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.
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.