FAQ'S
Why should I take a boating course?Taking a boating course can literally mean the difference between life and death out on the water. A good course can eliminate many problems that can occur in typical boating day for both the novice, and even the experienced mariner.
Do I need license to operate my boat?Currently there are no laws that require a "drivers license" to operate recreational watercraft
at least in Massachusetts. Therefore, anyone can operate a watercraft
without any education because the law does not require it. There is
nothing more dangerous than an uneducated boater out on the water not only
for themselves, but for other boaters as well, educated or not!
Imagine an ocean full of inexperienced boaters? Unfortunately this
is reality! This is another important reason to take some sort of boating education.
Anyone can go out and buy a boat if they have the means. They find out they do not need
to take a course, or need a license. They are eager to get started, and hence you have the formula for disaster. They buy, they launch, they operate! This is not good for anyone on the water.
Why should I pay for your course when there are some out
there for free or maybe get a "boating friend" to go with you?
This is on the water training from a
professional mariner who has been in the passenger carrying business for
21 years. Of course you can get a boating
neighbor in your marina that will go for a ride with you for free?
Or another individual in the industry that may not have the patience,
teaching ability, and that "passenger carrying safety mentality" that is
absolutely required if you own a boat and are taking out family and
friends. Keep in mind that you, as the "captain", are responsible
for them. You get what you pay for and one bad result is usually
unforgiving out on the water. My suggestion is
take all of the free courses you can fit into your schedule from the
U.S. Power Squadron, or Coast Guard Auxiliary. They are "by the book"
and the best "in class" courses you can take. You can never have
to much information when it comes to marine education. When your done,
my course can compliment and refine any course you have already
taken. It can also be the first and last lesson you will ever
take. The other differences and benefits of my course is that it is
hands on, personalized, informal, and is geared to your schedule. I come to your boat on the day you want without the 20 or 30 other classmates that sometimes can be a disadvantage in the learning process.
Being on your own boat is a big advantage and can help expedite the learning process dramatically. There is nothing more gratifying for a serious boater, than plotting a course on your chart and then testing it out right away with successful results!
Or maneuvering your boat through heavy traffic knowing the rules of the
road with full control of your vessel big or small. Last but not least
docking with confidence!
Do I need to purchase any books or other study materials?
No, I will bring the necessary materials I need to teach.
A notepad is suggested, and any of the
required equipment you have on your vessel will be sufficient.
Are there any subjects that you teach that are not covered in the traditional classroom courses?
Generally, I find the one subject that is not covered with enough
emphasis, is marine weather. The three boating seasons we encounter here
in New England (i.e.. Spring, Summer, and Fall) all possess unique
properties that can make for varying extreme conditions and I don't just
mean warm temperatures verses cold. Sea conditions, and visibility, are
the two most important factors in safe boating. There are many
factors that affect, both.
I can teach you, with reasonable certainty, to anticipate and actually
predict what the sea conditions and visibility are likely to be, so that
you, "the Captain" can make an informed decision! Take the course and find out!
I taught this course for 5
years for the US Power Squadrons, and Coast Guard Auxiliary. I take pride in this subject and know I can make a difference in your boating day with this lesson.
How much time is required to take your course?
You decide what subjects you want to emphasize. You decide how much time you would like to spend on a particular day. FLEXIBILITY is the operative word here! Most of the courses offered today, have a set time span, usually 8 to 10 weeks. Missing one class could significantly set you back. I have successfully taught many people in one or two sessions.
How much do you charge for your service?
I work on an hourly basis and prefer to discuss rates one on one. Rates
depend on driving distance, gas prices, and degree of difficulty of your
particular situation. I will say I have creative pricing packages
that, compared to other services, are very reasonable.
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