Affordable 3-hour courses for recreational boaters now available in Morehead City
by BoatUS 27 Aug 2023 07:16 PDT
On-water training courses improve confidence behind the wheel © Scott Croft
Remember learning to drive? Behind-the-wheel training has always been an essential part of the experience. And just like on a roadway, your local waterway requires hands-on experience to master.
Whether you're a new boater looking to gain confidence aboard your vessel or an experienced boater aiming to refine your skills, affordable on-water training is available. Atlantic Coast Marine Group has partnered with the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water to bring powerboat handling courses to the Morehead City area.
Courses are held on Fridays and Saturdays, are each three hours and priced at $215. They include Introduction to Powerboating, which is great for beginners, as well as Precision Docking & Boat Handling, perfect for boaters looking to improve their skills. Training is held aboard 22-foot single-engine vessels that depart from Portside Marina at 209 Arendell Street in Morehead City.
Class size is limited to four students per vessel, ensuring each student gets sufficient time at the helm under the watchful eye of a U.S. Coast Guard-licensed captain. The minimum age to participate is 16 years old. Courses follow the curriculum of the National Safe Boating Council with content conforming to the American National Standard (ANSI) for on-water skills.
"Learning how to confidently maneuver your vessel takes time and experience," said Alan Dennison, program supervisor for the BoatUS Foundation. "These courses give you that experience and address the boat-handling needs of new boaters well as more seasoned captains in a fun, safe atmosphere."
Sign up for a course or learn more at BoatUS.org/On-Water.