Learn the fundamentals of safe boat handling plus basic piloting. It’s designed for boaters of all types – Sail, Power, and PWC. The Americas Boating Course is fully approved by the United States Coast Guard and by NASBLA (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators). Successful completion of this course meets North Carolina requirements for certification to operate a power boat for anyone under the age of 26 years old and may provide a discount on boat insurance.

The cost of the course is $55. This includes lunch and a 260-page textbook that will be a good reference in the future. Couples sharing a book will pay $30 for the second person.

Get the most out of your Android or iOS device.  A basic overview of two of the more popular navigation apps, Navionics and Aqua Maps. We will go over how to configure your display, build and share routes, save tracks, display weather forecasts and more. Bring your tablet or smartphone and be prepared to follow along.

Boating requires the ability to navigate on coastal and inland waters.  It traditionally relies upon landmarks and navigational aids.  Today, we use modern electronics, but it is still vital to know how to use charts and traditional navigation techniques. 

This 4 hour seminar will provide you with:

• Basic concepts of coastal and inland navigation
• Basic piloting skills to get the most from your GPS
• An overview of using GPS
• Chart basics
• How to measure latitude and longitude of a point on a chart
• How to plot, measure, and label course lines on a chart.

Discover what causes the tides to rise and fall and what causes the currents to flow. Learn where to find sources of information about tides and tidal currents, simple ways to predict the height of tide and speed of current flow, and how to use both print and electronic tide tables. Learn about how tides and currents affect your boat’s performance from experienced coastal boaters.

Each student receives a full-color Student Guide for this two-hour seminar.

What’s included?

• Causes and effects of tides and currents
• Predict the time of highest tide before it begins to fall
• Predict the vertical movement of the water
• Safely navigate the low tide
• Determine the speed of the current and when it reached maximum flood
• Deal with mean high and low water
• Use NOAA charts and tables
• Factor in tides and currents when anchoring

Are you a passenger or crew member who would like to better understand the operation of a boat?Are you prepared to takeover if your captain becomes incapacitated ?

Learn the essential skills needed to assist the skipper in safely operating a recreational boat and responding to emergency situations.

This seminar introduces boating activities including an understanding of anchoring, docking, navigation and much more. You’ll discover how to prepare for bad weather, provide first aid, handle on-board emergencies, and be a self-assured first mate onboard.

What’s included?

• Communications, including VHF marine radio
• Calling for help
• Signaling equipment
• First aid
• Starting and running the engine
• Tool kits

Whatever your boating plans, knowing how to read and use nautical charts is essential to safe boating. Charts include essential information such as bottom contours, hazards, and aids to navigation, to help you travel safely.

Whats included?

• What charts show above and below the water
• Chart features
• Chart scales
• Aids to Navigation
• Latitude and Longitude
• Planning your course

Boat Handling is intended for boaters who have completed a basic boating course (like Americas Boating Course) and want to learn more about skilled boat handling in a variety of situations. It is offered as a complete course covering 6 topics or as free-standing seminars.

The topics include:

• Boating with Confidence-Handling Your Boat Underway
• Rules of the Road, a Practical Approach
• Docking and Low Speed Maneuvering
• Emergencies at Sea
• Anchoring with Assurance
• Knots & Lines
• Optional Test