentially save thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.

Why Choose Us

Newport coast maritime academy is an accredited us powerboating training school. our professionally trained instructors and curriculum have been approved by the ca dept of boating & waterways, american national standards institute (ansi) and the national association of state boating law administrators (nasbla)., our instructors are professionally trained, u.s. coast guard licensed captains with years of command experience and thousands of miles logged underway. our mission is to deliver training courses that empower students with the skills and techniques to become safe and proficient vessel operators..

Destination Training

Interested in learning how to plan, provision, and navigate to over-the-horizon destinations? Our Destination Cruising Course will teach how to safely plan, provision and navigate to destinations outside of your home port area. Our instructors will guide you thru all aspects of cruise planning and accompany you on your journey in an exciting real-world training environment.

Powerboat School

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Book Your Training Today!

We guarantee upon successful completion of our powerboat certification courses you will qualify for insurance coverage as an owner/operator or we’ll refund your course tuition..

Frequently asked questions

Why train with Newport Coast Maritime Academy?

Newport Coast Maritime Academy is one of a select group of training institutions accredited by US Powerboating. Our professionally trained instructors and curriculum have been approved by the CA Dept of Boating & Waterways, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

How much experience do I need to take the Basic Cruising course?

None! Whether you are a novice boater or this is your first vessel we will tailor the training program to meet your specific needs and goals.

Can I get my California Boater's License?

Yes! Because we are a US Powerboating school, we are approved by the California Department of Boating and Waterways to administer the CA Boaters Card exam as part of the BASIC CRUISING COURSE.

Will I be able to charter a vessel as Captain if we go abroad?

Yes! The US Powerboating Basic Cruising, Coastal Cruising and Night Operations courses, when combined, are recognized by many charter companies as qualification to charter their powerboats.

Do I have to take the US Powerboating certification couse to get insurance coverage as an owner/operator?

No. For owners who desire only to qualify for insurance coverage as an owner/operator we offer a non-certification BASIC POWERBOATING COURSE.

Why choose Newport Coast Maritime Academy?

Newport Coast Maritime Academy is one of a select few schools accredited by US Powerboating; the national leader in pwoerboat training. This ensures the training you receive has been approved on a national and state level and will be specific to your boat, your boating environment and hands-on with your vessel.

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Cruising Powerboat Certifications

US Powerboating Basic Powerboat & Cruising Certification

Us powerboating inshore power cruising certification and night operation endorsement.

With coaching from a powerboat expert you will move through the skills required for certification and build confidence operating a 29-40′ twinscrew powerboat in light to moderate conditions.

The course includes both hands-on instruction and theory to expand your seamanship knowledge and practical boat handling skills. Course topics include boat systems, engine and helm controls, docking and close quarter maneuvering, boat control in open water, anchoring, emergency procedures, VHF radio operation, charts and aids to navigation. This course is approved by NASBLA and US Powerboating. Students who successfully pass the written test and successfully complete the knowledge and skill requirements (see Certification Standards book) will receive a US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Operation and Cruising Certification and be eligible to apply for the California Boater Card. Course materials along with pre-course homework will be mailed to students ahead of time to allow you ample time to prepare for your class.

• Introduction to Powerboats or equivalent experience.
• Students must be 16 years of age or older
• Able to swim 50 yards.
• US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Part 1 recommended
• Min 2- Max 4 students.
• US Powerboating Start Powerboating Right

Check the Schedule for upcoming classes and Register online >

Private sessions for groups of two or more:    Call The School at 949-645-9412 to arrange dates.

Learn passage making, piloting and night operation”

This course is for experienced powerboaters seeking an overnight cruising and live aboard experience, and an Inshore Powerboat Cruising Certification.

The course will focus on the skills, knowledge and equipment needed to safely operate a cruising powerboat on a multiday, near coastal passage by day and night in unfamiliar waters.  Course topics include boat preparation, boat handling, close quarter maneuvers, navigation, provisioning, cruise planning and float plans, docking, anchoring, windlass use, picking up a mooring and crew overboard.

Your class begins with an introduction to vessel systems and equipment aboard prior to a short evening shake-down cruise.  Over the next two days you will gain valuable experience in planning voyages, explore various anchoring, mooring and docking techniques, and dealing with situations arising underway.  The course will revolve around destinations on either side of the San Pedro Channel such as LA/Long Beach Harbor, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Santa Catalina Island and Huntington Harbor.

A passing grade on both the written and practical test is required for certification.  Tests will be administered underway.  Course materials and pre-course homework will be available ahead of time to allow you ample time to prepare for your class.

Your course fee includes fuel, most study materials and certification.  A basic provisioning budget will be provided.  Navigation tools and charts, transportation, hotel and meals ashore are not included.

• Ability to swim 50 yards
• US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Cruising Certification
• Three or more days underway on a 30’ or longer powerboat.
• Coastal Navigation 1  strongly recommended for all students
• Min 2- Max 4 students

DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS THROUGH AN AFFINITY FOR THE SEA

Powerboat training, powerboat training to meet your needs.

If you want to improve powerboating, we are here to help. SeaAffinity provides hands-on powerboat training to meet your needs.  First, if it is certification you need, we provide US Powerboating hands-on certification.  or, if there are certain skills you want to improve, we provide private powerboat training on our boat or yours. 

US Powerboating: Safe Powerboat Handling

We offer the course as a blend of self-study and guided hands-on training.  Because you asked, we have also split the hands-on portion into two sessions.  This allows more processing time and has shown excellent results in our students. Digital textbook and online resources included.

We offer this course on our 20′ center console RIB. Cost: $650 (multiple family member discount available)

Private Powerboat Training

We offer this training on our 20′ center console RIB or on you own boat.

 Cost: $350 for a two-hour lesson (plus travel time to your boat)

Contact us to schedule a course or a lesson

   410-812-3757  

  [email protected] 

Charters and lessons

Are you interested in more sailing and boating opportunities check out a few of our popular charters and lessons below., come sail with us, introduction to sailing, wine and cheese sunset sail, private lessons, sailing under the stars, powerboat training.

On-Water Training

Gaining confidence starts here.

Our On-Water Training Program is a fun, easy, and affordable way to develop and improve your boating skills. Whether you love boating and want to gain confidence at the helm, you’re considering buying or renting a boat and want to learn the basics, or you’re just curious about boating our On-Water Training Program offers courses that will meet your needs and help you reach your goals. The BoatUS Foundation is partnering with marinas, boat shows, and other organizations around the country to bring On-Water Training to a marina near you.

3 - 4 Students per boat Taught by USCG Licensed Captains 3 hours on-water training Additional FAQs

Introduction to Powerboating* Precision Docking & Boat Handling* Open-Water Boat Handling* Open-Water Advanced Maneuvering* *Curriculum of the National Safe Boating Council

OPPORTUNITIES

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Training Center Locations & Events

The BoatUS Foundation utilizes the National Safe Boating Council’s modular boat control curriculum. To learn more about this curriculum and the verification process, click the link below:

General Cancellation Policy

Partners in Boating Safety

Past Event Photo Gallery

The instructor helped guide us into learning the basic functions of how to work a boat. It was fun and a great experience. Would love to come back and learn more.

Intro To Powerboating Student

Basic Powerboat Cruising

Beginner to intermediate, 33 ft. boats and larger equipped with through-hull prop shafts and rudders

This 16-hour hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a powerboat and improve their boat handling skills on actual boats. The US Coast Guard has approved this course and recognizes it as a standard in boat handling. Classroom sessions and on-the-water sessions totaling six to eight hours each, covering required education topics in which students learn:

On-the-Water Sessions

Starting procedures

Docking alongside

Close-quarters maneuvers

Steering a range

Proceeding to a destination

Person in Water rescue

Engine & yacht systems

Classroom Sessions

Safety, prep & weather

Maneuvering concepts

Registration & capacities

Equipment requirements

Prep & fueling procedures

Navigation and rules of the road

Aids to navigation

Environmental regulations

Prerequisites: none

Certification(s) Earned: US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Cruising certificate.

Chart Your Course, Enroll Today!

Get A Class Recommendation

Not sure what class suits you best?  Let us know your educational goals, and we can help you pick a course that will help you achieve them.

Thanks for reaching out. We’ll get back to you soon.

Home  Education  Instructor  Powerboat Instructor Programs

Powerboat Instructor Programs

Fill out the Looking for an Instructor Course form and we will contact you when an instructor course becomes available.

US Powerboating Instructor Courses All links redirect to US Powerboating.com. Please note that successful completion of the corresponding student level course is a prerequisite for all US Powerboating Instructor level courses.

Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor

An intensive 3-day course for advanced powerboat operators who will operate boats 26 feet and under, instructor candidates will learn the fundamentals of on-the-water instruction. Candidates must successfully demonstrate superior presentation, teaching, and powerboat operation skills in order to complete this course.

Learn more about becoming a Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor

Safety & Rescue Boat Handling Instructor

This hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who will be using powerboats to perform safety and rescue functions. It is designed for regatta personnel, marine patrols, police and fire rescue personnel, park rangers, and on-the-water sailing instructors and coaches

Learn more about becoming a Safety & Rescue Boat Instructor

Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor

The Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor Course prepares the Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor to teach the Student level Mark Set Boat Handling Certification Course.  The course is offered as a one-and-one course.  The actual instructor course is a one day, 10-hour course.  It is typically preceded by a one-day student level MSBH course to help potential candidates meet the prerequisite. This course is taught by US Powerboating Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor Trainers.

Learn more about becoming a Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor

Cruising Powerboat Instructor

This is a three-day evaluative course for experienced boat operators.  Most of the time will be spent on the water demonstrating and critiquing boathandling maneuvers and demonstrating and discussing teaching techniques applicable to single and twin-screw cruising powerboats.

Learn more about becoming a Cruising Powerboat Instructor

Powerboat Instructor Trainer Programs

US Powerboating Instructor Trainers represent the highest level of experience in the field of powerboat training. Acceptance into Trainer Level courses is done through a resume and application process only.

Instructor Trainer Courses frequency varies- some courses are held annually while others are only held every few years. For Cruising Powerboat Instructor Trainers, there is no course but rather a co-teach with a senior Instructor Trainer.

***Candidates must be a minimum of 24 years old and hold a current instructor certification for the level they’re seeking to be a Trainer.***

Apply to be an Instructor Trainer

U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License Training

US Sailing members receive a 10% discount on registration in Mariners Learning System’s educational resources and training opportunities. Members can access their Mariners Learning System discount, along with a host of other benefits and discounts on gear, publications, and events, by logging into Member Login  to access your benefit.

Risk Strategies - Gowrie Group

• Junior Sailing Safety Guide

Andrew Clouston SVP Programs & Services Email Andrew Clouston

Peri Burns Educational Operations Manager Email Peri Burns 401-342-7963

Bradley Schoch Senior Instructional Designer Email Bradley Schoch

Andi Barton Sr. Education Coordinator Email Andi Barton 401-342-7910

Zeth Morgan Education Coordinator Email Zeth Morgan

Bonnie Braddock Learning Design and Development Specialist Email Bonnie Braddock

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Prerequisites:  None Required! Recommended Age:  10 - Adult Location : Your boat or Ours!

All classes are 16 hours and include:

Classroom sessions  .

Starting and Safety Safety, preparation & weather Maneuvering concepts

Boating Equipment Registration & capacities Equipment requirements Preparation & fueling procedures

Navigation and Rules of Driving Navigation rules of the road

Aids to Navigation and Environmental Regs Aids to navigation Environment regulations

Exam Review Session Review for the Final Exam (separate session)

On-the-Water Boat Lessons

On-The Water (Deck Hand) Engine & electrical systems Starting procedures

Docking Leaving & returning to a slip Close-quarters maneuvers

On-The Water (Deck Hand) Anchoring Steering a range Proceeding to a destination Person in Water rescue

Final Exam Skill

Certified Drivers License, Certified in all states! Earn your boat insurance savings by joining boat lessons.

Powerboat Training

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE: Anyone looking to learn to operate a powerboat safely, improve on-the-water boat handling skills and/or obtain US Powerboating/US Sailing Safe Powerboat Handling Certification. This is a hands-on driving course. CERTIFICATIONS: US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certification PREREQUISITE: None SKILL LEVEL: All levels AGES: 12 and up

Mon. Sept. 23 & Tues. Sept. 24, 2024, 6 pm - 10 pm SOLD OUT - WAITLIST AVAILABLE Two 4-hour classroom sessions providing strong foundational knowledge for safe boating. Taught by experienced and certified instructors, this course focuses on information that will keep you safe and legally compliant on the water. Click link above for more info.

2025 SCHEDULE TO BE ANNOUNCED WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE: Anyone looking to learn to operate a powerboat safely and improve their boat-handling skills. This class is a mixture of on-the-water and classroom time. CERTIFICATIONS: US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certification. This is a NY State and NASBLA approved course. PREREQUISITE: None SKILL LEVEL: All levels AGES: 10 & up

- Ever wonder what you would do if someone fell overboard from your boat?

- Do you have a plan to deal with heavy weather if you can't reach a safe harbor?

- Are you interested in selecting the right emergency communications equipment or storm sails, but you're not sure what to buy?

Storm Trysail's Safety at Sea Seminar at SUNY Maritime College will help you answer these questions and more!

Would you like to make a tax deductible donation to our Dr. Marie DeAngelis Scholarship fund? Your generosity allows kids that might not otherwise have the opportunity to participate in camp and our other Waterfront community programs.

Become a US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor! In this 3-day course for advanced powerboat operators who will operate boats 26 feet and under, instructor candidates will learn the fundamentals of on-the-water instruction. Click above for more info.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE: Anyone who wants to work as a launch driver. CERTIFICATIONS: US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certification; SUNY Maritime College Launch Tender license. Click link above for more info. PREREQUISITE: None, but you will need to meet requirements for your USCG license application. SKILL LEVEL: All levels AGES: 17 to take the class, 18 to apply for the license

Sat. April 27 & Sun. April 28 WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE : Anyone who wants to work as a Launch Driver CERTIFICATIONS : US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certification; SUNY Maritime College Launch Tender License. PREREQUISITE : None, but you will need to meet requirements for your USCG License application.

Education & Training

Boating Courses, Education & Training

One way to expand your knowledge base is to check out our many articles and resources right here, at Discover Boating. But still, nothing beats actual experience on the water. The solution? A hands-on training course, and many are available throughout the nation.

Boating safety courses and hands-on training classes are offered by:

• BoatUS Foundation

The National Safe Boating Council

The u.s. coast guard auxiliary, united states power squadron, boatus education programs.

BoatUS offers a number of different educational programs through its affiliate, the BoatUS Foundation . These include free boating safety courses given online, as well as more advanced online courses which do cost a fee ($8.50 to $40 depending on the topic and the course’s depth), but cover advanced topics like how to use AIS or GPS, propane systems on boats, and hurricane preparation.

In-class training courses are on a limited state-by-state basis, and sometimes with a nominal fee. The very best educational option, however, is probably on-the-water hands-on training classes. Again, these are limited to specific locations. Several are offered at boat shows (and your ticket to the show is often included in the package) so you can check out new boats and learn better boat handling on the very same day. Pricing ranges widely depending on the course you choose and its length, but options include topics like Introduction to Boating, Precision Docking and Boat Handling, and woman-only Women Making Waves courses.

Check Out Our Boating Safety Basics Videos

The National Safe Boating Council , a group made up of over 500 U.S. and international organizations with an interest in boating safety and education, offers a range of different training courses for boaters with skill levels ranging from novice to experienced. Their depth also ranges widely, from online offerings to multiple-day on-the-water courses. Some are advanced enough to qualify for Instructor Certification, and are verified by third-party assessment to conform with American National Standards for on-water skill training. The National Safe Boating Council also supports the “Skipper Club,” in partnership with the U.S. Coast Guard, for teaching teens age 13 through 19 on-water powerboating skills and maneuvers, terminology, and equipment.

The U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary offers one of the most widely available and topically wide-ranging selections of training courses out there. Their National Public Education Calendar Database lists out subject matter including topics like boating skills and seamanship, boating safety, sailing skills, GPS use, and more, which you can then search for availability by zip code. These range from one-hour classes targeting four- to nine-year-olds, to advanced eight-hour courses that will benefit even old salts.

The U.S. Power Squadron , a 501(c)(3) non-profit dedicated to boating safety and education, offers a number of educational courses through its America’s Boating Club arm. These are interactive online sessions, covering topics like marine radios and GPS, weather, and more. Note that many of these are provided through the BoatU.S. Foundation and are identical in nature, though they also offer webinars that bring students and instructors together via a “virtual classroom.”

National boat clubs like Carefree Boat Club, Freedom Boat Club , Your Boat Club , and SailTime , as well as smaller regional boat clubs offer hands-on, on-the-water training. In fact, prior to taking out one of the club boats the training is usually mandatory for new members. Many clubs also offer yearly refreshers, special education sessions, and other opportunities to advance your boating education on a regular basis. Best of all, in most cases this training is included in your membership with no extra charge.

Learn More in Boat Club Memberships: Why Should You Join?

Get a Boating License

Finding out how to get a boating license is a great first step towards getting out on the water as a responsible boater.

Find the Right Boat

The first step in the boat-buying process is also the most important—determining what type of boat is right for you.

Additional Boating Education Resources

There are also many youth programs designed specifically to help kids and young boaters learn the ropes. And on top of all that, numerous private organizations offer real-world boating education. As you decide how to best advance your own boating skills, also consider:

• Safely Moored offers professional hands-on boating instruction and safety training, as well as yacht management, dockside services, and yacht sales in South Florida.
• The Recreational Powerboating Association (RPBA) has hands-on powerboat instruction, powerboat certification and powerboat schools.
• The American Sailing Association (ASA) is the oldest and largest keelboat certification authority in the United States, with 300 affiliated sailing schools worldwide.
• The United States Sailing Association (US Sailing) , the national governing body for sailing, provides leadership, integrity, and growth for the sport in the United States through wide-ranging educational programs.
• US Powerboating offers courses for powerboat operators and is an affiliate of US Sailing.

Read Next: Boating Safety Guide

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Inspirational stories, how-to articles, and expert tips for new & experienced boaters

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Sterndrives, also known as inboard/outboard engines, are popular among boaters for their unique blend of power and versatility.

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Home  Videos

Basic Powerboat Maneuvers Videos

Us powerboating provides a variety of resources to help boaters educate themselves. below are a series of videos and animations that depict some of the on-the-water maneuvers all boaters should be able to perform..

After checking an area, approach the anchoring spot slowly, heading into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. Stop the boat and lower the anchor over bow- do not throw it.

The end of the rode should be attached to the boat before releasing the anchor. Let out the anchor line as the boat drifts downwind. If the wind has too little effect, back the boat very slowly while letting the line run out freely. Avoid backing too fast, which could cause the anchor to bounce along the bottom.

When a scope of 5:1 has been let out, wrap the line around the bow cleat and reverse slowly against it until it becomes taut.

Moorings typically have a large buoy that is attached to an anchor on the bottom with chain. The driver should approach the mooring with it on his side of the boat to keep it in sight throughout the maneuver. Approach at minimum control speed from a position downwind of the buoy, or down current if stronger. Shift into neutral. Use reverse if needed to stop boat. Pick up and secure mooring pennant.

When backing up into the wind or downwind, use minimum control speed. When backing towards the wind the combination of windage and pivot point will help you hold course. It may be more difficult to maintain your course when backing downwind.

If the bow falls off too much you will loose steering control. Before this happens, shift to forward gear and bring the boat back on course. Then back up again with perhaps a slight steering correction to compensate for the wind’s effect.

To master this important maneuver you need to be aware of how your powerboat steers and reacts to changes in throttle and gearshift in different wind and current conditions. Place fenders at dock level and prepare dock lines before making the final approach. Be sure everyone knows what to do with the dock lines.

Come alongside the dock with the bow pointing into the wind or current, whichever is stronger. Approach the dock slowly at a 25 to 45 degree angle and use intermittent power to maintain minimum control speed.

When the bow is 1/2 to one boat length from the dock, make a smooth turn to bring the boat almost parallel to the dock by turning the wheel and briefly shifting into forward. Then shift to neutral. Turn the wheel toward the dock and briefly shift to reverse to bring the stern in as the boat stops.

To avoid a possible collision with a submerged object or another boat it maybe necessary to stop your boat quickly. To be able to respond promptly, keep one hand on the throttle and the other on the steering wheel at all times. All occupants should be in their seats and have a secure grip on the boat. As a boat rolls in a tight turn, it always slides sideways. There is a risk in some boats of the boat’s wake coming over the transom. To avoid this flooding problem, reduce throttle to idle rpm. Make a 90-degree turn. Shift into neutral.

The key to holding position is to anticipate boat drift and make small, gentle corrections early rather than large powerful corrections late. There are two methods for holding position: Bow into Waves, and Stern into Waves.

Since the bow will usually have a tendency to turn away from the wind, you will have to compensate for this by periodically shifting into forward gear and making slight steering corrections to bring the bow back into the wind. Because the bow wants to turn downwind, it is usually easier to hold position with the stern into the wind, provided the waves don’t come over the transom.

Backing away from a dock usually offers the best maneuvering control. It also avoids a problem inherent to forward departures when the boat starts to turn and its stern swings into the dock, preventing the boat from departing cleanly.

Start by turning the wheel away from the dock, which rotates the propeller away from the dock. Shift into reverse, the stern swings away from the dock as the boat backs away. To avoid scraping the bow against the dock, make your turning angle slight.

When clear of the dock, turn the wheel in the opposite direction to bring the boat parallel to the dock. Center the wheel, pause briefly in neutral while counting 1-2-3, then shift to forward.

Minimum control speed is the slowest speed at which you can operate and still maintain steering control. Typically, this is less than the speed produced when the engine is in gear and the throttle is set at idle rpm, and is accomplished by the use of intermittent power.

With the throttle at idle rpm, shift from neutral to forward and back to neutral. This produces a short, gentle pulse of power to maintain steering control. Repeat this technique to keep the boat under control and moving slowly.

If a person falls overboard, immediately swing the stern and propeller away from the person in the water. Shout “Crew Overboard!” and throw buoyant objects such as cushions and life rings toward the person. Assign a spotter. Designate someone to point to the person. Maneuver the boat into a position downwind.

Approach slowly using intermittent power, bow first pointing into the wind and waves with the person in the water on the driver’s side. Shift into neutral and coast to the person. When contact is made, shut off the engine. Attach the person to the boat using a looped line. Assist the person to get back into the boat.

Use a pivot turn to turn your boat in a confined area. Starting at rest, turn the wheel hard over and shift into gear at idle rpm to initiate the pivot turn. Shift into neutral and turn the wheel hard over in the opposite direction, while counting 1-2-3. Shift into reverse at idle rpm to continue the turn, and repeat the steps until the boat has completed the turn.

Capsize Rescue – Centerboard Push

Before initiating a centerboard push rescue, ensure that the sailors are safely in the safety-rescue boat. Begin by grabbing the centerboard of the sailboat and push downward until the boat comes upright. As the boat begins to come upright, grab the gunwale and shroud to complete the righting process. The sailors may now re-enter the sailboat.

Capsize Rescue – Mast tip Lift

The mast tip lift method can be used when the sailors are still in the water. Using minimum control speed, slowly approach from a direction forward of the mast. This keeps the powerboat from running over the mainsail and avoids interference with the sail as the boat comes upright.

Make contact near the top of the mast and turn off the engine. If the mast tip is submerged too far below the water to reach, approach the boat perpendicular to the forestay, grab the forestay or shroud and walk hand over hand up the mast. Lift the mast tip and move hand over hand down the mast and shroud to bring the boat upright.

Towing another boat alongside is often used when bringing a disabled boat into a dock. The towboat should be positioned so that its propeller is far enough aft of the other boat’s stern to turn the tow in either direction.

Fenders should be rigged between the boats to prevent damage. Tie the boats together tightly using bow, stern and spring lines, so there is no movement between them. If a line is slack, it will reduce the maneuverability of the tow.

When coming alongside a dock, approach it at minimum control speed with the other boat on the dockside.

Boating Knots

Knots are essential to every boater. Below you will find a series of instructional videos that will help you tie some of the more common knots used while boating.

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