• 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization

logoCall Us - 772-283-8130

Introduction To Powerboating | NSBC

4 HOURS / 1 DAY

WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) Modules 1 & 2

Whether you are new to powerboating or would like to increase your confidence in docking and maneuvering in close quarters, this course is for you!

The Boat Control On-Water Training Course Modules are designed to teach boat handling skills to recreational boaters or personnel hired to operate a vessel used in marine patrol. Taught by a NSBC Certified Instructor, the course progresses from safety gear and the prelaunch checklist to docking and boat handling to give you confidence on the water.

 

With only 2 students & 1 instructor intended for each vessel, we ensure you will receive quality Learn At The Helm training during your time here

(We can accommodate a maximum of 4 students per vessel if you prefer, however on-the-water training time will be extended to 6 hours.)

REQUEST INFORMATIONlogo SEE TUITION & FEES logo
logo

logoNEXT START DATE - May 31, 2025

(1-DAY PROGRAM)
logo

The Chapman school is a legend in the boating industry and a gem for both recreational boaters and professional mariners to build and sharpen their skills the right way. My goal was to sharpen my close-quarters maneuvering skills as well as gain first-hand experience on the intracoastal waterway (ICW). The staff is friendly, patient, and knowledgeable of best practices in boating. The facility is beautiful, realistic, and inviting.

You will be practicing maneuvers in an inlet of the Manatee Pocket within the ICW, just minutes from the Atlantic coast. You will be maneuvering in safe waters among public and private slips, anchorages, mooring fields, marinas, fuel docks, boat launches and restaurants. You cannot go wrong with dedicating some time at Chapman, the skills you develop will keep you safe and save you bundles in expensive mistakes.

- Giorgio P., Boating Essentials Course (2024)

2025 CLASS SCHEDULE

Course No. Start Date
06-25 05/31/25
07-25 07/12/25
08-25 08/02/25
09-25 09/06/25
10-25 10/04/25
11-25 11/01/25
12-25 12/06/25
Additional dates are available Contact us for details
Private Training is available Contact us for details

Classes run from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm
(subject to change based on weather or number of students in class)

NSBC EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES

Module 1: Introduction to Powerboating

This module will guide you through the basics of boating. We will spend 1 hour in the classroom reviewing essential concepts. Safety is foremost, starting with an introduction to boat nomenclature, pre-departure checklists, and the use of safety equipment.

Once everyone is comfortable, we head out on the water to learn boat handling at slow speeds. Our goal is to get you comfortable & confident with moving the vessel and understanding the dynamics of boat control, preparing you to boat safely on any waterway – be it a pond, lake, Intracoastal Waterway (ICW), or open water.

 

Module 2: Precision Docking & Boat Handling

Docking is an essential skill for all boaters. In this module, we will build on our boat handling skills while introducing the fundamentals of docking with plenty of practice.

You’ll learn to have a docking plan before you leave or approach the docks and brief that plan to your crew.

Navigating the docks of busy marinas will become second nature with our hands-on training.

 

Training Vessel Type for Modules 1 & 2:
Single Engine Vessel Up To 26ft

 

For the full NSBC Chapman Boating Essentials course (Modules 1-4), please click here for more information.

Admission
    • The minimum acceptable age is 11 years.
    • Registration Form must be completed and signed (by a parent or guardian if under 18).
    • Payment of full tuition.
    • Provision of official Photo ID with Registration
    • Each student is required to furnish his/her own deck shoes.
    • Completion of State-Approved Boater Safety Course.
    • Modules require a minimum of two (2) students unless Private Instruction is requested.
Tuition & Fees

    Tuition & Fees

    Tuition for NSBC Modules 1 & 2

    Tuition Total $450.00
    • The Registration Form must be completed and signed (by a parent or guardian if the applicant is younger than 18) and returned to the Chapman School along with the Total Tuition Payment and a copy of an official Photo ID.
    • Non-refundable portion of tuition is $200.00
    • Tuition does not include housing, board, or transportation.
    • All costs are payable in U.S. currency only.
    • The Chapman School accepts Discover, Visa, Master Card, or American Express.
    • To register for class, please complete the Registration form below and submit by email to info@chapman.org or via fax to (772) 283-2019.

    Change / Cancellation Policy

      If I am unable to attend the class for which I am registered the following change/cancellation policy will apply:
      If notice is provided to the school more than 14 days before the class start date to reschedule, a one-time change may be allowed and a $50.00 transfer fee will apply. The rescheduled class must be taken within 3 months of the originally scheduled class date, or all tuition will be forfeited.
      Cancellation Policy:  If cancellation is requested more than 14 days before the class start date, the portion of the tuition that is non-refundable will be forfeited, however if cancellation occurs less than 14 days before the class start date, all tuition will be forfeited.
      If a credit card was used as the original method of payment, a convenience fee of 3.0% of the total amount refunded will apply for all transactions.
      Applicable refunds are made within thirty (30) days.

     

    Other Travel Considerations

    If you are traveling to the School from outside of Florida we strongly suggest you purchase refundable airfares or arrange trip cancellation insurance.

On-Campus Housing

    Student Housing

    Description

    Campus housing consists of dormitory apartments. Each unit contains a bedroom, convertible living room/bedroom, bath, kitchenette, and a covered porch. The number of students per unit during this program is a maximum of two. All units are air-conditioned, fully furnished, and equipped with a refrigerator, countertop range, and cooking utensils. Housing is offered on a space-available basis. The School is not responsible for the loss of any personal property. Sorry, no pets.

     

    Housing Fees: (Shared Rate)

    Housing Fee $80.00/Night

    For a second or third person in the party, add $20 per night/per person.
    Housing fee includes utilities.

    Housing Refund Policy

    • Housing fee is due 30 days prior to the start of class to reserve accommodations.
    • If a student cannot attend the class in which he or she is registered, housing fees are refundable.
    • Once a student moves into the facilities, no fees will be refunded.
    • If a credit card was used as the original method of payment, a convenience fee of 3.0% of the total amount refunded will apply for all transactions
    • In the event any student does damage to the accommodations, he or she will be responsible for the replacement cost and labor required to repair the damaged Chapman School property.
Certification

    This course conforms to the American National Standard for on-water skills as verified through an independent third-party assessment process.

    Recognized by the American National Standards Institute as the On-Water Power standards which identify fundamental skills that entry-level recreational boat operators should be able to demonstrate after receiving instruction.

    More information about these standards can be found at www.abycinc.org or www.usnows.org.

    A Certificate of Completion is awarded for completion of :

    Modules: 1 & 2 (Half Course)

    Introduction to Power Boating

    &

    Modules 1-4 (Full course)

    Boating Essentials

Registration Form

YOUR JOURNEY STARTS HERE

Read to begin your journey with Chapman? Request information, schedule a visit or start the admission application process. If you require assistance please call or email for immedidate support.

logo

GET IN TOUCH OR APPLY TODAY

REQUEST INFORMATION

SCHEDULE A CAMPUS TOUR

APPLY FOR ADMISSION

4343 S.E. St. Lucie Blvd. Stuart, Florida 34997

772-283-8130 | info@chapman.org

Get the Latest - Join Our Newsletter

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: Nonprofit Boating and Maritime School | Chapman School. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

LEARN AT THE HELM

THE MARITIME CENTER OF EXCELLENCE

© 2025 Chapman School of Seamanship. All Rights Reserved. Legal Notices