powerboat handling skills

$950/OB - $1,900/YB

OB = Our Boat | YB = Your boat

Duration: 2 days

How to Book this US Powerboat Class :

Choose a Public class on our boat, or a Private class on your boat.

Public classes on our boat require a minimum of 3 participants. SaferBoater will arrange an alternative schedule if that minimum has not been met.

Private classes on your personal boat consist of 2 or 4 participants (10yrs & over).

Safe Power Boat Handling

Our famous 'original' course.

This popular course takes place over two consecutive days, where the 16-hour curriculum is taught in several alternating sessions - first in a classroom and then on a Boat!  This hands-on training approach dominates the boring classroom-only or online styles other schools use.

You will earn your NASBLA, DNR & US Powerboating Certificates in this US Powerboating course. These three licenses give you the equivalent of a Boating License, which makes you eligible to rent & operate boats in all 50 States.

This course is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a 25' or less powerboat and improve their boat-handling skills.

Did you know?  Mention this course to your insurance company to reduce your boat insurance premiums.

Certification Information: This certified course includes a book curriculum, on-the-water boat handling skills and a test.  Successful completion qualifies you for a Boater Education Certification Card that is valid to rent and operate boats in all 50 States.

Learn More about our Certifications.

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.

• Safe Powerboat Training
• Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

US Powerboat Training

The best on-the-water powerboat instruction available.

OUR COURSES BOOK COURSE https://vimeo.com/384463888

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.

BOOK COURSE

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!

POWERBOAT HANDLING

CRUISING POWERBOAT

RACE MANAGEMENT

Safety & Rescue Boat Handling Learn More

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 Stephenson 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.

Nothing but wonderful things to say about Kevin and his courses! Even though I have grown up on the water, he has taught me so many new things and given me the confidence to one-day soon own a boat of my own.

Jennifer Odell Hill

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.

Kevin and Chris were so fun! I would recommend sailing with them to anyone who is looking for a fun water activity! We will be back!

Courtney Kauffman

What an amazing experience. Awesome day, perfect lesson, and great memories. We will be back for sure!

Tannia Dougherty

We had an absolutely wonderful day out ! Completely surpassed all of our expectations! Captain Kevin was amazing. We can’t imagine going out with anyone else !

Veronica Mccune-Solomon

Capt. Kevin and Capt. Brian are top notch instructors! Their powerboating class far exceeded my expectations!

Keith Greene

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. BOOK COURSE

Ready to schedule an appointment, or simply have a question? Fill out the form below or give us a call at (910) 279-2355!

910-279-2355

[email protected]

606 W West St, Southport, NC 28461

Leathering Oars   - Season 4, Episode 10 Now Available!

An Introduction to Power Boats

Watch trailer.

Episode Summary

Host Rich Hilsinger and the OS Media crew venture to Castine, ME and the waterfront campus of Maine Maritime Academy to meet with MMA alumnus and lifelong waterman Captain Zander Parker to demonstrate entry-level recreational powerboat operation. We’ll begin with a discussion of safety equipment that all recreational watercraft should have on board. Going out on the water has its dangers and it’s the responsibility of each owner/operator to have the right mindset to make sure the boat and each person on board is safe.

Using a 19’ Boston Whaler Outrage with a 150 hp Yamaha outboard, a 26’ Crosby Tug in-board commercial craft powered by a 43 hp Westerbeke engine, and a 34’ Weber Cove’ open launch powered by a John Deere 6068 225 hp engine, Zander will focus on basic operations and boat handling skills. Topics will include the pre-departure checklist, outboard and inboard systems, leaving and returning to a dock, spring line use, securing a boat, shifting gears and throttle control, steering, maneuvering in close quarters, and lots more. We’re pretty confident that all viewers will find this episode quite helpful in improving one’s on-water skills and enable a powerboat owner to become much more comfortable behind the helm.

learn from the masters

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Planking: An Introduction to Methods & Techniques

Building beach pea, part 2, small boat decks, virginia park, more from season 3, designing a home workshop, elements of sailing, part 2, lofting a flat bottom skiff, lofting an expanded, raked transom, making the north woods paddle, marine carving, setting up the construction jig, small shop power tools, the elements of sailing, part 1, tool sharpening, subscribe for full access.

Flipbooks are available to paid subscribers only. Subscribe now or log in for access.

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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

Home  Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor

Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor

Course description.

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.

On-the-Water Skills and Classroom Topics

COURSE FORMAT & LENGTH

This is a 3-day, 30-hour course. Attendance at all course sessions is mandatory. Absence from any portion of the course excludes the instructor candidate from certification.

COURSE PREREQUISITES

• ***If the Accelerated Safe Powerboat Handling course is taken candidates must also have a c urrent NASBLA   Safe Boating Certification , current USCG full, limited Master’s, or OUPV license.
• Meet the minimum age . All candidates must have reached their 18th birthday within the calendar year that the course is being held in.
• Current US Sailing Individual, College or Family Membership Youth membership is not applicable, and only one instructor is allowed per family membership.
• Ability to swim 50 yards both with and without life jacket.
• Ability to exhibit appropriate personal and interpersonal skills.
• Teaching and Coaching Fundamentals Online (TCFO) . This approximately 90-minute online course is $10.00 (Registration is independent of the instructor course registrations). A guide on how to complete the course can be found here  and a few Frequently Asked Questions  are answered here. Candidates who have not completed TCFO will not be allowed to participate in the course.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

• First Aid and CPR Certification from the American Red Cross, American Heart Association or and  U.S. Coast Guard approved provider. Candidates do not need to complete the CPR/First Aid Training in advance of the Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor course. However, a certification will NOT be valid unless accompanied by current First Aid and CPR.
• Enter your US Sailing member number during registration. I f you need to find it click here.
• Complete all the modules. You DO NOT have to complete it all at once.
• The course allows you to log in and out without losing your progress.

WHAT YOU CAN TEACH WITH THIS CERTIFICATION

Safe Powerboat Handling student level courses. To issue state-specific certificates may require registering with the specific state as well.

COURSE MATERIALS

Course materials provided as part of registration include Start Poweboating Right! and the Safe Powerboat Instructor Manual. All course materials are delivered digitally, but are available for purchase in a print format during the registration process.

COURSE FEES

$425.00 per candidate. Registration is on a first pay basis. US Sailing/US Powerboating will not reserve spots without full payment. Please remember that US Sailing membership is required for all instructor courses.

CANCELLATION & TRANSFER POLICIES

Course fees are non-refundable but are transferable to another course up to 1 week prior to the course start date.  Course Transfers are not available within the week of the course start. Fees are not transferable to another candidate. The fee for all transfers is $25.00.

To transfer into a different session:

• Log in to your US Sailing account here: My Account
• Select the My Certs and Courses tab from the options on the left, then click the transfer link.
• Submit Payment details
• Confirm transfer

US Sailing reserves the right to cancel, postpone, abandon or change the venue, date and time of the course should unforeseen circumstances occur or course minimums are not reached. In the event the course is unable to proceed, a course credit will be made available which is good for one (1) year or you may choose a refund.

To enroll in an Instructor Course, please select "Enroll Now" under the desired offering. Interested in hosting an Instructor Course? Please fill out the online " Host a Course Form ."

Want to know when when an instructor course becomes available in your area? Add your name to Contact List !

Questions? Contact us at 401.342.7900 or [email protected]

Copyright ©2018-2024 US Powerboating. All rights reserved. Website designed & developed by Design Principles, Inc.

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.

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