Currently Scheduled Seminars
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
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/D/Lt/C Tom Smith, SN
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
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
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
Learn how to adequately prepare for common emergencies and deal with them when they occur.
Gain practical knowledge about accident prevention, running aground, onboard fires, getting lost, towing, and medical emergencies.
A must-have for skippers, this seminar provides valuable skills for anyone venturing on the water.
This seminar is also available as a component of the Boat Handling course.
P/R/C Don Fiander, 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.
1st/Lt Robert Blau, 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/R/C Don Fiander, SN
Don't get lost in the fog.
Whether you want to navigate safely or decide what equipment to purchase, this seminar provides clear advice.
Learn how RADAR works, how to use it effectively, and its limitations as a piloting aid. You'll receive a copy of the Student Notes that has copies of the slides used in the seminar.
The RADAR Book by Kevin Monahan is optionally available.
P/C Tom Geggie, SN
