Boating/Navigation Courses/Certs?

[Rocky Lou]

I've been boating for over 40 years and am tech savvy, but, have never taken any courses or gotten certified. Now that I may have time for that, I am wondering what is out there, particularly, in person courses to avoid spending even more time in front of a computer monitor. I found https://www.marinerslearningsystem.com/captains-license-coast-guard-approved-courses.html that is for getting Captain's licenses, but, it is online. Anyone have good experiences to share?

 

[gswearin]

To add to Rocky's request, anyone have experience with Northwest Maritime Center courses? They are both in person and live online.

 

[Bruce Moore]

I'd contact the U.S. Power Squadrons nearest you. Looks like there are chapters in San Jose and San Leandro. We have taken a number of their courses and they are excellent.

Cheers,

Bruce

 

[gsc3]

About ten years ago I studied for my USCG "6-pack" Captains License using a paperback study guide "Get Your Captain's License" by Charlie Wing, available from Amazon for less than $30. I had also taken navigation courses from US Power Squadron. This background was adequate for me to pass the exam on my first try. Costs for required fees, drug test, first aid course, and the study guide totaled about $500. I have never used the license but I learned a lot in the process that proved useful in my years of East Coast and Bahamas cruising.

 

[BB marine]

About ten years ago I studied for my USCG "6-pack" Captains License using a paperback study guide "Get Your Captain's License" by Charlie Wing, available from Amazon for less than $30. I had also taken navigation courses from US Power Squadron. This background was adequate for me to pass the exam on my first try. Costs for required fees, drug test, first aid course, and the study guide totaled about $500. I have never used the license but I learned a lot in the process that proved useful in my years of East Coast and Bahamas cruising.

Hey slade, we met at the 2019 Ranger/Cutwater SWF rendezvous. We are no longer cruising in a Cutwater but still cruising. We cruised down the rivers this fall and now in South Pasadena Florida for a month. The plan was to be in Bradenton but I was fortunate to meet someone that has their boat dry docked and we are renting his slip at Pasadena Marina. We will be heading to Marathon in February but plan to drop the hook near Longboat Key on the way. Maybe we will see you there?

Rocky Lou I'm not hijacking your thread. As for the Captains license, I plan on getting mine when I'm done with the Loop. I have delivered boats for a marina that I worked for without a Captains license. I didn't do it for hire more for payback favors :shock: ! The insurance companies are getting strict about this now. I enjoy doing this because it keeps me up to date on operating newer or new motor yachts, plus the "payback favors are nice". There is a local "Chicago" captain that has classes at the Chicago yacht club. I'm planning on taking a class there. I have been operating boats for over 50 years. I'm sure there is plenty more to learn. I have never been a sailor and never learned true navigation. This will be my goal plus the captains license.

 

[William Sanborn]

Been a lot of years, but I have taken USPS Boating Classes, and Coast Guard Axulliary Courses, and used the Certificates they issued for attending their classes to get my Oregon Boaters Card (and a $10. check). Also took several classes at the Community Collage on Celestical Navigation.

 

[SJI Sailor]

To the OP it depends what you want to learn and in how much depth. These are online and not what you asked but I found the Starpath courses to be good for detailed knowledge of radar, weather, and nav rules (although TBH too much detail for many folks' purposes -- more similar to online college courses than most boating courses. They target CG exam level but not so much the tests in themselves). Personally I enjoy the depth even if over the top.

For in person, the two things I've enjoyed have been lessons with a captain but that's for piloting more than knowledge as such, and some "classes" at boat shows like Seattle Boat Show (but much more introductory than Starpath -- IMO those are really better to meet folks and see their style, or get a quick overview of something, than to acquire depth knowledge).

 

[Boat Woman Danette]

In the first scene of the movie Animal House, the camera focuses on a statue of Emil Faber, the fictional founder of a (blessedly) fictional Faber College. On the pedestal is the inscription "Knowledge Is Good." This piece of wisdom elicits chuckles simply because of its banality.
I suggest that learning is life long and Kudos to you for wanting more knowlege.
We are primarily sailors who recently moved to a tug for the Loop. We have taken most of the ASA and NatiquEd online. Also USCG Masters through Mariners Learning systems. Happy with all these education opportunities. If online is not what you are after, then I agree that USCG and USPS inperson classes maybe the way to go.

 

[Rocky Lou]

I am looking into the myriad of suggestions, herein, and have contacted my local USPS Squadron Educational Officer. At present, I'm finding the in person options are fairly limited, likely affected by Covid. I will persevere however, since after 40 years in tech, I'm doing everything I can to 'break loose', although, I admit to getting panicked when we are in any areas with limited internet access.

I recently learned the iPhone 14 has an satellite SOS feature...oh my 😀

 

[TwoFootitis]

We from the North West.

My wife and I hired Captain Linda Lewis - USCG 100-ton Master, a retired Nursing professor from the University Of Washington.

We put our R23 in at Manchester, Port Orchard, spent the night at Blake Island then picked Captain Linda up at the Shilshole Marina. She will join you on your boat. She was a great instructor. We later took an online class she offered Weekend Navigator, also worth taking.

Best wishes!

Here's her contact info.
(425) 239-1225
email lindaldavep@gmailcom

 

[Fishmagnet]

My wife and I did the Mariner Learning Systems course for a six pack license. We did it to prepare us for an extended cruise exploring the inside passage. We were very satisfied with the content, the platform, and support. It was during the pandemic, so it was all online. I had been boating for close to 40 years and learned a ton of very useful information.

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