Motorboat Course

Lesson 1 • Anatomy of a Motorboat

Identifies structural and mechanical components of a motorboat. Provides the terminology needed for maintenance and operation discussions.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory Framework for Boaters

Outlines operator licensing, vessel registration, and waterway rules. Establishes the legal responsibilities every motorboat operator must meet.

Lesson 3 • The Boating Environment

Introduces waterway types, tides, currents, and weather basics. Connects environmental awareness to safe boat operation.

Lesson 1 • Man-Overboard Procedures

Teaches immediate response actions when a person falls overboard. Builds muscle memory for a high-stress, time-critical rescue scenario.

Lesson 2 • Distress Signaling and Rescue

Explains how to call for help using radio, visual, and electronic signals. Links signalling skills to coordinated search-and-rescue response.

Lesson 3 • Pre-Departure Safety Checklist

Establishes a systematic inspection routine before every voyage. Reduces mechanical failures and safety oversights through disciplined preparation.

Lesson 4 • Fire and Flooding Emergencies

Covers onboard fire suppression and flooding control techniques. Prepares operators to manage two of the most dangerous vessel emergencies.

Lesson 1 • Propeller Care and Selection

Explains propeller pitch, diameter, and material choices and their effect on performance. Teaches safe removal, inspection, and reinstallation.

Lesson 2 • Engine Types and Fuel Systems

Compares two-stroke, four-stroke, and diesel engines and their fuel requirements. Provides the mechanical foundation for all maintenance tasks.

Lesson 3 • Routine Engine Maintenance

Details scheduled maintenance tasks that extend engine life and prevent breakdowns. Builds a proactive maintenance mindset in operators.

Lesson 4 • Diagnosing Common Engine Problems

Introduces a systematic troubleshooting approach for frequent engine faults. Enables operators to resolve minor issues and recognise when professional help is needed.

Lesson 1 • Anchoring Techniques

Teaches anchor selection, scope calculation, and setting procedures. Ensures students can secure a vessel safely in various bottom conditions.

Lesson 2 • Throttle and Steering Fundamentals

Introduces the relationship between throttle input, steering angle, and boat response. Forms the control foundation for all subsequent manoeuvring skills.

Lesson 3 • Straight-Line Travel and Speed Control

Teaches maintaining a steady course and adjusting speed for conditions. Connects speed management to fuel efficiency and passenger comfort.

Lesson 4 • Manoeuvring in Confined Spaces

Applies throttle and steering skills to marinas, channels, and tight waterways. Prepares students for the most demanding low-speed handling scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Mooring Buoy Pickup

Explains the approach, pickup, and securing procedure for mooring buoys. Develops precise low-speed boat control in open-water mooring fields.

Lesson 2 • Lines, Knots, and Fenders

Covers essential docking knots, line types, and fender rigging. Ensures vessels are secured safely and protected from damage at the dock.

Lesson 3 • Alongside and Stern-To Docking

Teaches parallel docking and Mediterranean-style stern-to mooring techniques. Builds the two most common docking skills used in marinas worldwide.

Lesson 4 • Dock Approach Fundamentals

Covers angle of approach, speed reduction, and wind and current assessment before docking. Establishes the decision framework used in all docking scenarios.

Lesson 1 • Vessel Encounter Situations

Covers head-on, crossing, and overtaking scenarios and the correct actions for each. Builds decision-making speed for common traffic situations.

Lesson 2 • Navigation Rule Fundamentals

Introduces the hierarchy and scope of navigation rules governing all vessels. Establishes the legal and safety basis for every rule-of-the-road decision.

Lesson 3 • Waterway Etiquette and Special Zones

Addresses wake management, speed zones, and shared-use waterway behaviour. Promotes responsible operation beyond minimum legal requirements.

Lesson 4 • Sound and Light Signals

Details required navigation lights and sound signals for day and night operation. Connects signal knowledge to collision prevention and legal compliance.

Lesson 1 • Passage Planning

Applies chart, compass, and GPS skills to plan a complete coastal passage. Integrates tides, hazards, and contingency routes into a single plan.

Lesson 2 • Dead Reckoning and Position Fixing

Teaches estimating position from speed, heading, and elapsed time. Builds a backup navigation skill when GPS is unavailable.

Lesson 3 • Reading Nautical Charts

Decodes chart symbols, depth soundings, and scale conventions. Provides the map-reading foundation for all navigation planning tasks.

Lesson 4 • GPS and Electronic Chart Systems

Introduces chartplotter operation, waypoint entry, and route planning. Connects electronic tools to traditional chart skills for integrated navigation.

Lesson 1 • Night and Restricted-Visibility Operation

Covers navigation light interpretation, radar use, and reduced-speed protocols in darkness and fog. Extends operational capability beyond daylight hours.

Lesson 2 • Grounding and Salvage Procedures

Covers immediate actions after grounding and self-rescue techniques. Minimises hull damage and crew risk during one of the most common serious incidents.

Lesson 3 • Heavy Weather Boat Handling

Teaches throttle and heading strategies for running in steep seas and strong winds. Builds confidence and safety margins in deteriorating conditions.

Lesson 4 • Towing and Being Towed

Explains tow line rigging, speed management, and communication during towing operations. Prepares operators to assist or accept assistance safely.