powerboat courses near me

• Safe Powerboat Training
• Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

Get out of the classroom and behind the wheel!

US Powerboat Training offers the nation’s best and most comprehensive hands-on powerboat courses. Whether you’re looking for your first experience at the helm or aiming to improve your skills, we can help. As the National leader in on-the-water powerboat training and education, our goal is to empower students with the skills and confidence they need to get more out of their boating experience and become more comfortable behind the helm.

Whether you are looking to operate a powerboat under or over 26 feet, we have a course to cover it.

The best on-the-water powerboat instruction available, our courses.

Whether you are a lifelong boater looking to brush up on your skills or have never been on the water before, we have opportunities available for you! We offer a range of boating courses for individuals of all skill levels. Our hands-on, on-the-water courses get you out of the classroom and behind the wheel for an educational experience unlike any other!

Search & Rescue Training

Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

Happy Boaters

“We had the best boating experience!!! Kevin was so helpful and great to work with!! He went above and beyond expectations. He took us to the sandbar to search for sand dollars!! We also saw two dolphins in the intercostal. One of the best days ever!!”

COLLEEN STEPENSON RETTINGER

“I couldn’t have been more lucky to be out on the water learning and experiencing sailing, power boating, rules of the water, and knots with such a great instructor. Kevin is very knowledgable and calm on the water. If you haven’t been on the water this would be the best way to start. Kevin has great people to help him out when needed. I never felt unsafe or uncomfortable. These courses gave me the confidence and skills to take my boat out.”

“If you’re looking for the best instruction on how to sail or operate a power boat, Kevin is your guy. Through his relaxed and calm demeanor and detailed instruction, I gained the confidence I needed to dock a boat and change tack to dodge the ferries. He will practice with you until it becomes second nature.”

Meet The Team

Capt. Kevin Hennessey

Kevin has been boating for 25 years. His love and passion for teaching and boating awarded him Instructor of the year from American Sailing Association for 2015.

Capt. Al Noble

Al has over 25 years on the water and tens of thousands of cruising hours under his belt. He maintains his 100 Ton Captians license and when he isn’t sailing can be found kayaking or fishing for trout in western North Carolina with his wife. Al has a passion for the sea that is unrivaled and experience that surpasses most.

OUR MISSION

Our mission aligns closely with the strategic objectives of the U.S. Coast Guard’s Boating Safety Division. We aim to support them in their mission to make America’s water ways safer for all and to minimize property damage, personal injury and loss of life by creating a new generation of educated and experienced recreational boaters.

[email protected]

606 W West St, Southport, NC 28461

• 949.645.9412
• [email protected]
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Cruising Powerboat Certifications

US Powerboating Basic Powerboat & Cruising Certification

Us powerboating inshore power cruising certification and night operation endorsement.

With coaching from a powerboat expert you will move through the skills required for certification and build confidence operating a 29-40′ twinscrew powerboat in light to moderate conditions.

The course includes both hands-on instruction and theory to expand your seamanship knowledge and practical boat handling skills. Course topics include boat systems, engine and helm controls, docking and close quarter maneuvering, boat control in open water, anchoring, emergency procedures, VHF radio operation, charts and aids to navigation. This course is approved by NASBLA and US Powerboating. Students who successfully pass the written test and successfully complete the knowledge and skill requirements (see Certification Standards book) will receive a US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Operation and Cruising Certification and be eligible to apply for the California Boater Card. Course materials along with pre-course homework will be mailed to students ahead of time to allow you ample time to prepare for your class.

• Introduction to Powerboats or equivalent experience.
• Students must be 16 years of age or older
• Able to swim 50 yards.
• US Powerboating Safe Powerboat Handling Part 1 recommended
• Min 2- Max 4 students.
• US Powerboating Start Powerboating Right

Check the Schedule for upcoming classes and Register online >

Private sessions for groups of two or more:    Call The School at 949-645-9412 to arrange dates.

Learn passage making, piloting and night operation”

This course is for experienced powerboaters seeking an overnight cruising and live aboard experience, and an Inshore Powerboat Cruising Certification.

The course will focus on the skills, knowledge and equipment needed to safely operate a cruising powerboat on a multiday, near coastal passage by day and night in unfamiliar waters.  Course topics include boat preparation, boat handling, close quarter maneuvers, navigation, provisioning, cruise planning and float plans, docking, anchoring, windlass use, picking up a mooring and crew overboard.

Your class begins with an introduction to vessel systems and equipment aboard prior to a short evening shake-down cruise.  Over the next two days you will gain valuable experience in planning voyages, explore various anchoring, mooring and docking techniques, and dealing with situations arising underway.  The course will revolve around destinations on either side of the San Pedro Channel such as LA/Long Beach Harbor, Dana Point, Newport Beach, Santa Catalina Island and Huntington Harbor.

A passing grade on both the written and practical test is required for certification.  Tests will be administered underway.  Course materials and pre-course homework will be available ahead of time to allow you ample time to prepare for your class.

Your course fee includes fuel, most study materials and certification.  A basic provisioning budget will be provided.  Navigation tools and charts, transportation, hotel and meals ashore are not included.

• Ability to swim 50 yards
• US Powerboating Basic Powerboat Cruising Certification
• Three or more days underway on a 30’ or longer powerboat.
• Coastal Navigation 1  strongly recommended for all students
• Min 2- Max 4 students

• Blue Lane Rentals

Safe Powerboat Handling

Drivers Education for Boaters TM

US Coast Guard Approved

This 16-hour hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a powerboat or improve their on-the-water boat handling skills. No experience necessary. The topics are covered using a variety of techniques in the classroom and dockside, emphasizing on-the-water practical application of all skills. Topics covered include:

Instructor: US POWERBOATING Certified Instructor

Age: 12-adult

Group Size: 4 – 8

Time: 9:00 am – 6:00 pm

Certifications Earned:  Safe Powerboat Handling certificate

Fee: $400/per person ($450/per person if less than two weeks before course), includes all books, safety equipment and on-the-water instruction.

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DEVELOPING LIFE SKILLS THROUGH AN AFFINITY FOR THE SEA

Powerboat training, powerboat training to meet your needs.

If you want to improve powerboating, we are here to help. SeaAffinity provides hands-on powerboat training to meet your needs.  First, if it is certification you need, we provide US Powerboating hands-on certification.  or, if there are certain skills you want to improve, we provide private powerboat training on our boat or yours. 

US Powerboating: Safe Powerboat Handling

We offer the course as a blend of self-study and guided hands-on training.  Because you asked, we have also split the hands-on portion into two sessions.  This allows more processing time and has shown excellent results in our students. Digital textbook and online resources included.

We offer this course on our 20′ center console RIB. Cost: $650 (multiple family member discount available)

Private Powerboat Training

We offer this training on our 20′ center console RIB or on you own boat.

 Cost: $350 for a two-hour lesson (plus travel time to your boat)

Contact us to schedule a course or a lesson

   410-812-3757  

  [email protected] 

Charters and lessons

Are you interested in more sailing and boating opportunities check out a few of our popular charters and lessons below., come sail with us, introduction to sailing, wine and cheese sunset sail, private lessons, sailing under the stars, powerboat training.

Safe Powerboat Handling Course

This 16-hour hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boat-handling skills on actual boats. Completing a power boating course makes good sense. You want to enjoy your day on the water feeling confident that you have the skills and knowledge to operate your boat safely and efficiently. Our hands-on, on-the-water courses taught by certified powerboat instructors provides the training you need. 

The US Coast Guard and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) have approved this course and an increasing number of states have recognized it as meeting their requirements for a state boating safety education certificate.

On-the-water topics covered:

-Engine and electrical systems

-Starting procedures

-Leaving and returning to a slip

-Close-quarters maneuvers

-Steering a range

-Proceeding to a destination

-Person in water rescue  

Classroom sessions:

-Safety, prep, and weather

-Maneuvering concepts

-Registration and capacities

-Equipment requirements

-Prep and fueling procedures

-Navigation rules of the road

-Aids to navigation

-Environment regulations

Tuition: $650 per person, including all course materials including Start Powerboating Right! textbook, Safe Powerboat Handling certification sticker, official logbook, sport powerboat certification standards, review questions, NASBLA supplement to Start Powerboating Right! NASBLA course completion card.

This is a four-evening course running 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Minimum required for course is 4 students, with a maximum of 6 students per session.

CLICK HERE to fill out an annual Acknowledgement of Risk Form

Powerboat Fleet

Destinations

Marina del rey’s premiere powerboat club and powerboat academy.

Los Angeles Powerboat Academy is a US Powerboat course provider for the larger “ cruising class” powerboats. We offer courses for Basic Cruising Powerboat, Night Operations, and Inshore certifications. After obtaining your Powerboat certifications, you can take command of the helm of our 40’, 50’ and 55’ luxury motor-yachts. The Basic Powerboat certification course is a 12-hour “on the water” training program, and accepted by the state of California to obtain your California Boater Card.

Cruising Powerboat

Advanced Powerboat Cruising Certification

Night Operations Endorsement

Powerboat Bootcamp

Download the Los Angeles Powerboat Academy’s course overview brochure.

For more information, or to schedule a lesson or charter a yacht, please call our office in Marina Del Rey, CA at 310-954-9777, or inquire online.

Certification Means Something

LA Powerboat Academy is one of the few companies providing powerboat certification on the West Coast. The truth is, powerboating has little regulation, so if you want to learn, there’s no shortage of “guys that have driven a boat” that fancy themselves as instructors. And some of them are probably good, too. But if you want a certified instructor that uses the National validated skill-based standards for powerboats, you want LA Powerboat Academy teaching you (especially if you want National Certification yourself). There is simply no substitute for proven experience with US Powerboating, and that means being a true National Certified Powerboat Instructor.

• Powerboat courses

Ideal for short passages and exploring your local waters, make the most of your time afloat with our powerboat courses

Powerboating offers the best of both worlds, the leisurely pace of a gentle cruise and the thrill of zipping across the open water. RYA training will give you the confidence and skills to handle the boat safely and make the most of your time on the water, whatever your pace.

As well as courses for recreational boaters, RYA powerboat certificates are also used by professional open boat skippers who need to prove their competence or require  professional qualifications  for work.

So whether you use powerboats for leisure, work, or in connection with another activity such as sailing or rescue, we have a course for you. Find out more about our powerboat courses below.

The National Powerboat scheme is comprised of a series of one and two-day practical courses that can be taken either onboard a centre’s boat, or your own. There’s something for all ages and levels of experience. 

A one-day introduction to simple boat handling and the use of safety equipment.

A two-day course to get to grips with powerboat handling.

Two days of practical pilotage, passage planning and navigating by day.

Two days of planning and navigating more challenging passages by day and night.

Two days of hands-on recovery and fleet management techniques for dinghies and windsurfers for those operating in a training or racing environment.

This two-day course builds upon Level 2 Powerboat Handling skills, focussing on short-handed operations, passenger safety and comfort. Designed in consultation with the Professional Yachting Association (PYA).

Increase your confidence and get qualified with our navigation and specialist short courses.

A basic introduction to navigation for new skippers, crew or anyone interested in getting out on the water.

Get qualified to use a handheld or fixed marine VHF radio with our course and exam.

From first aid to diesel engine, there are a number of related classroom and online courses you may find useful as you develop your knowledge.

Test your skill, knowledge and experience as a powerboat skipper by taking the RYA/MCA Advanced Powerboat exam.

With more than 100 different titles to choose from, there’s an RYA book, eBook or audiobook for every age, interest and ability. Visit our webshop for course books and a range of supporting titles.

If you want to go powerboating overseas, you’re likely to need an ICC. The Level 2 Powerboat Handling certificate can be used as evidence of your competence.

Powerboating can be great fun for the whole family and there are plenty of opportunities for young people to get involved. Check our course descriptions for minimum age recommendations.

If you need a powerboat qualification for work, you might need a commercial endorsement. Find out more about professional qualifications and what it takes to work on the water.

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