Currently Scheduled Seminars
Boat handling away from the dock or marina is often called "at sea". This seminar has been designed to acquaint you with general boat-handling situations and teach you skills to handle your boat at sea. You'll gain confidence about basic operations, and you'll have a better understanding about issues you can control, issues that the environment will present, and how to use and tie the two knots most often used when at sea: the sheet bend and the bowline.
This seminar is also available as a component of the Boat Handling course.
P/R/C Don Fiander, SN
Do you want to learn practical techniques to plan, navigate, and check your progress on the water? It's not that hard, and modern marine electronics like GPS and Chartplotters make it even easier.
This seminar will introduce you to using nautical charts to determine safe routes, creating waypoints in your Chartplotter and other GPS devices, and basic electronic navigation and planning using the free downloadable OpenCPN software. This seminar is a great foundation for advanced courses that teach piloting and celestial navigation skills.
The student kit includes the Introduction to Navigation booklet with integrated discussion to the instructor PowerPoint classroom presentation, including directions to download navigation charts and the OpenCPN software application.
- Nautical charts
- Waypoint navigation using a chartplotter
- Navigation planning using OpenCPN software
- Navigation while underway
- What to do when things go wrong
P/R/C Don Fiander, SN
All thumbs when it comes to securing your boat and gear? In this hands-on program, you'll learn to tie the most useful knots.
This seminar is also available as a component of the Boat Handling course.
P/C Tom Geggie, SN
If you live in the border states, you can cross international borders and visit our neighbors to the north or south. But what do you need to know? This seminar explains the immigration and customs process and the programs that enable boaters to easily cross into Canada, Mexico or the Bahamas. Be prepared by having the correct documents; we can help you get there. Each student receives a full color Student Guide especially written for the seminar.
P/R/C Don Fiander, SN
Are you a crew member or passenger who has no idea what's going on during a boat trip? Learn the essential skills you will need to help the skipper safely operate a recreational boat, including how to respond in an emergency. You'll become an asset on board with Partner in Command.
The Partner in Command seminar includes an introduction to boating, understanding anchoring, docking, and navigation, preparing for bad weather, first aid and on-board emergencies, and more.
- Full color Student Guide
P/C Betty Torres, JN
Welcome to the world of paddlesports!
You have joined (or soon will) the fastest growing part of boating.
According to the National Marine Manufacturers Association, kayaks and canoes accounted for some 54% of new boats sold in 2006 – over 493,000 crafts.
Kayaking, canoeing or rowing are enjoyable opportunities to get close to nature, have a great time, and get some quality exercise in the process. This seminar is intended for those about to join the sport and those considering purchasing paddling equipment.
Cdr Julian Fiander, SN
Get familiar with your boat's VHF marine radio in just two hours. Experienced instructors teach you how to use VHF radio like a pro, including the new digital selective calling (DSC) rescue feature.
You'll also get tips on purchasing and installing VHF to get the most out of your investment. A handy waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain's QuickGuide Using VHF is optionally available with essential information that you should have aboard. This QuickGuide explains to anyone on your crew how to use the radio, a real benefit if you’re unable to help in an emergency.
P/R/C Don Fiander, SN
Can you read a river?
How does a river lock differ from a canal lock?
The United States has over 30,000 miles of improved waterways—some of the finest boating to be found anywhere. Rivers, locks and lakes introduce challenges not found on other bodies of water.
Discover these challenges, and learn the boating skills you need to safely boat inland waters with confidence. Each student receives a full color Student Guide especially written for the seminar.
Lt/C Paul Loock, JN
AIS Electronics for Boaters, our newest seminar, can help you decide if AIS is right for you. Automatic Identification System electronics aren’t just for commercial vessels. Using AIS can help you navigate crowded waterways easily and safely.
With AIS marine electronics onboard, you can identify potential dangers and quickly make decisions on the water. Many systems share your boat’s information with other boats so they can also make better, safer boating decisions.
P/R/C Don Fiander, SN
Are the winds too strong? What is a small craft advisory? The safety and comfort of those who venture out on the water have always been weather dependent.
This seminar, a must for boaters who have never taken a weather course, will help you answer these questions and gain an understanding of the forces acting on your boat. Understand the forecast and know what to expect, whether you're in a kayak, trawler, sailboat, or schooner.
This seminar presents a complex subject in a way that is both understandable and useful.
Each seminar participant receives a Student Guide with slide images and complete notes written especially for the seminar. An optional waterproof McGraw Hill Captain’s QuickGuide – Onboard Weather Forecasting – designed for onboard and field use is also available.
Lt/C Robert Blau, SN
Sure, GPS can get you where you need to go, but did you know you can use it to steer your boat accurately?
Enhance your boating experience by getting the most out of today's feature-packed GPS devices.
Learn how to store and use waypoints, build and execute routes, and monitor steering. You can also get tips on connecting your GPS to your VHF marine radio, which opens up a new world of digital hailing and distress signaling.
A waterproof McGraw-Hill Captain’s QuickGuide Using GPS to take aboard to remind you of the steps, or to show another of your crew how to use your GPS, is optionally available.
P/R/C Don Fiander, SN
