Learn how to Dock, Launch, turn, or pilot your boat at any one of our friendly workshops!
We offer a variety of options and/or seminars to teach new or seasoned boaters how to properly dock, launch, turn, pivot, pilot, anchor, retrieve, and even how to use a boat ramp.
If you find a particular boating skill to be challenge or even intimidating than these clinics are designed for you.
We can hold events on one boat, or demonstrate skills on multiple boats.
Boating is supposed to be a fun, family activity. Boating can act as a vacation, or time away from the world, their are even documented health benefits! All of our OTW classes are taught to teams.
- Class I Vessels: (16 ft to 26 ft) | Student team size: 1-2
- Class II Vessels: (26 ft to 40ft) | Student team size: 2-3
- Class III Vessels: (40 ft to 65ft) | Student team size: 3-4
- Vessels over 50ft may require a second instructor depending on vessel layout
To begin your learning adventure it is advised to Begin with the OTW 001 series, and progress up.
Boat Control On-Water Training Course (OTW 001)
Additional Information
Course Modules
Whether you are new to powerboating or would like to increase your confidence in docking and maneuvering in close quarters, this course is for you. Boat Control On-Water Training Course Modules are designed to teach boat handling skills to recreational boaters or personnel hired to operate a vessel used in marine patrol. Taught by a NSBC Certified Instructor, the course will progress from safety gear and the pre-launch checklist to docking and refueling in close quarters; each maneuver is repeated advancing from idle speed to displacement mode, then planing mode.
A Certificate of Completion can be awarded for each module
Course Modules
Module 001: Introduction to Powerboating
- Powerboat Controls Familiarization
- Steering a Course
- Stopping a Boat
- Ferrying,
- etc
Module 002: Precision Docking and Boat Handling
- 180* turns (pivot turn)
- Docking Side-to
- Departing a pier
- etc
Module 003: Open Water Boat Handling
- Boat Trim
- Operating in Displacement(plow) Mode
- Stopping a Boat
- Ferrying,
- etc
Module 004: Open Water Advanced Maneuvers
- Operating in planing Mode
- Steering a course
- crossing wakes
- Stopping
- Man Overboard
- Ferrying,
- etc
Materials
Varies by location
Course Schedule
Each of the four course modules is approximately 3 hours long, but time length may vary depending on the age and boating experience of the student.
Vessel
NSBC courses require that the vessel is less then 26ft. A center console boat under 26’ is the preferred vessel.
Private non NSBC courses can be taught on vessels up to 60ft.
Notes
*This course can only be taught by a NSBC Certified Instructor. .
*This is NOT a certification program.
*State issued Boating Safety Cert or proof that you previously completed a NASBLA course is Required
*State issued Automotive drivers license Required
*No Experience required
*Min Age - 16yrs for Operator
On-The-Water 100 series (Intermediate skills)
OTW 101 - 4hr
Topics Covered:
- Starting procedures
- Close Quarters Maneuvers
- Docking side to (Port and Starboard)
- Docking in a slip (1 direction)
Max Wind Speed - 10mph/8kts
OTW 102 - 4hr
Topics Covered:
- Close Quarters Maneuvers
- Docking in a slip (2 directions)
- Anchoring
- Steering a range (DE river)
Max Wind Speed - 10mph/8kts
OTW 103 - 4hr
Topics Covered:
- Close Quarters Maneuvers
- Proceeding to a destination
- Spring Line Maneuvers
- Man Over Board drill
Max Wind Speed - 15mph/13kts
OTW 104 - 4hr
Topics Covered:
- Advanced Close Quarters Maneuvers
- Operating offshore.
Max Wind Speed - 10mph/8kts
Wave Height Max - 1-2ft
OTW 200 Series - night
OTW 200 Series is performed at night, and repeats the 101 courses, but at night.
Max Wind Speed - 10mph/8kts
Wave Height Max - 1-2ft
On-The-Water 200 series (Advanced skills)
BR 201 - 2hr - Boat Ramp Basics
BR 201 - 2hr - Boat Ramp Basics
BR 201 - 2hr - Boat Ramp Basics
This course is designed to provide a student with the minimum skills needed to safely load / unload their boat at the ramp.
Can be taught at a parking lot or slow ramp
State issued Boating Safety Cert Required
State issued Automotive drivers license Required
No Experience required
Min Age - 16yrs for Operator
OTW - 202 - Night
BR 201 - 2hr - Boat Ramp Basics
BR 201 - 2hr - Boat Ramp Basics
This course is designed to provide a brief introduction to operating a vessel at night.
Usually taught in the marina, and on open water.
State issued Boating Safety Cert Required
State issued Automotive drivers license Required
No Experience required
Min Age - 16yrs for Operator