SaferBoater Offers Professional Hands-On Instruction

If you’re like most boaters we know, you never got formal hands-on boat operation training from a certified instructor. We’re not talking about taking a “written test” to get a state-issued boat operator’s license – we talking about being trained by an expert sitting next to you on a boat.  There’s no substitute for hands-on training by a certified instructor.

Remember when you were in high school?  You could sign up for a course called “Driver’s Ed” in most states where you got classroom education. Then you were permitted to practice for 6 months with an adult supervising, and finally when you were ready and feeling confident you took a driver’s test administered by a certified instructor.  Remember?

No Hands-On Instruction Required

Remarkably, no state in the U.S. requires hands-on training by a certified boating instructor in order to receive a state boat operator’s license.  However, all states except four do require some form of boating education and exam – many of which can be taken online.

Generally, the states have paid little attention to boating safety and have been more concerned with making it easy to get a certificate or license to operate a boat. And this is an attitude that has pervaded boating governance from the USCG down to local administrators. 

Surprisingly, virtually no recreational boat operators – including USCG-licensed captains below the 500-Ton level! – have had to pass a “hands-on” certification from a qualified instructor. It’s astonishing, but true.  Virtually all state-licensed boaters have only passed written tests and only gained their actual operating skills running their own vessels – after receiving their license. It’s the American way.

Many Boat Owners Lack Skills and/or Confidence

Little wonder, then, that the average boat is used less than 25 days a year, according to the boating industry’s trade association, and most experts in the field think the real number is far less. For example, the average number of days used by members of BoatTEST's Sovereign Boat Club is 14, which is more in keeping with actual usage. 

Many boat owners are actually afraid to go boating because they haven’t received hands-on, at-the-helm training. That is why the most popular articles in BoatTEST’s daily newsletter involve instruction on docking a boat.  The result is that many boat owners only use their boats on pristine summer days with little wind.  

SaferBoater’s Programs Build Skills and Confidence

If you are new to boating, or a first-time boat owner, or even a long-time boat owner and are not comfortable with your skills in all aspects of boat handling, then SaferBoater can train you to be a competent, confident captain. 

Eliminate Anxiety. SaferBoater’s graduates say that boating is a lot more fun because they trust their boat – and themselves – like never before. And the result is that they are using their expensive boats far more! 

And, because boat owners have been trained by SaferBoater, the chances are good that they will be eligible for a discount from an insurance company of up to 10%. 

What is SaferBoater?

SaferBoater is a nationwide educational organization with over 300 certified instructors who provide actual “on-board, on-the-water, hands-on” operating instruction.  SaferBoater has a suite of courses that are specifically designed for boaters of all experience and skill levels.  

Here are the programs offered by SaferBoater—

For Operation of Powerboats Under 25’/ The course includes—

This 10-hour course for Small Powerboat operators is a complete, one-stop “Driver's Education” course for boats typically up to 25 feet with standard equipment. By taking this 3-in-1 training – 42 fundamentals, open water maneuvering, and 3 hours of docking practice, students will learn both basic and advanced skills to confidently and safely operate a vessel 25’ and under. 

This 10-hour course will give virtually anyone the background necessary to be a safe and confident boater. 

For Operation of Boats 26’ and Over/ The Course Includes—

Owners of large boats deserve to feel confident in piloting, navigating, and general operation offshore.  Sadly, all but a few boat dealers give their beginner customers the kind of in-depth, time-consuming instruction they need. Today’s large boats are remarkably complex, fast, and expensive – that is why an owner/operator needs more education, and lots of hands-on training to fully enjoy all of the fun a boat has to offer.

This three-day, 24-hour course covers the 42 fundamentals, plus rules of the road, piloting, seamanship and boat operation in many real-life situations. Students practice docking in a strong cross-current without a bow thruster and learn boat-handling in challenging conditions. Action-packed days taught with a certified instructor to develop skills that will be remembered and used for a lifetime. 

For Operation of Small Powerboats/The Course Includes—

    *Exclusively for Women
    *Exclusively Female Instructors
    *Up to 4 Participants

This course is tailored to empower women to safely and confidently maneuver boats up to 25 feet. The class is taught exclusively by certified and experienced female captains and is your crucial first step to becoming a proficient boat handler. Think of it as the first day of Driver's ED.

Hands-on training is also available on larger boats and is taught by female captains. Contact us for more information.  

For Operators of Boats Under and Over 25’/The Course Includes—

    *3 Hours of Hands-On Instruction
    *Private Courses Available
    *Docking and Departure

How to Anchor & Moor Boats/ The Course Includes—

    *3 Hours of Instruction
    *Private Course is Available
    *Learn by Doing

SaferBoater Operation at Night/The Course Includes—

    *3 Hours of Instruction
    *Vessel Identification & Nav Aids
    *Night Vision Enhancement

Trailer Maneuvering and Boat Towing/The Course Includes—

    *2 Hours of Hands-On Instruction
    *Launching & Retrieval
    *Safe Towing

About SaferBoater

SaferBoater is a 501(c)3, non-profit South Carolina-based boating foundation, professionally focused on developing and training safer and more competent boaters.

SaferBoater Courses meet or exceed the following standards:

• American National Standard: EDU-1
• On-Water POWER Standard (American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC), 2015)
• American National Standard: ANSI/ 103-2016: Basic Boating Knowledge – Power (National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA)
• On-water Objectives (annually reviewed to ensure alignment with Recreational Boat Owner Insurance Provider Requirements) 2015)

SaferBoater’s service provides standardized on-water training that aligns with the needs of recreational boaters and meets insurance providers’ requirements. The training is performed by certified, licensed, and experienced SaferBoater instructor-captains. Virtually all have local awareness and are experienced in the area where they teach. 

SaferBoater can issue Domestic & International Certifications

• Sailing IPC's
• Motor Yacht SLC’s 

International Certifications are valid in over 30 countries and recognized by the EU for chartering boats in their waters

SaferBoater has Certified Instructors Nationwide

 The Back Story of SaferBoater

SaferBoater started in Charleston, South Carolina, which is fitting, since this state has more boating manufacturers per capita than any state in the U.S. Originally starting as a sailing school in 2012, it added powerboating shortly after.  It eventually evolved into a group of safe boating advocates and instructors coming together who were dedicated to helping new boat owners navigate the waterways safely. 

A little over two years ago, Vickie Waller and Sue Nerud saw a need for hands-on training nationwide, created SaferBoater, and began recruiting experienced captains all over the country.

Vickie Waller – Founder and CEO: In two years, she has put together a remarkable group of instructors/captains across the country. They have been trained to the latest industry standards for instructor certification and insurance provider requirements. Her investment in the training of the instructor/captains translates into excellent experiences in on-water training for SaferBoater customers. 

Sue Nerud – VP of Sales. Sue is the backbone of SaferBoater’s vision, a lifelong boater, and a passionate advocate for safe boating practices. Sue is based in Florida, has a 100-ton captain’s license, and is the owner/operator of a commercial tour boat business. For years, she has seen new boat owners' daily struggles with the basics of boating and always knew that some sort of educational program was needed to teach the flood of new boaters entering the sport. 

Capt. Kevin Boyd – Chief Instructional Officer. Capt. Kevin heads up SaferBoater’s nationwide hands-on instruction program. He is a U.S. Coast Guard Academy graduate and 25-year USCG veteran. He had a distinguished career aboard USCG vessels from the smallest to the largest cutters, including the USCG EAGLE training bark.  For the last four years of his USCG career, he was the chief small-boat training officer for all cadets at the USCG Academy.  

SaferBoater Overview

Capt. Kevin and the SaferBoater staff have found and vetted their instructors and then put them through a structured training and qualification course.  Its instructors are certified with the highest instructor certification available. This team is well-equipped to train students to operate a boat, power, or sail, big or small. 

SaferBoater courses meet the AYBC National On-Water Standards (NOWS), and the courses meet all states' requirements. The higher-level yacht programs, in power or sail, are recognized by the European Union and are honored in 30 countries worldwide as an International Certificate of Competency, the highest qualification a non-professional can receive. It allows our graduates to charter a yacht without a captain. 

For more information, visit SaferBoater.org...