Hands-On Training (HOT) is a major educational benefit offered to members and non-members. Conducted primarily on-the-water, this training allows students to observe and practice essential boat handling and safety skills under the guidance of instructor-coaches. Each student has the opportunity to perform key boating maneuvers with supervision and coaching, though they are not required to attempt all skills. Additionally, an instructor-coach may determine that a student is not yet ready to safely perform a specific maneuver.
The HOT curriculum covers fundamental boating operations, including:
- Pre-departure preparation: Ensuring proper use of life jackets and evaluating environmental conditions like wind, and currents.
- Departure and maneuvering: Executing safe departures, maintaining control in close quarters, and performing pivot turns and backing maneuvers.
- Open-water operation: Managing boat trim, steering, controlling speed, and safely crossing waves or wakes.
- Docking and securing the boat: Approaching a destination, bringing the boat to a controlled stop, using spring lines, and properly securing lines to accommodate wind, current, and tide.
- Safety procedures: Maintaining a lookout, collision avoidance, and responding to emergencies such as a man-overboard recovery.
HOT training is designed to introduce and reinforce these skills, recognizing that proficiency develops with additional practice and experience.
This seminar is offered in person in select locations. To see all available locations, follow the below link, select "Ignore Distance" and under the "Select type of Seminar" dropdown select "Hands-on Training". Enter your zip code or city and click the "Locate" button.