Currently Scheduled Seminars
Virtual
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
Virtual
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.
Cdr Robert Blau, SN
Virtual
Don't drift! Understand the issues and problems involving anchoring, such as anchor types and sizes. Learn proper anchoring techniques for your area. By understanding anchoring conditions and situations, you'll protect your boat and get a good night's sleep on the water.
This seminar is also available as a component of the Boat Handling course.
P/C Tom Geggie, SN
Virtual
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
Virtual
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
Virtual
This seminar gives you the tools you need to use propane fuel safely on the water. Propane and butane, also known as LPG, are the most common cooking fuels used on boats. While efficient, cost effective and widely available, these fuels can also be dangerous. This seminar explains boat propane systems, propane safety, and how to keep your boat and crew safe.
- The proper way to turn propane appliances on and off safely
- How to check for propane leaks
- The basics of inspecting and maintaining your propane system
- Parts of a safe marine propane system
- How to use and store small propane fuel cylinders
- Important properties of propane and butane fuel
P/R/C Don Fiander, SN
Virtual
This seminar is also available as a component of the Boat Handling course.
Lt/C Paul Loock, JN
Virtual
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.
Virtual
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
Virtual
Are you getting the most out of your sailboat? Learn how to set up your boat's rigging and how to use and adjust your sails for optimum performance under a wide range of conditions. You'll sail like a pro using the tips from this seminar. The seminar includes a copy of seminar Student Notes. The waterproof Captain's QuickGuide Sail Trim and Rig Tuning by Bill Gladstone and North Sails is optionally available.
- Sail terminology
- Rigging terminology
- Mainsails
- Headsails
- Trimming tools
- Wind flow on sails
- Sail twist and tensioning
Virtual
Don't leave the dock without knowing the rules of the road. This seminar simplifies the sometimes complex U.S. Inland Rules and International Rules, or COLREGS, for the recreational boater. Through examples, you'll discover how to avoid collisions in various situations, the differences between power and sailboat rules, and the special rules for fishing vessel.
The downloadable US Coast Guard's Navigation Rules and Regulations Handbook is the supporting text. This seminar is also a starting point for study preparation for the USCG License examination.
This seminar is also available as a component of the Boat Handling course.
