us sailing safe powerboat handling course

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• Safe Powerboat Handing Course
• Private Powerboat Lessons and Certifications

16 Hours of On-The-Water Instruction

Achieving greater skill and confidence through private learning.

This course is a 16 hour hands-on, on-the-water course and is your jumping off course either as a beginner or a returning boater needing to refresh skills.  In this course you will learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and gain or improve your boat handling skills.

The US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved this course for the California Boater’s Card. The state of California recognizes this course as meeting their requirements for the California Boater’s Card.

The Safe Powerboat Handling course covers all the required education topics for you to operate safely and confidently on a small motorboat to 25′.  There are no prerequisites to taking this course.

• Private Class for up to 2 students
• Instructor, fuel, boat, materials, and insurance included
• $3,400 for one person. Add a second person for $1,500

On-the-Water Sessions

• Engine & electrical systems
• Starting procedures
• Leaving & returning to a slip
• Close-quarters maneuvers
• Steering a range
• Proceeding to a destination
• Person in Water rescue

Classroom Sessions

• Safety, preparation & weather
• Maneuvering concepts
• Registration & capacities
• Equipment requirements
• Preparation & fueling procedures
• Navigation rules of the road
• Aids to navigation
• Environment regulations

Prerequisites

• None, no experience necessary!

Suggested Age

• 10–adult (may be affected by state minimum age)

Certification(s) Earned

• US Sailing/US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certificate (NASBLA Approved)
• You’re ready to take the California Boaters Card Test

Get two free online sailing courses

• 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

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 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.

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.

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.

Home  Education  Instructor  Small Boat Instructor Programs  Level 2 Instructor

Small Boat Instructor Programs

Level 2 instructor, course description.

The Small Boat Level 2 Instructor Course focuses on developing knowledge and skill in teaching sail theory, sail controls, introductory management skills, spinnaker and trapeze use (and instruction) and powerboat operation for emergency situations.

Safety awareness is a major component of this course, with instruction on how to address capsize recovery, or prevent entrapment while operating a powerboat. It is a certification level course that combines classroom and on the water education using the Small boat Sailing Level 2 Instructor Manual, Learn Sailing Right! Intermediate and Safety, Rescue & Support Boat Handling. 

COURSE FORMAT & LENGTH

This is a 2-day, 16-hour course. Attendance at all course sessions is mandatory. Absence from any portion of the course excludes the instructor candidate from certification.

COURSE PREREQUISITES

• Meeting the minimum age . All candidates must have reached their 16th birthday within the calendar year that the course is being held in. Candidates under 18 years of age who complete the course will be designated as a Sailing Assistant until their 18th birthday.
• Current Small Boat Level 1 Small Boat Instructor Certification . Please note that candidates must wait six (6) months after completing their Level 1 Instructor course before attending a Level 2 Instructor course (i.e. candidates cannot take Level 1 and Level 2 back to back in the same season).
• Current US Sailing Individual, College or Family Membership. Youth membership is not applicable, and only one instructor is allowed per family membership.
• Experience sailing on dinghies and/or day sailing keelboats
• Experience operating a powerboat. This skill will be evaluated, but not taught, at the course. Instructor Candidates who feel that they are lacking adequate experience should either seek opportunities for practice or attend a US Sailing Safe Powerboat Handling Course . Examples of the maneuvers that will be tested can be found on US Sailing's Instructor Resources webpage .
• Ability to swim 50 yards with a life jacket.
• Ability to exhibit appropriate personal and interpersonal skills.
• Completion of CDC Concussion Training program. Candidates must submit certificate of completion at the course.

CERTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

The following are required for successful completion of this courses:

• Attendance at all portions of the course.
• Successfully passing all written tests and skill evaluations.
• A positive evaluation by the Instructor Trainer. Demonstrate professional conduct, an open-minded, positive and enthusiastic attitude, appropriate appearance (clothing, footwear and tidiness), participation in discussions, collaboration skills/team player, confidence and ease of manner.

Small Boat Level 2 Instructor Certification is not valid unless accompanied by:

• 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 Level 1 course, however a certification will NOT be valid unless accompanied by current First Aid and CPR.

This requirement is also being put in place for other National Governing Bodies.  Instructor certification is not active unless SafeSport training has been completed.

• Enter your US Sailing member number. 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.
• Safesport course is included with US Sailing membership. TAKE THE SAFESPORT TRAINING

WHAT YOU CAN TEACH WITH THIS CERTIFICATION

Certified Small Boat Level 2 Instructors may sign off on skills in the Little Red Book and Intermediate Level skills in the Skill Up App.

COURSE MATERIALS -

• Smallboat Level 2 Instructor Manual
• Safety Rescue and Support Boat Handling

** Materials are delivered digitally - Access is available here: https://www.ussailing.org/education/coursebooks/

COURSE FEES

The course registration fee is: $355. Registration is on a first pay basis. US Sailing will not reserve spots without full payment.

CANCELLATION & TRANSFER POLICIES

Course fees are nonrefundable but are transferable to another course up to one (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:  MyUSSailing
• 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.

Please select "Enroll Now" to see a full list of prerequisites and to register. Registration closes one week prior to the course start date.

Reminder : In order to register for this course, you must hold a current Small Boat Level 1 certification.

If your organization is interested in hosting an Level 2 Instructor Course, please fill out the online " Host a Course Form ."

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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Home  Course Types  Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

Course Types

Safety & rescue boat handling, course description, this 8-hour 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..

US Sailing Membership is not required to participate in a Safety and Rescue Boat Handling Course.

On-the-Water Sessions

• VHF radio communications
• Boat rescues, incl. capsizes
• Person in Water rescue
• Towing: astern & alongside
• Williamson turn
• Steering a range in/outbound
• Intercepting & maintaining position with moving vessel
• Use of bearings & GPS
• Search pattern

Classroom Sessions

• Weather & water briefings
• VHF radio procedures
• Safety & rescue equipment & procedures
• Towing concepts
• Search patterns concepts
• Plotting a position
• Calculating tides & currents

Prerequisites

• US Sailing/US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Certificate

Suggested Age

Certification(s) earned.

• US Sailing/US Powerboating Safety and Rescue Boat Handling Certificate

Find a Course Near You

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