powerboat training course

Get out of the classroom and behind the wheel!

US Powerboating 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.

US Powerboating is an affiliate of US Sailing, the National Governing Body for the Sport of Sailing in the United States.

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WELCOME TO THE RPBA

POWERBOATING - MAKE YOUR PASSION YOUR LIFESTYLE! The Recreational Powerboating Association is the leading authority for hands-on powerboat instruction, powerboat certification & powerboat schools in the United States. Take powerboating instruction through our network of certified powerboating schools with certified powerboat instructors . Through our powerboat courses , the RPBA will help you learn powerboating and achieve powerboating certification safely & with confidence. RPBA Certified Students can go from basic powerboat maneuvering to advanced powerboat courses, then enjoy powerboat vacations around the world. EARN POWERBOAT CERTIFICATION WITH THE RPBA The Recreational Powerboating Association is committed to helping you understand, appreciate and fully enjoy the incredible world of powerboating. Whether you need to fine-tune your existing powerboat handling skills, meet your state’s safe boating requirements or learn basic powerboat handling as someone completely new to the world of powerboating, the RPBA’s comprehensive set of powerboat training courses , network of professional powerboat training instructors and powerboat training schools provides the solution. The RPBA will do much more than simply show you the basics; our affiliated schools can teach you everything you need to be a skilled and experienced powerboater, including helping you earn your powerboat certification. If you'd like to learn more, the best way to start your journey is to explore TheRPBA.com for more information on learning to powerboat.

Polish up your docking skills!

The Recreational Powerboating Association will be conducting “Close Quarters Powerboat Handling” clinics using its newly developed training simulator at 5 indoor boat shows during January and February to promote awareness of its training programs and kick off its instructor development efforts.

Close Quarters Powerboat Handling

Close Quarters Powerboat Handling is an intensive, 12-hour powerboat handling course that is designed to provide the skills necessary to maneuver a powerboat confidently, competently and safely in tight spaces. Successful completion of the program indicates the student has demonstrated competence in handling either a twin inboard, single inboard or outboard/stern drive vessel in close quarters in light wind and or currents.

The goal of this course is to teach safe, efficient use of radar for small-craft navigation in any condition of visibility. Radar teaches safe, efficient use of small-craft radar for piloting, chart navigation, and collision avoidance, including radar principles and practical matters of radar operation as well as using a realistic PC based radar simulator to illustrate radar measurements. This course covers a broad range of topics related to radar. Specific topics to be learned include, how radar works, interpreting the screen, position navigation, radar and navigation rules.

Boater Education Card

By taking a boating safety course with the Recreational PowerBoating Association's partner, BoaterExam.com™, you help make our waterways safer and more enjoyable. Your boater education card may help you avoid fines from states where mandatory boater education laws are in effect, and may also entitle you to a reduction on your marine insurance.

Boating Safety Tips

The captain’s first and primary responsibility is for the safety of the vessel, passengers and crew. A prudent skipper always conducts a safety briefing prior to departure, because the best preparation for emergencies is a well trained crew. Crew training is the responsibility of the skipper and it is prudent to conduct drills with the crew to include: man overboard recovery, fire and abandon ship procedures.

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Powerboat Courses

Basic Cruising

Coastal Cruising

Night Operations

Destination Cruising

Vessel Maintenance

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Newport Coast Maritime Academy

The leader in powerboat training, our training guarantee upon successful completion of our certification courses you will qualify for owner/operator insurance coverage or we’ll refund your course tuition..

BASIC CRUISING COURSE

Learn to maneuver your vessel in close quarters, docking, rules of the road, aids to navigation, chart reading, anchoring, emergency procedures & VHF radio operation.

COASTAL CRUISING COURSE

Learn to plan and execute an overnight cruise, utilize radar, recover a person in the water, anchor outside a harbor, pick up a mooring and navigate into an unfamiliar harbor during daylight.

NIGHT OPERATIONS COURSE

Learn to operate your vessel at night or in limited visibility using radar, chart plotter & GPS, identify other vessels on radar, recognize light configurations and safely enter an unfamilar harbor.

DESTINATION COURSE

Learn to plan, weather route and navigate a 100NM+ cruise with you at the helm. Accompanied by a professional instructor, a 100% real-world long-distance passagemaking cruise.

NAVIGATION COURSE

Learn advanced skills to navigate your vessel using an electronic chart plotter, GPS and radar. Build confidence and skills to safely navigate in unfamiliar waters, at night or in limited visibility.

MAINTENANCE COURSE

Learn to identify, maintain, troubleshoot and repair basic vessel systems and mechanical equipment. What you learn can potentially save thousands of dollars in unnecessary repairs.

Why Choose Us

Newport coast maritime academy is an accredited us powerboating training school. our professionally trained instructors and curriculum have been approved by the ca dept of boating & waterways, american national standards institute (ansi) and the national association of state boating law administrators (nasbla)., our instructors are professionally trained, u.s. coast guard licensed captains with years of command experience and thousands of miles logged underway. our mission is to deliver training courses that empower students with the skills and techniques to become safe and proficient vessel operators..

Destination Training

Interested in learning how to plan, provision, and navigate to over-the-horizon destinations? Our Destination Cruising Course will teach how to safely plan, provision and navigate to destinations outside of your home port area. Our instructors will guide you thru all aspects of cruise planning and accompany you on your journey in an exciting real-world training environment.

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We guarantee upon successful completion of our powerboat certification courses you will qualify for insurance coverage as an owner/operator or we’ll refund your course tuition..

Frequently asked questions

Why train with Newport Coast Maritime Academy?

Newport Coast Maritime Academy is one of a select group of training institutions accredited by US Powerboating. Our professionally trained instructors and curriculum have been approved by the CA Dept of Boating & Waterways, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA).

How much experience do I need to take the Basic Cruising course?

None! Whether you are a novice boater or this is your first vessel we will tailor the training program to meet your specific needs and goals.

Can I get my California Boater's License?

Yes! Because we are a US Powerboating school, we are approved by the California Department of Boating and Waterways to administer the CA Boaters Card exam as part of the BASIC CRUISING COURSE.

Will I be able to charter a vessel as Captain if we go abroad?

Yes! The US Powerboating Basic Cruising, Coastal Cruising and Night Operations courses, when combined, are recognized by many charter companies as qualification to charter their powerboats.

Do I have to take the US Powerboating certification couse to get insurance coverage as an owner/operator?

No. For owners who desire only to qualify for insurance coverage as an owner/operator we offer a non-certification BASIC POWERBOATING COURSE.

Why choose Newport Coast Maritime Academy?

Newport Coast Maritime Academy is one of a select few schools accredited by US Powerboating; the national leader in pwoerboat training. This ensures the training you receive has been approved on a national and state level and will be specific to your boat, your boating environment and hands-on with your vessel.

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Powerboat Instructor Programs

Fill out the Looking for an Instructor Course form and we will contact you when an instructor course becomes available.

US Powerboating Instructor Courses All links redirect to US Powerboating.com. Please note that successful completion of the corresponding student level course is a prerequisite for all US Powerboating Instructor level courses.

Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor

An intensive 3-day course for advanced powerboat operators who will operate boats 26 feet and under, instructor candidates will learn the fundamentals of on-the-water instruction. Candidates must successfully demonstrate superior presentation, teaching, and powerboat operation skills in order to complete this course.

Learn more about becoming a Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor

Safety & Rescue Boat Handling Instructor

This hands-on, on-the-water course is for anyone who will be using powerboats to perform safety and rescue functions. It is designed for regatta personnel, marine patrols, police and fire rescue personnel, park rangers, and on-the-water sailing instructors and coaches

Learn more about becoming a Safety & Rescue Boat Instructor

Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor

The Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor Course prepares the Safe Powerboat Handling Instructor to teach the Student level Mark Set Boat Handling Certification Course.  The course is offered as a one-and-one course.  The actual instructor course is a one day, 10-hour course.  It is typically preceded by a one-day student level MSBH course to help potential candidates meet the prerequisite. This course is taught by US Powerboating Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor Trainers.

Learn more about becoming a Mark Set Boat Handling Instructor

Cruising Powerboat Instructor

This is a three-day evaluative course for experienced boat operators.  Most of the time will be spent on the water demonstrating and critiquing boathandling maneuvers and demonstrating and discussing teaching techniques applicable to single and twin-screw cruising powerboats.

Learn more about becoming a Cruising Powerboat Instructor

Powerboat Instructor Trainer Programs

US Powerboating Instructor Trainers represent the highest level of experience in the field of powerboat training. Acceptance into Trainer Level courses is done through a resume and application process only.

Instructor Trainer Courses frequency varies- some courses are held annually while others are only held every few years. For Cruising Powerboat Instructor Trainers, there is no course but rather a co-teach with a senior Instructor Trainer.

***Candidates must be a minimum of 24 years old and hold a current instructor certification for the level they’re seeking to be a Trainer.***

Apply to be an Instructor Trainer

U.S. Coast Guard Captain's License Training

US Sailing members receive a 10% discount on registration in Mariners Learning System’s educational resources and training opportunities. Members can access their Mariners Learning System discount, along with a host of other benefits and discounts on gear, publications, and events, by logging into My US Sailing to access your benefit.

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Andrew Clouston SVP Programs & Services Email Andrew Clouston

Stu Gilfillen Director of Education Email Stu Gilfillen 401-342-7967

Peri Burns Educational Operations Manager Email Peri Burns 401-342-7963

Bradley Schoch Senior Instructional Designer Email Bradley Schoch

Andi Barton Sr. Education Coordinator Email Andi Barton 401-342-7910

Bonnie Braddock Learning Design and Development Specialist Email Bonnie Braddock

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On-Water Training

Gaining confidence starts here.

Our On-Water Training Program is a fun, easy, and affordable way to develop and improve your boating skills. Whether you love boating and want to gain confidence at the helm, you’re considering buying or renting a boat and want to learn the basics, or you’re just curious about boating our On-Water Training Program offers courses that will meet your needs and help you reach your goals. The BoatUS Foundation is partnering with marinas, boat shows, and other organizations around the country to bring On-Water Training to a marina near you.

3 - 4 Students per boat Taught by USCG Licensed Captains 3 hours on-water training Additional FAQs

Introduction to Powerboating* Precision Docking & Boat Handling* Open-Water Boat Handling* Open-Water Advanced Maneuvering* *Curriculum of the National Safe Boating Council

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The BoatUS Foundation utilizes the National Safe Boating Council’s modular boat control curriculum. To learn more about this curriculum and the verification process, click the link below:

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The instructor helped guide us into learning the basic functions of how to work a boat. It was fun and a great experience. Would love to come back and learn more.

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Pool Training Academy

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CPO® Certification Has Never Been So Easy!

We have certified more students than any other company in the history of cpo® training.

Thank you for choosing Pool Training Academy, your best source for CPO® Certification. You can rest assured that we will provide the most high-quality, engaging, and affordable CPO® training available for maintaining and operating your swimming pools and hot tubs. 

Awarded PHTA® Top Trainer 10 Years In A Row And Counting!

Get CPO® Certified Totally Online!

Join us for one of our award-winning CPO® courses, online!

We guarantee you won't find a better or more affordable online CPO® certification program than ours!

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Join us for one of our award winning CPO courses . You won't experience a certification class like ours with any other instructional group - we guarantee it!

Student Reviews

"I have learned so much in two days my head hurts. I realize I've only broken the surface though."

Pool Service Tech - Denver, CO

"I appreciate everything and can't wait to get out in the field, this week, to implement many of the recommendations Rick had! I'm sure my properties will see a huge improvement and, in turn, will increase our customer's vacations."

Chaz - Steamboat Springs, CO

"Excellent! Great class! I learned a lot and reinforced what I did know. Easy to understand, not overwhelming."

Swimming Pool Inspector - Kansas City, KS

"We ALL enjoyed the class. A ton of actual practical information that we are going to follow up on. I always hate to do those "dumb" evaluations, but I've done our outdoor 50 meter pool for 35 years as well as our Rec Center comp pool, lazy river, and two splash pads so I have taken a few CPO classes along the way. This one was by far the best. You guys rock! Well worth it."

Mark - Online Student

"Helpful. Didn't push product. Very informative and easy to understand. Was a pleasure to be around."

Pool Maintenance Engineer - Branson, MO

Our Promise To You

Only the Pool Training Academy will guarantee you get the highest quality education in a fun and relaxed environment from professional educators who will never try to steal your clients or pitch you unnecessary products and services.

Our goal is solely your education and nothing more!

Call us (970) 388-6046 or send us a message by using the form below. We're more than happy to help!

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Daikin is devoted to overcoming the evolving challenges of air while creating better, more sustainable outcomes for customers and communities. Daikin products are built on our core set of key technologies, which we can adapt for any climate need, at any scale. In doing so, Daikin sets the standard for economic and efficient air management solutions worldwide.

Industry Solutions

Daikin Applied's commitment to innovating beyond today has resulted in proven solutions for commercial, industrial and institutional buildings. Our expertise and continuous investments in advanced technology and sustainability set Daikin Applied apart as a proven partner. Visit the Daikin Applied Solutions Plaza for a hands-on experience.

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Daikin Learning

As part of the Daikin group, Daikin Learning will drive business value by providing excellence in learning to our external and internal customers. Daikin Learning is transforming learning into modern, technology-enabled, and scalable solutions driving business value and creating excellence in HVAC training.

Training programs are offered for heating, ventilating and air conditioning professionals, owners, operators, contractors, service technicians, building and systems engineers, designers, distributors, sales reps, and internal employees. Our goal is to provide product specific training and information necessary to establish a high level of proficiency in operating and servicing Daikin products.

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Our learning platform, customer site training, training materials & resources by topic.

Training programs are offered for heating, ventilating and air conditioning professionals, owners, operators, contractors, service technicians, building and systems engineers, designers, distributors, sales reps, and internal employees. Our goal in our HVAC classes is to provide product specific training and information necessary to establish a high level of proficiency in operating and servicing Daikin products.

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Daikin Applied is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. Daikin Applied will comply with IACET continuing education standards for courses awarding Continuing Education Units (CEU's).

• Safe Powerboat Training
• Safety & Rescue Boat Handling

Cruising Powerboat

Course description.

The  Basic Powerboat Cruising course will teach you how to responsibly operate a powered cruising vessel during daylight hours within sight of land in light to moderate wind and sea conditions.

It is required that Basic Powerboat Cruising Certification courses and examinations be conducted on cruising powerboats with adequate equipment to complete all certification outcomes. The suggested minimum length is 26 feet. There is no prerequisite for this course.

Certification requirements include successfully completing the following knowledge and skill requirements with confident and safe command of the boat in light to moderate conditions. Stronger conditions are acceptable if you can safely control the boat with an awareness of limitations in these conditions. You will safely operate a cruising powerboat of at least 26 feet in length.

On-Water Skills

Preparation.

• Recognize and obtain forecasts of local weather conditions.
• Determine current and wind direction.
• Check inventory, location and operation of U.S. Coast Guard required safety equipment.
• Check the engine systems applicable to your boat: engine controls, mechanical and fluids daily checks, ventilation, and cooling.
• Check electrical system applicable to your boat: main battery switch, electrical control panel, and batteries.
• Check bilge pump system as applicable to your boat: operation of manual and electrical pumps, intake maintenance, and alarms.
• Inspect anchoring system applicable to your boat: anchors, shackles, rodes, chafing equipment and windlass.
• Operate a VHF radio including: operation of controls, channel usage, procedure words, weather channels, and a radio check.
• Conduct pre-start procedure for engine and equipment used.
• Put on a life jacket.
• Pre-check all other equipment specific to your boat not indicated above.

Tie and state use of the following knots and line handling techniques: cleat hitch, bowline, round turn with two half-hitches, and coiling.

Docking and Close-Quarters Maneuvering

• Use appropriate helmsman and crew coordination for departure suitable to the conditions: line handling, fending off and boathandling.
• Use appropriate helmsman and crew coordination for arrival suitable to the conditions: deploying fenders, boathandling, stopping and tying up.
• Maneuver in close quarters: speed and momentum control, windage and prop walk control, and command of the crew.
• Start, stop and back the boat with appropriate shifting techniques.
• Turn boat 180 degrees in close quarters.
• Control the boat at minimum control speed using intermittent power.
• Hold position at an anchored object bow into the wind and stern into the wind with minimal throttle actions.

Navigation (Piloting)

•  Identify Aids to Navigation in the harbor and local waters.
• Identify chart symbols and corresponding visual observations.

Navigation Rules, International-Inland

• Apply Navigation Rules while underway.

Boat Control in Open Water

• Transition from displacement speed to high speed safely and in control.
• Steer a compass course and a range with minimal rudder controls.
• Turn safely at high speed.

Slow and stop the boat safely after operating at high speed.

• Anchor the boat with appropriate scope.
• Retrieve an anchor.

Emergency Procedures

• Approach and recover safely a simulated person in the water.
• Simulate procedure and operation of VHF radio in emergency situations.

Securing a Boat

• Clean the boat; install any covers.
• Set electrical and bilge systems for dock operation.
• Secure locks, hatches, lockers, docklines and fenders.

Classroom Topics

• Identify weather information sources.
• Understand weather recognition and forecasting techniques for a day cruise.
• Understand types, carriage and use requirements of life jackets.
• Understand use of a float plan.
• Understand applicable federal, state and local regulations.
• Understand additional equipment appropriate for the boat and location.
• Understand trip planning that includes consideration of distance, time and fuel consumption, and identifying local hazards.
• Understand procedures for crew briefing, including how to move safely around a boat.
• Understand proper fueling techniques and inherent dangers.
• Understand the prevention, dangers and symptoms of cold water immersion and hypothermia.
• Understand the dangers, symptoms and avoidance practices associated with carbon monoxide poisoning.

Understand the effects of drinking alcohol or using drugs while boating and the boating laws pertinent to operating a boat while under the influence.

Understand the prevention, symptoms and first aid treatment of heat emergencies, hypothermia and seasickness.

• Be familiar with nomenclature for basic parts of the boat and engine.
• Briefly describe the fuel and electrical systems; understand troubleshooting for common engine problems.
• Understand the sequence for determining blocked engine cooling system circulation.
• Understand how to check battery voltage, and consumption and recharging.

Powerboat Theory

• Understand basic powerboat hull shapes and how they affect turning.
• Understand how wind and seas will affect handling.
• Understand the concept of pivot point and turning radius.
• Understand the differences and alternatives for leaving and returning in different wind and current directions.
• Understand how to heave a line.
• Understand Aids to Navigation (buoys, daymarks, regulatory marks and other marks) specific to your local waters.
• Understand the concept of constant bearing and decreasing range to avoid collisions.
• Understand basic Navigation Rules, International-Inland, for collision avoidance and appropriate sound signals.
• Understand navigation light requirements for recreational boats.
• Know divers flags and understand appropriate actions.
• Understand the appropriate methods for handling significant waves and large wake.
• Understand boathandling for adverse weather conditions and dangerous inlets.
• Understand person in the water rescues, including: Race Track, Lifesling, Williamson Turn, constant visual contact, communications, rescue plan, sequence of maneuvers, boathandling.
• Understand the dangers associated with approaching a person in the water.
• Understand approved distress signals.
• Understand appropriate methods for assisting a conscious person from the water.
• Understand the procedure for anchoring in the event of engine and/or windlass failure.
• Understand procedures after running aground.
• Understand use of fire fighting equipment on board: regulations, types, location and operation.
• Understand the requirement to render assistance to a boat in distress to the extent you are able.
• Understand the boating accidents that require an accident report as well as how, when and where to file the report.
• Understand anchoring procedures and appropriate amount of scope.
• Understand types of anchors and their advantages and disadvantages.
•  Understand how to determine the required scope of an anchor rode.