Learn how to drive a boat or improve your skills at the Annapolis Powerboat Show
by BoatUS 9 Sep 2023 19:28 UTC
October 5-8, 2023
Try power boating at the Annapolis Powerboat show this Oct. 5-8! Courses are offered by the BoatUS Foundation © Scott Croft
The Annapolis Powerboat show, October 5-8, is a great place to buy a boat. But did you know that you can also learn how to drive a boat - or improve your boating skills?
On each of the show's four days beginning at either 10:15 a.m. or 10:30 a.m., the BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water hosts on-water, at-the-helm training courses taught by U.S. Coast Guard-licensed instructors. Course-takers also enjoy free admission to the boat show!
Each of the four course "modules" is priced at $175, three-hours long, limited to four students per vessel, ensuring each student gets sufficient time at the helm. Courses follow National Safe Boating Council curriculum with content conforming to the American National Standard (ANSI) for on-water skills, and training is held aboard 21- to 24-foot, single-engine powerboats.
Courses include "Intro to Boating," which covers centering the wheel, shifting gears, predeparture checklist and station holding, or staying in one place while wind or current affect the boat. "Women Making Waves" offers the same curriculum and is the perfect opportunity to spend a half-day learning boat-handling techniques in a supportive environment.
"Precision Docking & Boat Handling" courses cover 180-degree turnarounds, docking on port and starboard, departing from a dock, and using S.C.A.N. procedures to avoid distracted boating. "Open Water Boat Handling" includes using boat trim, displacement and planing handling, ferrying, and emergency stopping.
The minimum age to participate is 18 years old. Tickets are required, and courses fill quickly. Sign up today or learn more at BoatUS.org/On-Water. This is the fifth year the Foundation as offered on-water instruction at the show.