Boat Handling Under Power

Learn how to depart, dock, and handle different types of boats while looking like a pro.  Learn the different types of propulsion, steering, and trimming so you can develop proficiency in handling your vessel in rough seas and maneuvering in close quarters. The seminar materials include a Student Guide with slide images and complete notes.  A copy of the waterproof Captain's QuickGuide Boat Handling under Power is optionally available. 

What's included?

• How to operate powerboats and sailboats under power
• Close quarters maneuvering
• Handling
• Propulsion
• Types of steering
• Jet drives
• Turning
• Steering in reverse
• Single and twin screw
• Docking

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How to Use GPS

Know where you are and where you are going using GPS. Learn how to use GPS, select and use GPS devices, and apply GPS to your navigational needs.

Use Your GPS LIke An Expert

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Boaters need the most reliable location and position information available, which makes getting the most out of your Global Positioning System pretty important. Learn how to use waypoints, build and execute routes, and monitor progress. Learn to interpret location information and tracking data, and get an overview of how GPS integrates with your boat’s electronic systems. Explore what features you need and how to arrange your display. Also get tips on connecting your GPS to your VHF marine radio, which opens up a new world of digital hailing and distress signaling.

Using Nautical Charts

Learn the basics of reading and using a nautical chart for safe boating whether you’re cruising, going fishing, or just out for the day.  Charts include must-have information, including bottom contours, hazards, and aids to navigation, to help you travel safely.

What's included?

• What charts show navigators above the water
• Chart features
• Chart scales
• What charts show navigators below the water
• Aids to navigation
• Latitude and longitude
• Planning your course
• What's in your way

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This seminar is also available online.

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Weather for Boaters

Don't let bad weather ruin your day! Learn to forecast and predict the weather.

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Learn to recognize the early signs of changing weather; how to anticipate storms, squalls, fog, and wind shifts; and become familiar with basic weather elements and how they affect your boating experience.

What's included?

• What causes weather
• How weather systems move
• Why winds blow
• What clouds tell us
• How storms and fronts create foul weather
• Why fog forms
• Where to get the best professional forecasts
• How to refine them using your own observations

Mariner's Compass

Even in the electronics age, a compass is essential for safe boating.  Learn how to select and install a compass on your boat, which features are most important and what will work best for you, how to deal with variation between true and magnetic north, and how to adjust your compass to remove most of the deviation caused by local magnetic influences. This is an essential seminar for all boaters. You'll also receive Student Notes with copies of slides. A copy of the USPS Guide Mariner’s Compass is optionally available.

What's included?

• Compass types
• Compass selection
• Compass errors
• Earth's magnetic forces
• Magnetic variation
• Deviation
• Installation on your boat

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Radar For Boaters

 RADAR is an essential tool for navigation and collision avoidance. The course covers the different types of radar equipment, their capabilities and limitations, as well as their features and how they apply to boaters’ needs. 

Students attending this course should have completed Marine Navigation and have boating experience. Radar for Boaters is a required course for BOC-Offshore Navigation certification.

Contact your local club for more details.

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