Hands-on boat handling, safety, and navigation training from a USCG Veteran
Personalized, private training for both new and experienced boaters. On your boat or ours.
A Better Boating Experience through Professional Training
Personalized professional training is the key
Have you seen videos of boat handling gone wrong, or had a close call yourself? Have you felt the stress of being overwhelmed with the skills needed to handle, dock, or anchor your boat? Is your partner scared to help, or lacks the knowledge to assist? Quite often, adult learners are reluctant to ask questions or seek guidance.
Remember that boating is supposed to be FUN!!! Professional training can help you learn the skills necessary to be safe and enjoy your time on the water.
Boat Handling and Close-Quarters Maneuvering
For some, the most difficult aspect of their boating experience is the close-quarters maneuvering required to dock at marinas, restaurants and boat ramps. Although every situation is different and dependent on wind, current, tide and individual vessel characteristics, the basic principles remain the same. Professional training will provide the skills necessary to safely maneuver in these situations. An old salt once said, "The best boat handlers never put themselves in a situation where they need to be the best boat handler".
- Docking and undocking
- Use of mooring lines
- Managing wind and current
- Team/Partner coordination
- Heavy Weather/Seas
- Anchoring
- Beaching
Navigation - GPS - Chart Plotter - RADAR
One of the most difficult obstacles for new boaters is learning how to navigate their boat and properly interpret what their GPS chart plotter is showing them. Effective use of modern electronics makes the boating experience safe and enjoyable.
- Chart Plotter Basics
- Aids to Navigation (ATON) (Buoys, daybeacons, lighted aids)
- Latitude and Longitude
- Chart symbols
- Waypoints and Routes
- Using the magnetic compass
- Piloting
- RADAR use and interpretation
Navigation Rules of the Road
Like driving a car, there are basic rules that apply to ALL boaters on the water. Knowledge of the Navigation Rules of the Road (NAVRULES) makes boating a safer and less stressful experience.
- Navigation Lights and Day Shapes
- Sound Signals
- Meeting - Crossing - Overtaking
- Restricted Visibility
- Special Circumstances
Equipment and Legal Requirements
New and seasoned boaters should ensure that their boat is equipped with all of the gear required by law. Before getting underway, we'll check to make sure your vessel meets the minimum legal requirements and discuss proper use and stowage.
- PFD's/Lifejackets
- Fire Extinguisher(s)
- Visual Distress Signals
- Sound Producing Device
- Ventilation
- Speed Restrictions/No Wake/Minimum Wake
- Diver Down Flags
- Marine Sanitation Devices
- Navigation Lights
- Vessel Registration - Carriage and Display
Working as a Team
If you regularly boat with a partner, it's important to train together. Even the smallest outboard boat will benefit from an experienced crew working in harmony. A "team" training approach will make for a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.
- Communications
- Standard Terminology
- Line Handling
- Team Navigation and Piloting
Emergency Procedures
Much of the training conducted will involve a "what if" component where we "talk through" various emergency scenarios. Boating is often conducted in locations where emergency assistance is not immediately available. A properly prepared and trained boater will have the skills and resources necessary to keep their vessel, crew, and passengers safe until other assets arrive to assist. Again, the skills and knowlege learned through professional training creates an environment where the boating experience is safer and more enjoyable.
- Man Overboard
- Engine failure
- Flooding/Sinking
- Damage Control
- Fire and Fire Extinguishers
- Injuries
- Incapacitated operator and crew
VHF Marine Radio
Often overlooked, the modern marine VHF radio is one of the most important safety features on your boat. Modern radios not only provide a convenient way to contact marinas, towing services and other boaters, but also provide a FREE, DSC, one-touch, distress beacon, that is the fastest way to summon help in an emergency.
- Basic Marine Radio Operation
- Proper radio procedure
- Digital Selective Calling (DSC)
- Maritime Mobile Service Identity (MMSI)
- DSC Distress Calling
- AIS
- Proper Installation
- GPS Integration
Your Instructor
A United States Coast Guard Veteran
Captain Rick Damon has held a USCG license since 1985. As a US Coast Guard Veteran, he operated 41' Utility and 44' Motor Lifeboats at Coastal Search and Rescue (SAR) stations along the Gulf Coast, and New England (Cape Cod). As a civilian mariner, he has served as Mate and Master of assorted tugs, supply, research and passenger vessels up to 200' in length. He has experience operating throughout the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean. As an instructor at the respected Chapman School of Seamanship in Stuart, Florida, he taught chart navigation, Rules of the Road, deck seamanship, license preparation, and small boat handling aboard the school's fleet of training vessels. He has extensive experience in heavy weather, close quarters maneuvering and navigation required for effective search and rescue operations in challenging conditions.
Captain Damon holds a USCG license as Master of Power Driven Vessels up to 200 Gross Register Tons (GRT) upon Coastal Waters and currently works operating 65' inspected passenger vessels in Southwest Florida.
Contact Us
