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
Build the foundation every confident boat operator needs. Fundamentals of Powerboating is a 6-hour hands-on, skills-based training program designed to develop precise boat handling and close-quarters maneuvering abilities essential for safe and effective vessel control.
Note: Scheduling is flexible and dependent on weather conditions and class size
This course is the first segment of the National Safe Boating Council (NSBC) Boat Control On-Water Training Program and delivers Modules One & Two. Instruction is led by NSBC Certified Instructors, ensuring nationally recognized standards and proven training methods.
What You’ll Learn:
This course focuses on close-quarters boat control, giving operators the ability to confidently position and maneuver a vessel in tight spaces.
Participants will develop the critical skills needed to:
Dock and undock with control
Turn and reposition in confined areas
Back a vessel safely and accurately
Maintain full control at idle speed
Through structured, hands-on training, students learn how to place the boat exactly where it needs to be—safely, efficiently, and with confidence.
Classroom Session
Administrative Objectives
Introduction to Boat Nomenclature
Pre-Departure Checklists
Use of Safety Equipment
Basic Knots
On-Water Training:
Introduction to Close-Quarters Boat Control
Steering Control
Shifting Gears
Stopping Under Control
Basic Maneuvering
Boat Handling in Wind
Boat Handling in Current
Splitting Engines for Maneuvering (if applicable)
All maneuvers are performed at idle speed in a safe, controlled environment, emphasizing precision, situational awareness, and crew safety. Participants operate vessels while wearing properly fitted life jackets and following all navigation rules and safety practices.
Who This Course Is For:
New or inexperienced boaters
Recreational boat owners
Individuals seeking confidence in docking and tight-space maneuvering
Personnel responsible for operating vessels in controlled environments
Successful completion of this course is required before advancing to Powerboating on Open Water, which delivers Modules Three & Four of the NSBC Boat Control On-Water Training Program. In that next phase, students expand these foundational skills into more dynamic, real-world operating conditions.
At BEST – Boating Emergency Safety Training, we emphasize real-world application, not just instruction. Our on-water training environment ensures that every participant leaves with the confidence, control, and capability to operate safely and effectively.