BOATING INSTRUCTION TOPICS

Dockside Topics

• Marine Weather Forecasts –What they are and how to use them
• Pre-Cruise Check – How to check all of the critical components: hull, hatches, through-hull fittings, engine condition, safety equipment, etc.
• Wind, Current, & Tides – How they affect your boat’s handling and how to handle them
• Lines – When to use Dock and Spring lines, and the proper knots to use to ensure safety
• Controls – How steering and engine controls work
• Engine – How to perform safe start-up and routine maintenance procedures
• Trailers – How to tow; use in boat launching; and maintain

Underway Topics

• Docking – Proper procedures for approaching and departing fixed and floating docks
• Mooring and Anchoring – Proper actions to complete safe mooring and anchoring activities
• High Speed Running – Proper actions for “open water” cruising
• Navigation – How to read and interpret your compass and charts, and navigational aids
• Piloting – What the rules of the road are, and light and horn signals
• Electronics – How to use the GPS, Radar, Chart-Plotter, Depth Sounder and VHF radio
• Homeland Security – What the current security rules and regulations address

• Emergency Procedures – How to address critical situations: man overboard; vessel fire; steering loss; collision; and personal injury 

   

  Any of the topics can be combined into customized "Packages," adjusted to the experience level of the skipper and crew.  Instructional time varies from a single multi-hour session to several sessions, depending solely on the goals of the boaters involved.