- 501 (c)(3) Nonprofit Organization
Call Us - 772-283-8130
Call Us - 772-283-8130
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 refueling in close quarters; each maneuver is repeated, advancing from idle speed to displacement mode, then planing mode.
(We can accommodate a maximum of 4 students per vessel if you prefer, however on-the-water training time will be extended to a second 6-hour training day.)
NEXT START DATE - May 31, 2025
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.
| 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 4:30 pm with a 1 hour lunch break
(subject to change based on weather or number of students in class)
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.
Module 3: Open Water Boat Handling
This module continues to build on your boat handling skills in open water away from the docks. We emphasize building your “situational awareness,” enabling you to recognize potential problems on the water before they happen.
During this module, we cover aids to navigation and using them in unfamiliar waters, ensuring you can navigate safely and confidently.
Module 4: Open Water Advanced Maneuvers
In this module, we tackle wakes, waves, and other vessels head-on. We practice handling these everyday situations you may encounter when on the water.
As we practice the turns, stops, and collision avoidance maneuvers become tighter and more aggressive, preparing you for any challenges. We also drill on man-overboard and other critical advanced skills, ensuring you are ready for anything on the waterway.
Training Vessel Type for Modules 1 – 4:
Single Engine Vessel Up To 26ft
Tuition & Fees
Tuition for NSBC Modules 1 – 4
| Tuition Total | $700.00 |
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.
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
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
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.
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