Power Boating Courses
Safe Boating: Hands-On Training Course
Our Safe Boating Course is offered at no cost to the community, made possible by the generosity of donors who believe in creating safer waters for everyone. We’re committed to keeping safe boating education accessible and free of charge. If you’d like to help us continue providing these vital classes, consider making a donation here.
Learn to Boat Safely: On Your Boat or Ours!
Led by USCG Licensed Captains and National Safe Boating Council–certified instructors, this course is designed for both new and experienced boaters who want to sharpen their skills and gain confidence on the water. You’ll learn everything from safety gear and pre-launch checklists to docking, maneuvering in close quarters, and handling your boat at varying speeds.
Whether you choose to train on your boat or ours, you’ll practice real-world techniques in a supportive environment. Best of all, you’ll leave with the skills to navigate safely and confidently—without spending a dime.
Complete 4-Module Boating Safety Course
Module 1: Introduction to Powerboating
Module 2: Precision Docking and Boat Handling
Module 3: Open Water Boat Handling
Module 4: Open Water Advanced Maneuvers
Class Duration
3-4 Hour Course
What to Know Before You Enroll
Our courses involve hands-on learning where students take the helm on public waterways. Per Florida State Law and NSBC policy, anyone operating a boat that was born after 1/1/1988 is required to attain a boating safety card prior to enrolling in our course or operating a power-driven vessel.
We recommend this FREE online course available through Boats US Foundation that satisfies this state requirement and prepares you for your day on the water with us! Students will be required to present their certificate of completion prior to attending on-the-water training courses.
What You’ll Learn & Practice On The Water
Introduction to Powerboating
Dive into the world of powerboating with our "Introduction to Powerboating" course! In just three hours, you'll gain the skills and confidence to navigate the waters like a pro. Designed for beginner boaters, this introductory class offers a taste of operating a power-driven vessel while instilling the principles of responsible boating. Get your sea legs and start your journey towards becoming a proficient boater today!
Boating Basics:
Pre-Departure Checklist & Safety Essentials
Centering the Wheel
Shifting Gears & Throttle Control
General Steering & “Boater’s Eye”
Standard Stop - Maintaining Bow Control
Urgency Stop
Understanding Weathervane Effect
Ferrying Using the Wind: Stern-to-Wind & Bow-to-Wind
Ferrying Using the Current: Bow-to-Current
Holding Station (Using Wind & Current)
Precision Docking & Boat Handling
Master the art of docking and boat handling with this 3-hour boating safety module! Learn expert techniques for maneuvering your vessel with finesse, from close-quarter docking to precision handling in various conditions.
Our experienced instructors will guide you through hands-on exercises and provide valuable insights to help you become a confident boater.
Precision Docking
180-degree Turn Around or Pivot Turns
Turn Arounds in Narrow Fairway
Docking Alongside a Pier
Departing a Pier
Maintaining a Proper Lookout
Open Water Maneuvering
Our advanced powerboat safety modules, take your boating skills to the next level! In module 3 learn to assess and adjust boat trim, shift and throttle control and steering through displacement mode. Module 4 teaches you safe overboard retrieval, recognizing “plowing mode” and how to safely transition between displacement and planing mode. open water modules equip you with the expertise needed for confident and safe navigation in any situation.
Open Water Maneuvers
Recognizing Plowing Mode
Transitioning to /from Planing Mode
Proper Boat & Engine Trim in Planing Mode
Precise Steering, Turning, Crossing Waves & Stopping in Planing Mode
Avoidance Turns and Person Overboard Retrieval.
Fill out the contact form to learn more about our boating safety courses and schedule your course today!
Skipper Club
Powerboat training for teens ages 14-19
Discover boating safety courses for the next generation! Designed by the National Safe Boating Council, Skipper Club™ is uniquely tailored for teens eager to excel in on-water powerboating skills. Developed in collaboration with the U.S. Coast Guard, this youth boating course focuses on imparting essential safe boating knowledge to responsible young boaters.
Email Us to Learn More!