Seminar Group Descriptions
Boat Handling
Want to improve your knowledge of basic boat handling?
These seminars will satisfy your needs.
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Boat Handling Under Power shows you the basics, such as how to depart and dock under a variety of conditions as well as all about trimming the boat underway.
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Advanced Powerboat Handling takes you to the next step in boat handling, such as how to recover from grounding and how to dock in challenging conditions.
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Increase your understanding of the conditions and situations involved in anchoring a boat and the need for a proper anchor choice with the Anchoring seminar.
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Do you boat on rivers or lakes, or go through locks? Boating on Rivers. Locks, and Lakes is the seminar for you.
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For sailors, Sail Trim and Rig Tuning will show you how to get the most from your sails and boat by showing how to use and adjust sails for optimum performance under a wide range of conditions.
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Navigation
Do you feel comfortable that you know where you are when you’re boating?
Want to improve your positioning skills?
These seminars will help you know where you’re at while boating.
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Using GPS on your boat is different than using GPS in your car. Learn how to store waypoints into your GPS, activate them for navigation, and use GPS to keep you on a safe, pre-qualified course of your choosing with the Using GPS seminar.
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The NOAA Chart No. 1 is THE reference to chart details, but is very difficult to understand. The How to Use a Chart seminar walks you through what you really need to know about chart details in an entertaining and interesting fashion.
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Today, electronics have radically changed navigation, but understanding the basics helps you gain confidence in your equipment and your own skills. Basic Coastal Navigation, being replaced by Introduction to Navigation, will show you practical techniques to plan, navigate, and check your progress on the water.
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The marine compass is still the boater’s primary navigation tool, and an essential tool when all else fails. Mariner's Compass explains how to select, install, calibrate and use your compass on board your boat.
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Not sure who has the right of way when passing a sailboat or a powerboat? Unsure of the sometimes complex law relating to boat operation for the recreational boater? Mastering the Rules of the Road provides an explanation with examples of the 37 Rules of the Road for both the U.S. Inland Rules and the International Rules (COLREGS) in a simplified fashion.
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Thinking of adding a RADAR to your boat, or have one that you’re a little afraid of using when needed most? Marine Radar covers how radar functions, radar selection, operation of the radar under various conditions including setting of controls, display interpretation, basic navigation, and collision avoidance using radar.
Safety
Every boater wants to be a safe boater, not just for him- or herself, but also for the family and friends onboard as well as other nearby boaters.
Here’s how to reinforce your knowledge for the safety of all.
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You’re enjoying a nice day on the water when an unforeseen emergency arises. What to do? The Emergencies on Board seminar gives you the information to adequately prepare for common emergencies and how to actually deal with them when they occur.
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Avoid serious problems or worse when filling up your tank by taking the Fuel and Boating seminar. Also learn how to avoid fuel problems such as running out underway and fuel line and fuel tank issues.
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Can your spouse, partner, or fishing friend get you and your boat to safety if something happens to you? Partner in Command provides essential information one may require to assist you in the safe operation of a recreational boat.
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The worst situation on a recreational boat is to lose a person overboard. The Man Overboard seminar teaches you how to react and then recover a crewmember or passenger who accidentally falls overboard.
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Cell phones are very handy communications devices, but they do have shortcomings when used onboard, such as delays in getting help on the water and limited range offshore. Get tips on purchasing and installing a VHF radio as well as how to use VHF radio like a pro, including the new digital selective calling (DSC) rescue feature by taking the Using VHF & VHF/DSC Marine Radio seminar.
Facing the Environment
Are you on good terms with Mother Nature? Do you know how to handle the changes in the environment that can come your way? These seminars can help you out on the water.
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All boaters should have an understanding of weather systems and what to expect in the next few hours while you’re on your boat. Basic Weather and Forecasting provides the knowledge to make your on-water experience less stressful when the weather looks to be changing.
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Expecting some really bad weather? Hurricanes and Boats gives you the tips you need to secure your boat for the worst type of weather conditions a boater may encounter.
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If you boat on coastal waters, the Tides and Currents seminar provides the information you need to understand, predict, and use tidal currents. Improve boat speed performance by using tidal currents to your advantage rather than suffering adverse impacts due to unforeseen tides and currents.
Techniques
Do you want to improve your skills in areas related to boating?
Here are some interesting areas to pursue.
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Knots, Bends, and Hitches will help you with your knot tying. Know what size lines to use and how and when to use bends and hitches.
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Kayaking, canoeing and rowing are enjoyable opportunities to get close to nature, have a great time, and get some quality exercise in the process. Paddle Smart is intended to help those about to join the sport and those considering purchasing paddling equipment.
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Open up new horizons by taking your boat to new boating areas. Trailering Your Boat will help you with trailer selection, use and maintenance to enhance your boating experiences.