On-the-water Training

Learn how to manuever with ease when it comes to tight quarters situations, navigating in narrow channels, and handling the boat in slow speed operations.

Gain confidence in docking your vessel in your marina, at restaurants, or anywhere your boat may take you. We cover backing & pulling into slips, going side-to dock spaces, and leaving these spaces.

Experience how to correctly anchor your vessel using the correct rhode and scope which varies due to weather, available depth, and bottom characteristics. Know how to approach and attach to mooring balls based on current and wind direction

Weather plays a large role in vessel navigation. It can turn your best day into the worst. You can combat that by being knowledgable on reading forecasts, using radar, and planning ahead of time to avoid foul weather situations.  

Navigation equipment plays an important part on your vessel. Your equipment only works if you know how to operate it. Based on your vessel, you may have VHF Radios, Radars, Chart Plotters, Depth finders, Whistles or horns, Navigation lights, and other equipment. This class will go over its operation

Use of lines is a staple in being on the water. Learn how to correctly tie your vessel to a dock or mooring, and make a line fast on a cleat or bitts. We will go over knot tying, splicing, line maintenance, and stowage procedures. 

Gain knowledge in reading charts. Whether it is on a chart plotter or on paper. Reading depths, buoys, lights, and other navigational aids, will assist in safe operation. Learn how to navigate in channels using ranges and buoys

When it comes to safely navigating your vessel you must adhere to the Navigation Rules. We will briefly discuss on what to do when crossing, meeting, or overtaking another vessel. Additionally go over light and sound characteristics of other vessels, especially in reduced visibility.

Restricted visibility is any condition where visibility is reduced due to weather or nighttime operation. We will go over what to do in the time of reduced visibility.  Including light and sound signals required for your vessel, safe speed operation, and communication with other vessels.

Many marine casualties and loss of properties occur each year due to improper fueling operations. Proper fueling of your vessel will be inlcuded to minimize these occurrences.

Each vessel type is required to carry certain lifesaving and safety equipment. We will discuss what equipment is needed for your vessel type. This may include life-jackets, throwable flotation devices, flares, fire extinguishers, and sound / light signaling apparatuses.

Proper maintenance is crucial to keep your vessel operating smoothly. We will go over vessel cleaning, engine oil replacement, filter changes, battery maintenance, visual inspection of safety equipment at a given interval, and other maintenances that may pertain to your type of vessel.