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The National Safe Boating Council's (NSBC) Boat Control On-Water Training Course is recognized for its effectiveness in developing boating skills. Its modules are designed to teach boat handling skills to recreational boaters or personnel hired to operate a vessel used in marine patrol.
BEST’s “Fundamentals of Powerboating” is taught by NSBC Certified Instructors and it is the first segment of the NSBC's boat operator training program delivering Modules One & Two of the Boat Control On-Water Training course.
“Fundamentals of Powerboating” is a 6-hour program delivered from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm with a 1-hour lunch break and is dependent on weather conditions and number of attendees. Flexible Scheduling Available
“Fundamentals of Powerboating” is a hands-on close-quarters training that focuses on the critical skills needed by a boat operator to dock, turn and back in tight spaces.
Proper practice of these skills enables the boat operator to do what is necessary to place the craft in the correct position.
Successful completion of this course is required before embarking on the skills and maneuvers covered in BEST’s “Powerboating on Open Water” which delivers Modules Three & Four of the Boat Control On-Water Training course.
These skills are carried out through this next phase.
All skills are accomplished at idle speed under safe, controlled and competent boat operation with the safety of the operator and crew as the highest priority, wearing a properly fitted life jacket and following all navigation rules and safety practices.
This course is ideal for individuals who are either new to powerboating or seeking to build their confidence in tasks such as docking and maneuvering in tight spaces. It offers hands-on instruction designed to help participants master essential boat handling skills in close-quarters situations.
The 1st hour will be in the classroom covering the following:
ADMNITISTRATIVE OBJECTIVESS
INTRODUCTION TO BOAT NOMENCLATURE
PRE-DEPARTURE CHECKLISTS
USE OF SAFETY EQUIPMENT
BASIC KNOTS
The additional time is spent on the water performing the following essential maneuvers:
INTRODUCTION TO CLOSE- QUARTERS BOAT CONTROL
STEERING CONTROL
SHIFTING GEARS
STOPPING UNDER CONTROL
BASIC MANEUVERING
BOAT HANDLING IN WIND
BOAT HANDLING IN
SPLITTING ENGINES TO MANEUVER
BEST has combined the American Heart Association’s Heartsaver First Aid and Bloodborne Pathogens and the American College of Surgeons’ Stop the Bleed courses to deliver this 4-hour Local Options Course that meets and exceeds OSHA-compliance.
It trains participants first aid basics for the most common first aid emergencies, including how to recognize them, how to call for help, and how to perform lifesaving skills; how to protect themselves and others from being exposed to blood or blood-containing materials, act quickly and safely, clean the area that has blood or blood-containing materials and what to do if an accidental exposure were to occur; how to recognize life-threatening bleeding and act quickly and effectively to control it with three quick techniques that will empower the participant to make a life-or-death difference when a bleeding emergency happens.
Elevate your skills. The Advanced Operator Package is a complete, immersive training experience designed for boaters who are serious about mastering both vessel control and emergency preparedness.
This 4-day, 20-hour program combines advanced on-the-water boat handling with critical lifesaving medical training, delivering the skills, confidence, and decision-making ability required to operate safely in real-world conditions.
Note: Scheduling is flexible and dependent on weather conditions and participant experience
What You’ll Learn:
This program integrates high-level boat control with real-world emergency response, ensuring participants are prepared for both routine operations and critical incidents.
Participants will develop the ability to:
Execute precision maneuvering and docking
Compensate for wind and current in real time
Maintain control under pressure, including emergency stops
Hold position and operate confidently in close quarters
Build situational awareness and develop a strong “boater’s eye”
Respond effectively to medical emergencies on the water
Training Includes:
Full Boat Control Program (On-Water)
This hands-on training goes far beyond basic boating education.
Modules One through Four of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) Boat Control On-Water Training Program are included. Participants build real skill through practical, scenario-based instruction on the water—where it matters most.
Instruction is led by NSBC Certified Instructors, ensuring nationally recognized standards and proven on-water training methods.
Medical Emergency Training – Complete Program
Be prepared to act when seconds count. This comprehensive medical training includes:
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Use
First Aid for common injuries and medical emergencies
Participants gain hands-on experience and the confidence to respond effectively until professional help arrives.
Local Options Program
Enhance your emergency readiness with additional lifesaving skills:
Stop the Bleed – Control life-threatening bleeding in trauma situations
Bloodborne Pathogens – Protect yourself and others during emergency care
Why This Program Stands Apart:
The Advanced Operator Package is built on the principle that safe boating requires both expert vessel control and the ability to respond to emergencies.
Real-world, scenario-based training
On-water instruction—not just classroom learning
Led by experienced public safety and maritime professionals
Designed to build competence, confidence, and preparedness
All instruction is delivered by Nationally certified Instructors and U.S. Coast Guard Licensed Captains
Who This Course Is For:
Recreational boaters looking to elevate their skills
New boat owners seeking comprehensive training
Experienced operators refining control and emergency response
Anyone responsible for passengers on the water
By the end of this program, you won’t just understand boating, you’ll be able to control your vessel with precision and respond to emergencies with confidence, making you a safer, more capable operator on the water.
At BEST – Boating Emergency Safety Training, we combine real-world experience with hands-on instruction to deliver training that goes beyond the classroom. You leave prepared—not just informed.
Whether you are new to powerboating or would like to increase your confidence in docking and maneuvering the boat in close quarters, this course is for you. This is the National Safe Boating Council’s (NSBC) Boat Control On-Water Training Course and is taught in four course modules and designed to teach boat handling skills to recreational boaters or personnel hired to operate a vessel used in marine patrol.
This 40-hour / 5-Day All-Inclusive instruction is our flagship in practical training delivering boat safety, docking, handling and advanced maneuvers, life-saving techniques, fire safety and prevention, emergency mitigation, survival skills, tips and tricks of the trade and helpful reminders that will ensure the secure transition between land and water of all passengers on board.
Build the skills that matter when it counts. The Essential Operator Package combines hands-on, on-the-water boat control training with lifesaving medical response skills—creating a well-rounded operator prepared for both routine boating and unexpected emergencies.
This 2 1/2 day 16 hour program integrates NSBC Boat Control On-Water training led by NSBC Certified Instructors and nationally recognized medical instruction, giving participants the confidence to operate safely and respond effectively when it matters most.
Note: Schedule is dependent on weather conditions and participant experience
What You’ll Learn:
This course focuses on building practical boat handling skills alongside critical emergency response capabilities.
Participants will develop the ability to:
Confidently control and maneuver a vessel on the water
Apply safe boat handling techniques in real-world conditions
Recognize and respond to developing risks
Deliver immediate lifesaving care during emergencies
Training Includes:
NSBC Boat Control On-Water Training
Hands-on instruction designed to build real-world boat handling skills through practical application—not classroom theory. Participants develop control, awareness, and confidence operating a vessel in a variety of scenarios.
Heartsaver® Total (Medical Training)
Learn essential lifesaving skills through the American Heart Association program, including:
CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
AED (Automated External Defibrillator) Use
First Aid for common injuries and emergencies
Stop the Bleed®
Delivered in alignment with the American College of Surgeons initiative, this training teaches participants how to control life-threatening bleeding and act quickly in trauma situations.
The Essential Operator Package is built on the understanding that safe boating requires both control of your vessel and the ability to respond to emergencies.
Combines on-water training with medical response skills
Focuses on real-world, scenario-based instruction
Builds both competence and confidence
Prepares you for emergencies on and off the water
Who This Course Is For:
Recreational boaters seeking a strong skill foundation
New boat owners looking for practical, hands-on training
Individuals wanting both boating and emergency response skills
Anyone responsible for passengers and safety on the water
By the end of this program, you will be able to operate your vessel with confidence and respond effectively in emergency situations, making you a more capable and prepared operator.
At BEST – Boating Emergency Safety Training, we deliver training that goes beyond basics. Our hands-on approach ensures you gain the real-world skills needed to operate safely, respond decisively, and protect what matters most.
Take your boating skills to the next level. Powerboating on Open Water is a 6 hour advanced, hands-on training program designed to build the confidence and capability needed to safely operate a vessel beyond protected waters and into dynamic open-water environments.
Note: Schedule is dependent on weather conditions, class size, and participant experience
This course is the second segment of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) Boat Control On-Water Training Program and delivers Modules Three & Four. Instruction is led by NSBC Certified Instructors, ensuring nationally recognized standards and proven on-water training methods.
Prerequisite:
Successful completion of Fundamentals of Powerboating is required prior to enrollment. This ensures students have the foundational close-quarters control skills necessary to safely progress into open-water operations.
What You’ll Learn:
This course focuses on transitioning from controlled environments to open-water boat operations, where wind, current, vessel traffic, and speed introduce new challenges.
Participants will develop the critical skills needed to:
Safely increase speed and operate on plane
Maintain control in open-water conditions
Execute precise turns and controlled stops at higher speeds
Navigate wakes, waves, wind, and current
Identify and respond to developing risks and hazards
Training emphasizes situational awareness, decision-making, and vessel control in real-world boating environments.
Classroom Session:
Administrative Objectives
Graphics Overview
Course Objectives
Prerequisites
Operator Responsibility
Lookout Principles
Speed and Risk Management
Risk of Collision
Actions to Avoid Collision
Environmental Awareness
Equipment
Terminology
On-Water Training:
Vessel Performance and Acceleration
Trim and Efficiency
High-Speed Turns
Controlled Stops
Boat Handling in Wakes and Waves
Boat Handling in Wind
Boat Handling in Current
Emergency Procedures and Rescue Considerations
All training is conducted in a safe, controlled environment with a strong emphasis on proper technique, risk management, and crew safety. Participants operate vessels while wearing properly fitted life jackets and adhering to all navigation rules and safety practices.
Who This Course Is For:
Recreational boaters ready to advance beyond basic skills
Operators seeking confidence in open-water conditions
Individuals looking to safely operate at speed
Boaters preparing for more dynamic and challenging environments
At BEST – Boating Emergency Safety Training, we bridge the gap between basic boat handling and real-world boating performance. Our on-water training ensures you don’t just learn—you gain the confidence and capability to operate safely, efficiently, and decisively in open water.
Be prepared when it matters most. The Marine Emergency Training course is a focused, hands-on 4-hour program designed to give boaters the critical skills needed to respond confidently to emergencies on the water.
This course goes beyond theory—participants engage in practical, scenario-based training that reflects real-world boating conditions, ensuring you’re ready to act quickly and effectively when seconds count.
What You’ll Learn:
Marine Fire Extinguisher Training
Learn how to identify fire risks onboard, select the correct extinguisher, how to use and safely suppress common marine fires—including engine and fuel-related incidents. Training emphasizes rapid response and proper technique in confined marine environments.
Marine VHF Radio Operations
Master essential communication skills using a Marine VHF radio. Topics include proper radio protocol, distress calls (Mayday/Pan-Pan), channel selection, and communicating effectively with the Coast Guard and nearby vessels during emergencies.
Water Emergency Training
Develop the skills needed to respond to on-water emergencies, including man overboard situations, distress recognition, and immediate action strategies to protect life until help arrives.
Who This Course Is For:
Recreational boaters
New boat owners
Families and passengers
Anyone looking to improve on-the-water safety and preparedness
At BEST – Boating Emergency Safety Training, we deliver more than information—we build capability. Our training is rooted in real-world emergency response experience and tailored to the dynamic conditions of the marine environment. You’ll leave with the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills to protect yourself, your passengers, and others on the water.