Welcome aboard at In-Command Seamanship Training, where your journey to mastering the waters with safety boat courses begins!
Nestled in the heart of Rhode Island and established in 2017, we are not just a training facility but your gateway to becoming a confident and skilled boater.
As the exclusive partner of Wickford Boat Rentals and a certified center for US Powerboating, the Boat US Foundation, Rhode Island DEM, and Massachusetts Environmental Police, we offer unparalleled maritime training expertise and resources.
Are you ready to navigate the thrilling seas?
Whether you are stepping onto a boat for the first time or a seasoned captain eager to refine your prowess, our courses are meticulously crafted to transform you into a master of the waves.
Dive into our extensive range of options, from recreational to commercial captain licensing courses, designed to enhance your skills through dynamic classroom learning and vital hands-on experience.
Understanding Brianna’s Law: Advancing Toward a Safer Boating Future
As of January 1, 2025, New York will require all motorboat operators to possess a boating safety certificate, a significant step detailed in Brianna’s Law. This new mandate marks a milestone in our commitment to safer boating practices and highlights the critical importance of comprehensive seamanship training.
Named in honor of Brianna Lieneck, who tragically lost her life in a boating accident, the law is designed to ensure that every motorized vessel operator is equipped with essential navigation and safety skills.
- Comprehensive Boater Education Requirement: Brianna’s Law mandates that all motorboat operators complete a boating safety course and secure a certification by January 1, 2025. Initially targeting individuals born on or after January 1, 1978, by 2024, the law will gradually encompass all operators, emphasizing a phased approach to better prepare New York’s boaters.
- Recognition of Non-Resident Certifications: The law also acknowledges safety boat courses in other states, underscoring the value of certified education across borders. This is particularly relevant for visitors or those planning to navigate New York waters from nearby states like Rhode Island.
- Impact on Boating Safety: By mandating education for motorboat operators, Brianna’s Law aims to significantly reduce boating accidents and enhance responsible watercraft operation across New York’s waterways.
- Compliance and Enforcement Measures: Strict compliance and enforcement measures are set to ensure adherence to the law, fostering a culture where safety is paramount.
Leveraging Multimedia Learning to Complement Brianna’s Law Education
While Brianna’s Law has significantly raised the standards of boater education in New York, enhancing your learning through additional resources can be equally impactful. Among these resources, safety videos from YouTube emerge as a powerful tool for boaters of all levels.
- Visual Learning: Videos help illustrate complex boating procedures in an accessible way, enhancing your understanding and retention of information.
- Expert Insights: Learn from experienced boaters and safety experts who run popular boating channels and share valuable tips and tricks.
- Practical Demonstrations: You can see safety techniques in action, improving your ability to apply them on the water.
- Stay Informed: Access the latest safety guidelines, ensuring you are up-to-date with best practices.
Recommended YouTube Channels
- BoatUS Foundation: Known for their informative videos on boating safety and navigation.
- United States Power Squadrons: Offers a variety of boating safety videos and tutorials.
- Discover Boating: Provides insights on different types of boats and safety measures.
Essential Safety Tips for Boating
While educational videos are an excellent resource for visual learning, applying this knowledge in real-world scenarios is crucial, especially when alone on the water. Boating presents unique challenges and risks, so being well-prepared ensures safety and peace of mind.
Here are some essential tips for when you find yourself navigating solo:
- How to Call for Help: Always carry a marine VHF radio or a cell phone. It’s important to know that cell service may be limited on the water. Calling 911 can result in delays as they route your call to maritime rescue services. Instead, familiarize yourself with your marine VHF radio. Explicitly using the emergency channel (usually Channel 16) to contact the Coast Guard directly. Ensure you know your exact location to provide clear, accurate information to rescue personnel. Also, familiarize yourself with standard distress signals, such as repeated horn blasts or waving arms, to help increase your visibility and likelihood of a quick response in emergencies. These steps are crucial for maintaining safety and ensuring timely assistance.
- Man Overboard Protocol: Quickly but calmly execute the “COB” drill: “C” for point, “O” for shout, and “B” for throw. Point at the person, shout “Man overboard!” to alert others, and throw a flotation device towards them.
- Navigation Skills: Understand basic navigation principles. Always have nautical charts or a GPS device handy, and use landmarks and buoys to maintain your course.
- Preparing for Bad Weather: Identify safe harbors or shelter waypoints in advance. When bad weather strikes unexpectedly, these predetermined spots on your map can be lifesaving.
- Rules of the Road When Returning: Follow navigation rules closely, yield to larger vessels, and maintain a safe speed as you approach harbors or crowded areas.
- Right of Way Knowledge: Avoid potential collisions by understanding who has the right of way. Give precedence to vessels constrained by their draft, engaged in fishing, or not under command.
- Creating a Float Plan: Always inform someone ashore of your float plan, including your route, expected return time, and emergency contacts. This step is crucial for quick response if you need assistance.
Enhance your readiness and safety with comprehensive safety boat courses tailored for solo and group boaters alike.
In-Command Seamanship Training in Rhode Island offers a variety of courses to boost your confidence and safety on the water.
Learn More and Enhance Your Safety Boating Skills
For those interested in improving their boating skills, visit In-Command Seamanship Training.
Discover our range of safety boat courses and programs designed to prepare you for solo adventures and beyond.
Explore our courses today and take the next step in ensuring your safety at sea.
From Preparedness to Structured Learning at In-Command Seamanship Training
While understanding and implementing boating safety is critical, advancing your skills through a structured, comprehensive training program can further enhance boating proficiency and safety.
Recreational Boating Courses
Our flagship “Start Powerboating Right” course is ideal for beginners eager to take the helm.
For those interested in diving deeper…
Our extended two-day program emphasizes responsible boating practices, advanced skills, and emergency procedures.
Ensuring every boater is equipped for any situation they might encounter on the water.
Certification and Specialized Training
Gaining a boating safety certification is more than a formal requirement; it’s a step toward ensuring your readiness for the diverse challenges of maritime navigation.
Our certification courses are designed for recreational and commercial boaters and provide a comprehensive blend of theory and hands-on practice.
Women In-Command offers a supportive and fun training environment tailored for women who want to build their boating confidence and skills. The program includes a blend of classroom lessons and practical on-the-water training.
Participants learn everything from basic seamanship and emergency procedures to boat handling and navigation, aiming to become proficient at taking the helm or being active crew members.
The unique format of the one-day program includes four hours of classroom training followed by three hours of practical on-the-water experience, all led by female instructors. This training enhances skills and encourages networking among women, fostering a safer and more enjoyable boating experience.
These courses meet all state and NASBLA requirements and are tailored to enhance your navigation skills, boat handling, and emergency preparedness.
Private Lessons and Additional Services
For personalized training, In-Command offers private lessons that can be customized to fit your specific needs, whether on your vessel or one of our training boats.
Our additional services, such as boat deliveries and repositioning, ensure learners can seamlessly transition from classroom theory to practical, real-world application.
Join Us for our Comprehensive Safety Boat Courses
Are you ready to embark on a journey of learning and mastery in the beautiful waters of Rhode Island?
At In-Command Seamanship Training, we are dedicated to combining expert instruction with practical experience, fostering a passion for safe and responsible boating.
Join us at In-Command Seamanship Training to enhance your skills, knowledge, and boating enjoyment. Visit our website for more details on our safety boat courses and to explore additional resources for safe boating practices.
Whether starting your boating journey or aiming to refine your skills, we are here to guide you.
