Member Courses

Education courses available to members

Advanced Grade Courses See the course schedule here

The following courses are considered as "core" courses for advancement in critical boating areas and their completion reflects the level of accomplishment by the member. Upon successful completion of the course, the course designation is appended to the member's name in organization records and correspondence to reflect the member's "rank". An example would be: John Doe,. AP

Seamanship. Building on the basics taught in the Boating Course, Seamanship is the recommended first course for new members, both power boaters and sailors. Students learn practical marlinspike (working with knots and lines), navigation rules, hull design and performance, skipper responsibilities, boat care, operating a boat under normal and abnormal conditions, emergency procedures, nautical customs and common courtesy on the water.

Piloting. This is the first of a two-part program studying inland and coastal navigation. It focuses on the fundamentals of piloting - keeping track of boat movement, determining your position at any time and laying out courses to a planned destination.

Advanced Piloting - This is the final part of the inland and coastal navigation series. It emphasizes the use of modern electronic navigation systems and other advanced techniques for finding position.

Junior Navigation. This is the first of a two-part program of study in offshore (open coast) navigation. It is designed as a practical, how-to-course, leaving the theoretical and more advanced techniques for the Navigation course.

Navigation - This is the second part of the study of offshore navigation. It further develops the students understanding of celestial theory.

Elective Courses

These course are offered to help members gain a better understanding in areas related to boat maintenance, operation, safety, and enjoyment. They provide detailed technical material relating to the mechanical and electrical/electronic systems employed on boats and useful information for planning.

Cruise Planning - Designed for members who plan to cruise for just a day or for a year in either a sailor power boat. The course covers the following topics: cruise preparation and planning, boat and equipment, anchors and anchoring, security, chartering, cruising outside the U.S., crew and provisioning, voyage management, communications, navigation, weather, and emergencies.

Engine Maintenance - A two-part course, Basic Engine Maintenance, and Advanced Engine Maintenance, this course provides invaluable, practical information on how to properly maintain your boat's mechanical and electrical systems. The basic section covers marine propulsion systems, basic engine principles, engine components, controls, instrumentation, marine engine maintenance, and steering systems. This section also addresses winter storage (25 point checklist), and spring servicing. The advanced section delves into cooling and exhaust systems, lubrication, fuel and air induction systems, ignition systems, electrical and starting systems, power trains and troubleshooting.

Marine Electronics - The Marine Electronics course consists of three modules: ME 101 Boat Electrical systems, ME 102 - Marine Radio Communications, and ME 103 - Marine Electronics for Navigation. While there are no prerequisites for any of the modules, it is suggested that a member take ME 101 before taking ME 102.

Sail - This course consists of two modules: Sa 101- Introduction to Sail, and Sa 102Advanced Sail. Sa 101 teaches basic elements of sailing, sailing terminology, sailboat rigs & sail plans; boat design and hull types; sails, standing and running rigging; boat, true,& apparent wind; leaving and returning to dock; sailing upwind and downwind; marlinspike for sailor; and basic sailing rules. Sa 102 teaches forces, stability and balance; sail trim; tuning a rig; steering and helmsman ship; spinnaker handling; heavy weather sailing; survival in storm conditions; safety procedures; racing & race management; and complete navigation rules for sailing vessels.

Weather - This course consists of two modules, Wx 101 and Wx 102. Wx 101 addresses basic weather topics including: effects of heat and cold; wind and pressure; storms and fronts; rain, humidity, and fog; and floods, droughts, and winter precipitation. Wx 102 address more advanced topics including: thunderstorms and tornadoes; tropical weather; atmosphere and clouds; forecasting; and climate.