5 Places to Learn Hands-On Safe Boating for Beginners

By Debbie Hanson

Oct 16, 2019

List of safe boating for beginners resources, where to learn boat handling, rules of the road. How to find hands-on boating for beginners courses near you

Are you ready to buy your first boat and start living the nautical lifestyle? If so, think about taking a hands-on safe boating for beginners training course. When learning the boating rules of the road or safe boating basics, it's important to spend time on the water and focus on education through experience.

Wondering where and how to get hands-on instruction and experience as a beginning boater? There are plenty of resources available to you. Find out more about taking a boater safety course by checking into these options:

1. US Powerboating

US Powerboating offers hands-on, on-the-water courses for anyone who wants to learn how to safely operate a small motorboat and improve their boat handling skills.

2. Boat US partners

BoatUS partners with marinas, boat shows, and other organizations around the country to bring on-the-water training and boating for beginners instruction to a marina near you.

3. Boat dealers

Many boat dealers offer safe boating for beginners classes for first-time boat owners, boaters who haven’t been on the water for a while, or for those who want to brush up on new rules and boating safety tips. Also, if you are a new boat owner, make sure you have taken care of all vessel registration and titling requirements.

4. America's Boating Club

America's Boating Club (also known as United States Power Squadrons) offers training that focuses primarily on boat handling skills.

5. US Coast Guard licensed captain

Hire a United States Coast Guard licensed captain in your area who offers hands-on boating for beginners instruction and guidance. If you don't know any licensed captains, ask a friend or local marina for a referral.

By taking the time to get more hands-on boating experience and training, you'll be a safer and more confident boater.

Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson
Debbie Hanson is an award-winning outdoor writer, women’s sport fishing advocate, IGFA world record holder, and freshwater guide living in Southwest Florida. Hanson’s written work has appeared in publications such as Florida Game & Fish Magazine, BoatUS Magazine, and USA Today Hunt & Fish. To learn more about her work, visit shefishes2.com or follow her on Instagram @shefishes2.