Basic Boating and Safety Class
Includes Boating Certification Approved by NASBLA and Maine IF&W
Satisfies Maine’s first boating certification law that will go into effect in January 2024 (anyone born in or after 1999 will need to pass a boater education course before driving a boat of 25 horsepower or higher or to operate a personal watercraft — such as a Jet Ski — on inland waters.)
7 Hrs (1 day)
Class times 8AM-4PM pm (1-hr lunch)
$50
2024 Dates
Check back soon. Feel free to call with questions.
Contact Tom Russell
207-774-1067 x7 or marina@portlandyacht.com
This one-day class introduces topics related to recreational boating in a classroom setting and uses small vessels ashore as teaching aids. Relevant to inland and tidal waters.
Topics include proper operation & safety, types of boats, rules of the road, buoys, charts, trailering, Maine boating laws, jet skiing, water skiing, life jackets, invasive species, cold water safety, drowning recognition, emergencies (man overboard, fire, injuries, etc.) and more.
Other class benefits
- Satisfies Maine’s first boating certification law that will go into effect in January 2024 (anyone born in or after 1999 will need to pass a boater education course before driving a boat of 25 horsepower or higher or to operate a personal watercraft — such as a Jet Ski — on inland waters.)
- More confidence on the water
- Satisfies mandatory cert requirement for 16-17 year-olds to operate PWCs (jet skis) in Maine
- Satisfies mandatory cert requirement to operate on Maine-New Hampshire border waters and NH educational requirements
- Savings of 10% with many boat insurance carriers
Successful completion of the class and multiple-choice quiz earns you a NASBLA certification. Certification is lifetime and recognized nationwide and Canada. Enrollment required by phone prior to class day.
If a student is unable/cannot afford to pay for the class, they will not be prevented from attending.
U.S. Coast Guard Approved Courses
Master 100 Tons Course
January 2 – February 10, 2024
$1,295
Weekly Schedule
Tuesday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Thursday 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (1 hr lunch)
Our alumni run passenger ferries, commercial landing craft, sight seeing boats, commercial fishing vessels, water taxis, tow boats, sail and fishing charters and more.
This 80-hour course meets three times a week for five weeks, with exams on the 6th Saturday. Students who successfully complete the course will receive a certificate good for one year that will satisfy the examination requirement for a USCG Master 100 Tons Near Coastal. You will not test with the USCG.
6-Pack / Charter Captain / OUPV Course
If you have enough sea service for a 6-Pack/OUPV license (360 days), then you have enough for a Master. A Master is a license that allows you to run inspected AND un-inspected vessels (certified for more than 6 passengers). Always give yourself as many options as possible. If you want to use your own uninspected boat for charters but have the option of having the Coast Guard license that helps qualify you to apply for jobs on inspected boats, then do what dozens of others have done: take a Master course. There are other details to consider, so a 5-minute conversation can help. Call or stop in. (OUPV stands for Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessel, which can carry up to six passengers, so is nicknamed the 6-Pack license.)




Other Instructional Offerings
FCC Marine Radio Operator Permit Exam
Required to operate as Master on inspected vessels. This is a lifetime permit. Call to order study guide, to schedule your exam and with any questions. Paperwork filed on your behalf.
$150
ABYC Certifications Courses
Offered occasionally.
Intro To Outboard Engines
1-hour
Offered occasionally.
Learn from the best! Our experienced outboard techs go over the inner workings of an outboard engine. Topics included will be basic trouble shooting, routine maintenance, winterization and commissioning.