A great course for those who operate whalers and similar single-screw powerboats including recreational boaters, sailing instructors, race committee and other on the water volunteers with some boating experience who want to learn the safe handling of small powerboats, or improve their on-the-water boat handling skills.

Hands-on training is complemented with classroom teaching. All students will practice in powerboats provided by Orange Coast College's School of Sailing and Seamanship.

A US SAILING Small Powerboat Certification is available upon successful completion of the course. A small fee applies. This course satisfies the requirement for instructors seeking a US SAILING Level 1 certification as well as Boating Education requirement in 46 states. Practical skills taught are:docking, backing, slow speed and confined space maneuvering, radio operation, man overboard, and some high speed ocean skills. Classroom topics are: basic navigation and navigation rules, safety topics and overboard rescue. Successful completion includes a written test.

Class Format:

Weekends
Two Sessions -10:00 am - 4:00 pm, or
6:00 -10:00 pm and 9am - 5 pm

Weekdays
Three sessions 6:00 - 10:00 pm

Online Schedule and Registration

Class Size:

Minimum 4, Maximum 8 students

Prerequisite:

Ability to swim 50 yards. Prior experience operating a whaler or other powerboat.

Fees:

$125 per person
Add a US SAILING Small Powerboat Certification for $50

Students who pay an additional fee of $50 and successfully complete a written and practical skills test will receive a certification sticker. Certification in this class is reocgnized by the National Association of Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA) and fulfills the Boating Education requirement in 46 states.