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Who is US POWER BOATING and why are they certifying
power boat operators? |
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Many years ago, US SAILING, the governing body of sailing
in the United States, was appointed by Congress to represent
the United States in all international meetings and
competitions, including the Olympics. Because sailing
events require a lot of power boat support, US SAILING
has long seen a need to certify those who operate power
boats in their boat handling skills and safety knowledge.
US SAILING has created excellent certification programs
in sailing from the very basic levels to advanced passage
making over long distances, each with a comprehensive
textbook. The new US POWER BOAT certification program
includes training for Certified Powerboat Instructors
and students. That has resulted in a fine basic power
boat textbook that you will receive before taking the
course, and a certification system that ensures you
know how to competently handle a powerboat in a multitude
of weather conditions and other situations. |
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| Q.
What will US POWER BOATING certification do for me? |
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A. After completing our Power Cruise course,
you will receive the US POWER BOAT Student Certification
attesting to your skills in handling a powerboat. There
are many new powerboat charter companies now in the
United States and overseas who need this sort of validation
before renting you a boat. This is your ticket to a
lot of fun charter experiences wherever you choose to
vacation! |
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Q. How many will be in the class with me? |
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A. Just a maximum of three other students with
similar goals and a highly experienced US POWER BOAT
Certified Instructor as your coach. |
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Q. Why did you choose the Mainship Rumrunner
II for this course? |
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A. This fine 30 footer is built for comfort and
safe boat handling. It is a classic express trawler
with state-of-the-art features that allow you to experience
open water and shallow back-bay conditions. Our association
with Hunter Marine for sailing courses has led us to
work closely with its sister company, the Mainship Corporation.
Both are owned by the Luhrs Group - a company we have
long admired - whose founders were and still are avid
sailors. |
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Q. Why did you choose the Moorings Power Cat
for the Fast Track Course? |
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A. Moorings Power Yacht Vacations offer impressive
yacht charter options for boaters looking for a great
Caribbean vacation alternative. The company features
new custom-built yachts from 34 to 47-feet, outfitted
with all the electronics; water sports toys, galley
equipment and linens are included for a vacation that
is both easy and fun. Moorings Power is a division of
The Moorings, the world’s premier yacht charter
company that pioneered the charter sailing fleet concept
over 39 years ago. The company’s boating experience
insures power yacht vacationers a level of quality and
service unmatched in the industry. |
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Q. Why have dyed-in-the-wool sailors like Steve
and Doris Colgate embraced power boat education?
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A. Our experiences on the water include both
sail and power. While we are avid sailboat racers and
love to charter all over the world, the boat behind
our house is a 20' Boston Whaler, truly. It allows us
to quickly take off for a fun meal across the river
and get close to real shallow fishing holes on the edge
of the mangroves nearby. Unfortunately, many people
we meet on the water - on sailboats and particularly
power boats - don't know how to tie up their boats or
bring them into a slip easily. Many have no idea about
Rules of the Road and navigation, and sadly find themselves
aground or in dicey conditions without the knowledge
and seamanship to rectify the situation. Just this year,
we towed a desperate couple with their infant child
in a rented boat off a shoal on a bright sunny day with
no bad clouds on the horizon. They could have easily
gotten themselves off, but panicked instead. We want
everyone who has a desire to go on the water - whether
by just turning on a key or setting a sail - to feel
comfortable in their abilities. |
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Q. How will this course help me with State licensing
for power boaters? |
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A. Many States have instituted a license for
those who operate power boats; many more are coming.
The National Association of State Boating Law Administrators
(NASBLA) is working with US POWER BOATING on recognizing
this course for state licensing. |
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Q. Is this a good course for women? |
A. Absolutely. The first student was Doris
Colgate, who admits her knowledge of power boat handling
needed work. "I can't say enough about how good
I felt after maneuvering that 30' Mainship into a
slip at South Seas," says Doris. "Men are
always taking the wheel or a line out of my hands
'to help' and I've managed to assert myself on sailboats,
but not until now on power boats. I'm confident that
from now on, I'll be at the helm when docking in front
of a crowd!"
Each
month, a women-only power cruise course is offered
on demand. |
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Q. Why should a man take this course?
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A. Because it will allow you and your family
to immediately enjoy the right size boat for comfort
on the water - whether you're renting or already own
a boat. Many new boaters buy or rent small because they
do not feel competent to handle a larger boat. This
course jump-starts that learning curve and gives you
the knowledge to maintain engines and systems, dock
and anchor with ease, navigate and power among other
yachts with confidence. Plus, it's a whole lot of fun! |
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| Q.
How were the locations chosen for this course? |
A.
The Power Cruise Course should be taught in an area
that provides both open water maneuvering in sea conditions
and comfortable learning in more placid waters with
handy navigation aides and other boat traffic for
practice. The Gulf of Mexico and Pine Island Sound
do just that, plus the yacht harbors at South Seas
Resort and the Pink Shell are ideal for a variety
of docking, fueling and maneuvering exercises.
The
BVI is filled with natural beauty and plenty of opportunity
for exploration -- perfect for the Fast Track to Power
Cruising® course. With easy access from most major
U.S. airports, you’ll find protected waters that
make island hopping simple with line-of-sight navigation.
These are idyllic tropical getaways with exceptional
year-round cruising conditions. |
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Q. Can I get a Coast Guard license with this
course? |
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A. This course does not qualify you for a Coast
Guard license, but it does provide many skills that
will help you later when taking a Coast Guard license
examination. Ultimately you will need to have a certain
amount of hours logged aboard boats and ocean miles
along with test knowledge in order to get a license.
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